The Vietnamese word "ngang ngửa" can be understood as "topsy-turvy" or "upside down". It describes a state where things are in disarray, chaotic, or turned upside down. It can refer to physical objects or situations that are confused and disorganized.
In more complex sentences, you might use "ngang ngửa" to describe a situation where plans have gone awry or where there is confusion among people. - Example: "Khi họ nghe tin sai, mọi thứ trở nên ngang ngửa."
Translation: "When they heard the wrong news, everything became topsy-turvy."
While "ngang ngửa" primarily describes disorder, in some contexts, it can also refer to a state of confusion in thought or decision-making, not just physical disarray.