Definition

Verb (used descriptively, often as an adjective-like verb): 1. To roll or surge in continuous, powerful, and overlapping waves or coils. It describes a dynamic, forceful, and often large-scale motion, like waves, smoke, or crowds. 2. To be rippling or bulging with muscular strength. Used to describe well-defined, prominent muscles, typically on arms or legs.

Usage Examples

• Describing natural forces:
  • Sóng cuồn cuộn ngoài khơi. (The waves surge/roll powerfully offshore.)
  • Khói đen bốc lên cuồn cuộn từ đám cháy. (Black smoke billowed up from the fire.)
• Describing crowds or movement:
  • Dòng người cuồn cuộn đổ về quảng trường. (The stream of people poured/swarmed towards the square.)
• Describing physical strength:
  • Cánh tay anh ấy cuồn cuộn những bắp thịt. (His arm rippled/was bulging with muscles.)

Advanced Usage

• "cuồn cuộn" is a reduplicative word (từ láy) that intensifies the base meaning of "cuộn" (to coil, to roll). The repetition emphasizes continuity, power, and abundance of the motion or appearance.
• It is primarily used in descriptive and literary contexts to create a vivid image of powerful, unstoppable motion or impressive physicality.

Variants and Related Words

• Cuộn (verb): To coil, to roll, to curl. (e.g., - to coil a rope).
• Cuộn tròn (verb phrase): To curl up into a ball.
• Cuồn cuộn (noun form, rare): Can be used nominally to name the state, e.g., (the surging of the waves).

Synonyms

• Ào ạt: To rush, to pour (often for water or crowds). Focuses on forceful forward movement.
• Dâng trào: To rise, to surge (like tides or emotions). Focuses on upward swelling.
• Cuộn sóng: To have rolling waves. More specific to water.
• Bốc lên: To rise, to billow (for smoke, dust). Focuses on upward motion.

Related Phrases / Idioms

• Máu cuồn cuộn: (Lit: blood surges) To be filled with hot-blooded passion, excitement, or anger.
  • Nghe tin ấy, máu trong người anh cuồn cuộn sôi lên. (Hearing that news, the blood surged/boiled within him.)

verb

1. to curl