khập khiễng

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The Vietnamese word "khập khiễng" describes the action of limping, which means walking with difficulty due to an injury or discomfort, especially in the legs or feet. When someone is "khập khiễng," they often have a noticeable unevenness in their walk.

Usage Instructions:

• "Khập khiễng" is commonly used when talking about someone who has hurt their leg or foot, causing them to walk awkwardly.
• You can use it in both formal and informal contexts.

Example:

• "Sau khi bị ngã, anh ấy đi khập khiễng."
  • (After falling, he walked with a limp.)

Advanced Usage:

• In a figurative sense, "khập khiễng" can also describe a situation or thing that is unsteady or not functioning properly.
• Example: "Dự án này đang đi khập khiễng do thiếu nguồn lực."
  • (This project is limping along due to a lack of resources.)

Word Variants:

• "Khập khà khập khiễng": This is a reduplication of the word that emphasizes the action of limping even more, often used to create a more vivid image of the struggle in walking.

Different Meanings:

• While "khập khiễng" primarily means to limp, it can also metaphorically describe anything that is not smooth, stable, or consistent.

Synonyms:

• "Lày" can be used to describe a similar action, though it may not be as common.
• "Đi cà nhắc" is another phrase that means to walk unevenly, often used interchangeably with "khập khiễng."

Summary:

"Khập khiễng" is a versatile word that captures the idea of limping due to injury or discomfort, and it can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is not progressing smoothly.

Academic

1. Limping
   • Đi khập khiễng vì giẫm phải cái đinh
     To be limping after stepping on a nail.
2. (Khập khà khập khiễng) (láy, ý tăng)