Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Bulky, cumbersome, awkwardly large: Describes something that is excessively large, heavy, or unwieldy, making it difficult to handle, move, or store.
   • Causing a feeling of obstruction or discomfort: Can describe a physical sensation of something being in the way or an object that feels obstructive.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Chiếc tủ lạnh cũ này quá kềnh kệnh, không vừa với góc bếp mới. (This old refrigerator is too bulky and doesn't fit in the new kitchen corner.)
  • Anh ấy cảm thấy kềnh kệnh khi mặc bộ đồ bảo hộ dày cộm. (He felt awkward and cumbersome wearing the thick protective suit.)
  • Đừng để đồ đạc kềnh kệnh giữa lối đi. (Don't leave cumbersome stuff in the middle of the walkway.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe abstract concepts that are overly complex or unwieldy:
  • Bộ máy hành chính kềnh kệnh làm chậm tiến độ dự án. (The cumbersome administrative machinery slowed down the project's progress.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kệnh (adj): The root word, meaning bulky or cumbersome. "Kềnh kệnh" is a reduplicative form (từ láy) that emphasizes the quality.
  • Chiếc vali này kệnh quá! (This suitcase is so bulky!)

Synonyms

• Cồng kềnh: Bulky, cumbersome (very similar in meaning and usage).
• Vướng víu: Obstructive, in the way.
• To lớn: Large, big (but without the negative connotation of being unwieldy).

Antonyms

• Gọn gàng: Neat, tidy.
• Nhỏ gọn: Compact, small and handy.
• Tiện lợi: Convenient.

Related Idioms

• While "kềnh kệnh" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, it is commonly used in descriptive phrases to criticize inefficiency or poor design.
  • Cơ chế kềnh kệnh: A cumbersome mechanism.
  • Bộ dạng kềnh kệnh: An awkward, bulky appearance.

1. xem kệnh (láy)