nghênh ngang

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The Vietnamese word "nghênh ngang" describes a way of behaving that is confident, often to the point of being arrogant or disrespectful. It conveys a sense of swagger or boldness, particularly when someone is walking or moving in a way that takes up space or blocks others.

Usage Instructions:

• "Nghênh ngang" is often used to describe someone's attitude or manner of moving. It can imply that a person is not being considerate of others' space or rights.
• It can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Examples:

1. Literal Usage:

   • "Đi nghênh ngang ngoài phố" means "to be swaggering about in the streets." This suggests that someone is walking confidently, possibly taking up too much space and not being mindful of others.

2. Figurative Usage:

   • "Đừng có đi xe đạp ngang nghênh ngang giữa đường" translates to "never ride your bicycles several abreast and block the way (traffic)." Here, it implies that riding in a way that blocks others is rude.

Advanced Usage:

• In a more figurative sense, you might say someone is "nghênh ngang" when they enter a room with an air of superiority or when they behave in a way that suggests they feel entitled, regardless of the context or the people around them.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "nghênh ngang," but related expressions can include words like "kiêu ngạo" (arrogant) or "vênh váo" (haughty).

Different Meanings:

• While "nghênh ngang" primarily conveys a sense of swaggering or arrogance, it can also imply a certain boldness or fearlessness in different contexts, not always negative.

Academic

1. Swaggering
   • Đi nghênh ngang ngoài phố
     To be swaggering about in the streets
2. Lying about in the way, blocking the way
   • Đừng có đi xe đạp ngang nghênh ngang giữa đường
     Never ride your bicycles several abreast and block the way (traffic)