Definition

1. Adjective (Reduplicative form):
   • Slightly askew or off-center: Describes something that is not straight, level, or properly aligned; tilted or slanted to a minor degree.
   • Slightly improper or not quite right: Can describe an action, manner, or situation that is somewhat inappropriate, awkward, or not fully correct.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Bức tranh treo hơi hiêng hiếng một bên. (The picture is hanging slightly askew.)
  • Cái bàn này đặt hiêng hiếng, không ngay ngắn. (This table is placed a bit off-center, not straight.)
  • Anh ấy trả lời một cách hiêng hiếng, không đúng trọng tâm câu hỏi. (He answered in a slightly off-tangent way, not addressing the core of the question.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "hiêng hiếng" is a reduplicative form (lấy) derived from the root "hiếng". Reduplication in Vietnamese often softens the meaning, indicating a slight or moderate degree of the quality described by the root word. It is more colloquial and descriptive than the root form.

Variants and Related Words

• Hiếng (adjective): Askew, slanted, improper. The root word with a stronger or more definite sense.
  • Cửa bị hiếng, đóng không khít. (The door is askew and doesn't close tightly.)

Synonyms

• Askew: Not in a straight or level position.
• Crooked: Bent or twisted out of shape or line.
• Off-center: Not placed centrally; slightly to one side.
• Awkward: Causing difficulty; not smooth or graceful.

Notes on Usage

• "Hiêng hiếng" is primarily used in spoken or descriptive written Vietnamese. It describes a physical misalignment or a figurative slight deviation from what is considered proper or straight.
• It is important to distinguish this from words describing severe tilting (like "nghiêng" - to lean/incline). "Hiêng hiếng" implies a lesser, often noticeable but not serious, degree of deviation.

1. xem hiếng (láy)