Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Imposing, self-important, or sitting in a domineering or overly conspicuous manner: Describes a posture or attitude that is assertively and often awkwardly prominent, as if taking up space without regard for propriety or grace. It often implies a lack of elegance or a clumsy attempt to appear important.
   • Sitting with legs spread apart or in an ungainly, spread-out position: Specifically refers to a sitting posture that is sprawling, inelegant, and visually dominant.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ông ta ngồi chõm chọe trên ghế, khiến mọi người khó chịu. (He sat imposingly on the chair, making everyone uncomfortable.)
  • Đứa trẻ chõm chọe giữa sofa, không chịu nhường chỗ. (The child sat sprawled out in the middle of the sofa, refusing to make room.)
  • Anh ấy có thói quen ngồi chõm chọe mỗi khi vào phòng họp. (He has a habit of sitting in a domineering manner whenever he enters the meeting room.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe an attitude, not just posture: While primarily describing a physical posture, "chõm chọe" can be extended metaphorically to describe an overbearing or presumptuous attitude.
  • Hắn ta cứ chõm chọe tự cho mình là quan trọng. (He keeps acting imposingly, thinking he is important.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chễm chệ (adj): A near-synonym meaning to sit or be placed in a stately, imposing, or self-satisfied manner. It can have a slightly more formal or dignified connotation than "chõm chọe," which often carries a negative nuance of clumsiness or impropriety.
  • Chiếc bàn thờ được đặt chễm chệ giữa nhà. (The altar was placed imposingly in the middle of the house.)

Synonyms

• Lấn lướt: Overbearing, domineering (in attitude).
• Ngồi xổm: To squat (describes a specific, often inelegant sitting posture, but without the connotation of imposing on others' space).
• Ồm ồm: Clumsy, awkward (in a broad sense).

Notes on Meaning

• Nuance: "Chõm chọe" strongly implies a negative judgment. The person sitting this way is seen as lacking manners, being inconsiderate of others' space, or trying too hard to assert presence. It is rarely, if ever, a compliment.
• Context: It is almost exclusively used to describe a person's sitting posture or, by extension, their resulting demeanor. It is not typically used for objects.

adj

1. Imposing (sitting position)
   • ngồi chõm chọe giữa sập
     to sit imposingly in the middle of the ornate bed