Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Broken, polygonal (in geometry): Describes a line composed of multiple consecutive straight segments that are not collinear.
   • Zigzag: Describes a path, line, or shape that has sharp turns or angles, resembling a series of connected line segments.
   • Figurative: Difficult, fraught with obstacles: Used to describe a situation or process that is not smooth and encounters many difficulties and setbacks.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Đây là một đường gấp khúc. (This is a broken/polygonal line.)
  • Con đường lên núi rất gấp khúc. (The mountain road is very zigzag.)
  • Cuộc đời anh ấy thật gấp khúc. (His life has been full of twists and turns/difficulties.)

Advanced Usage

• Mathematical Term: In geometry, "đường gấp khúc" is a formal term for a polygonal chain or a broken line.
  • Hãy tính độ dài đường gấp khúc ABC. (Calculate the length of the polygonal chain ABC.)
• Descriptive Use: Can describe non-linear narratives or complex processes.
  • Câu chuyện có cốt truyện gấp khúc và hấp dẫn. (The story has a twisting and engaging plot.)

Variants and Related Words

• Đường gấp khúc (n): Polygonal chain, broken line (a specific geometric figure).
• Khúc khuỷu (adj): Also means winding, tortuous, often used for roads or paths. It emphasizes more curves than sharp angles.
• Quanh co (adj): Winding, meandering, sinuous. It suggests smooth curves rather than sharp angles.

Synonyms

• Zíc zắc (adj): Zigzag (more common in everyday language for a path).
• Khúc khuỷu (adj): Winding, tortuous.
• Gian truân (adj): Arduous, full of hardship (closer to the figurative meaning).

Related Phrases

• Bước đường gấp khúc: A path/journey full of difficulties.
  • Anh ấy đã trải qua một bước đường gấp khúc để đạt được thành công. (He went through a difficult path to achieve success.)

Related Idioms

• Đời gấp khúc: A life full of ups and downs.
  • Ông ấy có một đời gấp khúc, lắm thăng trầm. (He has had a life full of twists and turns, with many ups and downs.)

adj

1. broken ; zigzag