Definition

Adjective: - Bulky, cumbersome, unwieldy: Describes an object that is large, heavy, and occupies a lot of space, making it difficult to move, handle, or store. It often implies an awkward shape or an inconvenient size. - Cumbrous, awkward: Can also describe systems, processes, or organizations that are overly complex, inefficient, and slow due to their size or structure.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Chiếc tủ lạnh cũ này rất cồng kềnh. (This old refrigerator is very bulky.)
  • Bộ máy hành chính cồng kềnh làm chậm tiến độ dự án. (The cumbersome administrative machinery slowed down the project's progress.)
  • Anh ấy phải vận chuyển một kiện hàng cồng kềnh. (He had to transport a cumbersome parcel.)

Advanced Usage

• "cồng kềnh" vs. "to lớn": While both can mean "large," "cồng kềnh" specifically carries a negative connotation of being inconveniently large and awkward, whereas "to lớn" is more neutral.
  • Một chiếc xe tải to lớn có thể hữu ích, nhưng một chiếc ghế sofa cồng kềnh thì thật bất tiện. (A large truck can be useful, but a bulky sofa is really inconvenient.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sự cồng kềnh (Noun): The state or quality of being bulky or cumbersome.
  • Sự cồng kềnh của bộ máy là vấn đề cần cải tổ. (The cumbersomeness of the apparatus is an issue that needs reform.)

Synonyms

• Kềnh càng (adj): Bulky, cumbersome (very similar in meaning and often used interchangeably).
• Ngổn ngang (adj): In a messy, scattered state, often occupying space disorderly (can overlap with cồng kềnh when describing clutter).
• Vướng víu (adj): Causing obstruction or being in the way.

Antonyms

• Gọn nhẹ (adj): Compact, lightweight.
• Nhỏ gọn (adj): Small and compact.

adj

1. Bulky; unwidly