The Vietnamese word "khập khà khập khiễng" is an onomatopoeic expression that describes a way of walking that is unsteady or staggering. It often refers to someone who is limping or walking unevenly, typically due to an injury or a physical condition.
In more advanced contexts, you might use "khập khà khập khiễng" to describe not just physical walking but also situations where things are not going smoothly or are disorganized. For example: - "Dự án này đang tiến triển khập khà khập khiễng." (This project is progressing in a shaky manner.)
There aren't direct variants of "khập khà khập khiễng," but you might encounter related expressions like: - Khập khiễng: This is a shorter form and can still convey the idea of walking unsteadily. - Lê bước: This means to shuffle or drag one's feet while walking, which can also imply a sense of unsteadiness.
While "khập khà khập khiễng" primarily refers to unsteady walking, it can also imply a lack of coordination or smoothness in other activities, such as speaking or performing a task.
Some synonyms that convey a similar meaning include: - Lê lết: This means to drag oneself along, often used for someone who is very weak or injured. - Đi lạch bạch: This means to walk in a clumsy or awkward way.