Definition

Adjective: 1. Clumsy, lumpish, awkward: Describes a person or object that is physically heavy, solid, and moves or appears in an ungraceful, unsophisticated, or somewhat crude manner. It often implies a lack of refinement or elegance. 2. Simple, rustic, unpolished: Can describe a person's character or demeanor as straightforward, simple, and perhaps naive, lacking in social grace or subtlety, but not necessarily with negative intent. It often carries a nuance of being genuine or well-meaning despite the roughness.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy có thân hình cục mịch. (He has a lumpish body.)
  • Cái bàn này làm cục mịch quá, không hợp với phòng khách hiện đại. (This table is made too clumsily/in a chunky way, it doesn't suit the modern living room.)
  • Tính cách nó cục mịch thật, nhưng rất đáng tin. (His character is really simple/rustic, but very trustworthy.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used to describe physical appearance (build, objects) but can extend to behavior or style.
• It can be used with a slightly affectionate or tolerant tone when referring to a person's character, acknowledging their lack of polish but appreciating their honesty or good heart.
• When describing objects or craftsmanship, it emphasizes a lack of finesse, delicacy, or aesthetic appeal.

Variants and Related Words

• Cục (adj/n): As an adjective, means lumpy, chunky, or sullen. As a noun, means a lump, chunk, or piece. This is the root suggesting a solid, undifferentiated mass.
• Mộc mạc (adj): Simple, plain, unadorned. This is a more positive synonym focusing on natural simplicity without the strong connotation of clumsiness.
• Thô kệch (adj): Coarse, crude, unrefined. This is a stronger, more negative synonym than .
• Vụng về (adj): Clumsy, awkward (in movement or action). This focuses more on lack of skill or grace in action rather than physical build.

Synonyms

• Lumpish: Clumsy and heavy.
• Awkward: Lacking grace or skill.
• Uncouth: Lacking good manners, refinement, or grace.
• Gauche: Lacking social experience or grace.
• Rustic: Having a simplicity and charm typical of the countryside.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Chất phác cục mịch: A phrase combining "chất phác" (simple and honest) with "cục mịch" to describe someone who is genuinely simple and perhaps awkward in a well-meaning way.
  • Anh ấy là người chất phác cục mịch, không biết nói khéo. (He is a simple and awkward person, doesn't know how to speak tactfully.)

adjective

1. chimsy; lumpish
   • thân hình cục mịch
     A lumpish body