quanh quẩn

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The Vietnamese word "quanh quẩn" can be understood in a couple of ways, mainly as a verb and an adjective.

Meaning:

1. As a verb: "quanh quẩn" means to hang around or to linger in a place without doing much. It often implies being in a location aimlessly or without a specific purpose.

   • Example: "quanh quẩn cả ngày ở nhà" – This means "to hang about in one's house all day," suggesting someone is staying home without any particular activity or goal.

2. As an adjective: "quanh quẩn" can describe a way of speaking that is indirect or not straightforward. It often refers to someone who talks in a roundabout manner without getting to the point.

   • Example: "nói quanh quẩn" – This means "to talk in a devious way," indicating that someone is being evasive or not clearly expressing their thoughts.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "quanh quẩn" as a verb when you want to describe someone who is idly staying in one place, especially at home or in a familiar environment.
• Use it as an adjective when referring to communication that is not direct or is meant to avoid clarity.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "quanh quẩn" can imply a sense of frustration or boredom, especially when someone feels stuck in a routine or unable to make progress. For example: - "Tôi cảm thấy quanh quẩn trong công việc này." – "I feel like I'm just hanging around in this job," suggesting a lack of advancement or excitement.

Word Variants:

There are no direct variants of "quanh quẩn," but related phrases might include: - "quanh co" – meaning to twist or turn around, which can also imply being indirect in speech.

Different Meanings:

While the primary meanings are related to idleness and indirect communication, context can change how "quanh quẩn" is perceived. It can also evoke feelings of being lost or stuck in a situation.

Academic

verb

1. to hang about
   • quanh quẩn cả ngày ở nhà
     to hang about in one's house all day

adj

1. devious
   • nói quanh quẩn
     to talk in a devious way