khệnh khạng

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The Vietnamese word "khệnh khạng" describes a way of walking that is slow and often a bit clumsy or awkward. It can be used to describe someone who is walking with a heavy or unsteady gait.

Basic Meaning:

• Khệnh khạng means "to walk slowly," but it also carries a connotation of being ungraceful or not very coordinated in the way one walks.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "khệnh khạng" to describe not only the speed of walking but also the manner in which someone is walking.
• It is often used in casual conversations or storytelling to add a vivid description of how someone is moving.

Example:

• Sentence: "Ông ấy đi khệnh khạng trên đường."
• Translation: "He walks slowly and awkwardly on the street."

Advanced Usage:

• In more advanced contexts, "khệnh khạng" can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is taking their time in a situation, perhaps indicating hesitation or clumsiness in decision-making.
• Example: "Cô ấy khệnh khạng trong việc đưa ra quyết định."
• Translation: "She is being slow and awkward in making decisions."

Word Variants:

• There aren’t direct variants of "khệnh khạng," but you might encounter related phrases that describe different ways of walking, such as "đi nhanh" (to walk quickly) or "đi nhẹ nhàng" (to walk lightly).

Different Meanings:

• While primarily used to describe walking, "khệnh khạng" can also imply a sense of lacking confidence or being unsure in one's actions, extending beyond physical movement.

Synonyms:

• Some synonyms you might use include:
  • Chậm chạp: which means "slow."
  • Nặng nề: meaning "heavy" or "awkward."
  • Lề mề: meaning "slow-moving" or "sluggish."

Summary:

In summary, "khệnh khạng" is a descriptive term that captures not just the speed of walking but also the style, often indicating a lack of grace.

Academic

1. slowly
   • đi khệnh khạng
     to walk slowly