khang khảng
Definition
- Adjective:
- Stubbornly persistent, obstinate: Describes a person who firmly and persistently maintains their own opinion, stance, or action, often in a way that is difficult to change or persuade.
- Resonant, ringing (of a sound): Describes a clear, loud, and somewhat sharp sound that carries well, like the sound of a bell or a metal object being struck.
Usage Examples
Adjective (Stubborn):
- Anh ấy khang khảng không chịu nghe lời khuyên của ai. (He stubbornly refuses to listen to anyone's advice.)
- Dù mọi người phản đối, cô ta vẫn khang khảng giữ nguyên ý kiến của mình. (Even though everyone objected, she obstinately maintained her own opinion.)
Adjective (Sound):
- Tiếng chuông chùa vang lên khang khảng trong buổi chiều tà. (The temple bell rang out clearly in the late afternoon.)
- Nghe tiếng búa đập vào sắt khang khảng từ xa. (Hearing the clanging sound of a hammer hitting iron from afar.)
Advanced Usage
"nói khang khảng": to speak in a firm, loud, and unyielding tone.
- Ông cụ nói khang khảng: "Tôi không đồng ý!" (The old man said firmly and loudly: "I do not agree!")
"giữ khư khư một mực khang khảng": to cling stubbornly and obstinately to something (an opinion, an object).
- Cậu bé giữ khư khư món đồ chơi và khang khảng không chịu đưa cho ai. (The boy clung to the toy and stubbornly refused to give it to anyone.)
Variants and Related Words
- Khang kháng (adj): This is a direct variant with the same meanings (stubborn; resonant). "Khang khảng" is the more commonly used form.
- Tính anh ấy rất khang kháng, khó mà thuyết phục được. (His character is very obstinate; it's hard to persuade him.)
Synonyms
- Cứng đầu (adj): Stubborn, headstrong (primarily for the "stubborn" meaning).
- Bướng bỉnh (adj): Obstinate, recalcitrant (primarily for the "stubborn" meaning).
- Vang vang (adj): Ringing, resonant (for the sound meaning).
- Lảnh lót (adj): Clear and melodious (for a pleasant, high-pitched sound).
Related Idioms
- "Cứng như trâu, khang khảng như bò": (As stubborn as a buffalo, as obstinate as an ox). An idiom emphasizing extreme stubbornness.
- Đừng có mà cứng như trâu, khang khảng như bò thế, nghe người ta khuyên một tí đi. (Don't be as stubborn as a buffalo and an ox like that; listen to people's advice a little.)