khuỳnh
Definition
- Verb:
- To place one's hands on one's hips with the elbows pointing outwards: "khuỳnh" describes the specific action of putting both hands on the hips, often with the elbows bent and pointing to the sides, creating a posture of waiting, defiance, or casual stance.
- To bend an arm at the elbow and raise it horizontally in front of the body: In some contexts, particularly in traditional or formal postures, it can refer to bending the arm at the elbow and holding it up horizontally.
Usage Examples
- Verb:
- Cô ấy đứng khuỳnh tay chờ ở cửa. (She stood with her hands on her hips, waiting at the door.)
- Người lính gác đứng khuỳnh tay một cách nghiêm trang. (The guard stood with a formal posture, one arm bent and raised.)
- Anh ấy khuỳnh tay ra, tỏ vẻ không hài lòng. (He put his hands on his hips, showing his displeasure.)
Advanced Usage
- "khuỳnh tay": This is the most common and almost fixed phrase where "khuỳnh" is used. It specifically means "to place hands on hips" or "to assume a posture with hands on hips".
- Đừng đứng khuỳnh tay như thế, trông thiếu lịch sự. (Don't stand with your hands on your hips like that; it looks impolite.)
Variants and Related Words
- Chống nạnh: A near-synonymous phrase meaning "to stand with hands on hips". While "khuỳnh tay" can be more formal or descriptive of the elbow position, "chống nạnh" is very common and often implies an attitude of defiance or impatience.
- Anh ta chống nạnh nhìn tôi. (He looked at me with his hands on his hips.)
Synonyms
- Chống tay lên hông: To prop/place hands on hips. (A more descriptive synonym)
- Đứng tay chống hông: To stand with hands propped on hips. (A descriptive phrase)
Related Phrases
- Khuỳnh tay ngai: A formal, almost archaic phrase referring to a specific ceremonial or respectful posture, often depicted in statues of temple guardians or mandarins, involving bending the arm and holding it in a specific position.