Definition

Adjective: * Criss-crossing, interwoven, interlaced: Describes lines, paths, objects, or abstract elements that cross over each other repeatedly in multiple directions, forming a complex, often tangled, network or pattern. * Intertwined, overlapping (of abstract concepts): Describes ideas, responsibilities, or relationships that are complexly interconnected and difficult to separate.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Những đường dây điện chằng chéo trên cột. (The power lines are criss-crossing on the pole.)
  • Rễ cây đa mọc chằng chéo trên mặt đất. (The banyan tree's roots grow intertwined on the ground.)
  • Các mối quan hệ lợi ích trong dự án rất chằng chéo. (The interest relationships in the project are highly interwoven.)

Advanced Usage

• "chằng chịt": A near-synonym that emphasizes a denser, more tangled, and often messier state of crossing. "Chằng chéo" can imply a more structured or patterned crossing, while "chằng chịt" suggests a chaotic tangle.
  • Mạng nhện chằng chịt trong góc nhà. (A dense tangle of spider webs in the corner of the house.)
• Used to describe abstract complexity:
  • Luật lệ chằng chéo khiến việc kinh doanh trở nên khó khăn. (Overlapping/Byzantine regulations make doing business difficult.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chằng (verb): To lash, to bind tightly with ropes or cords. This is the root verb implying strong binding and crossing.
  • Chằng cái thùng lại cho chắc. (Lash the crate tightly.)
• Chéo (adjective/adverb): Diagonal, crosswise. This element contributes the meaning of crossing at an angle.
  • Kẻ một đường chéo. (Draw a diagonal line.)

Synonyms

• Đan xen: Interlaced, interwoven (often used for patterns or narratives).
• Chồng chéo: Overlapping (often used for responsibilities, timeframes, or jurisdictions).
• Giao nhau: To intersect (a more neutral term for things crossing at a point).

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Chằng chằng chéo chéo: A reduplicative form used for emphasis, describing a state of being very intricately and complicatedly crossed or intertwined.
  • Dây leo mọc chằng chằng chéo chéo khắp bức tường. (The vines grew in a wildly criss-crossing manner all over the wall.)

1. Criss-cross
   • những đường chằng chéo trên bản đồ
     criss-cross lines on a map