chông chênh

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The Vietnamese word "chông chênh" is an adjective that describes something that is unstable, wobbly, or unsteady. It often conveys a sense of imbalance or precariousness. For example, when you see a tall stack of rocks that looks like it might fall over at any moment, you could describe that stack as "chông chênh."

Usage Instructions:

You can use "chông chênh" to describe physical objects as well as metaphorical situations where something is uncertain or not secure.

Examples:

1. Physical Example: "Phiến đá chông chênh" - This means "a tottering slab of stone," indicating that the stone is not stable and could fall.
2. Metaphorical Example: "Tình hình kinh tế hiện nay rất chông chênh." - Translated, this means "The current economic situation is very unstable." Here, it describes the precariousness of the economy.

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "chông chênh" can describe emotional states or situations. For example, if someone is feeling uncertain about their future, you might say their feelings are "chông chênh." It can also be used in literature or poetry to evoke feelings of instability in characters or situations.

Word Variants:

There aren’t direct variants of "chông chênh," but you might encounter related phrases or synonyms that convey a similar meaning, such as "không vững" (unstable) or "bấp bênh" (precarious).

Different Meanings:

While "chông chênh" primarily refers to instability, it can also imply a sense of danger. For example, a "chông chênh" situation might not just be wobbly but could also involve risks or negative outcomes if things go wrong.

Synonyms:

• Bấp bênh: This means precarious or unstable, often used in similar contexts.
• Không vững: This translates to "not firm" or "unstable," and can also refer to both physical and metaphorical instability.

Academic

adj

1. Tottering
   • phiến đá chông chênh
     a tottering slab of stone
   • thế đứng chông chênh
     a tottering position