Definition

1. Adjective (Reduplicative):
   • Spread out wide, splayed open: Describes something, typically a flat object or a part of the body, that is opened or stretched out to its full, often exaggerated, width. It conveys a sense of being broadly and visibly extended.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Nó cười toe toét, miệng bành bạnh. (He grinned widely, his mouth stretched open wide.)
  • Đứa bé ngồi bành bạnh trên sàn nhà. (The child sat on the floor with legs splayed wide apart.)
  • Chiếc lá khô bành bạnh như bàn tay. (The dry leaf was spread out wide like a hand.)

Advanced Usage

• "bành bạnh" as an adverbial modifier: Can be used to describe the manner of an action involving spreading or opening.
  • Nó mở quyển sách ra bành bạnh. (He opened the book out wide.)

Word Origin and Notes

• Structure: This is a reduplicative form (từ láy) of the root "bạnh," which itself relates to the idea of spreading or flaring out. The reduplication intensifies the meaning and often adds a descriptive, sometimes slightly informal or vivid, tone.
• Usage Note: "Bành bạnh" is primarily used in descriptive, often visual, contexts. It is not typically used for abstract concepts.

Synonyms

• Wide open: Fully opened.
• Splayed: Spread out, especially limbs or fingers.
• Flared: Spread outwards, widening at one end.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Ngồi bành bạnh: To sit with one's legs spread wide apart.
  • Không nên ngồi bành bạnh nơi công cộng. (One shouldn't sit with legs splayed wide in public.)

1. xem bạnh (láy)