loang lổ

Bức tường trong phòng tắm bị loang lổ vì hơi nước.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Patchy, blotchy, mottled: Describes a surface covered with many irregular spots, stains, or patches of different colors, often due to discoloration, mildew, or uneven application of something like paint. It implies an unsightly, uneven appearance.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Bức tường loang lổ vì ẩm mốc. (The wall is blotchy due to damp mold.)
  • Mái tôn cũ đã bị loang lổ vết rỉ sét. (The old corrugated iron roof has become mottled with rust stains.)
  • Lớp sơn phủ lên rất loang lổ. (The coat of paint was applied very patchily.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "loang lổ" is often used metaphorically to describe something that is inconsistent, uneven, or fragmented in quality or character.
  • Ký ức của ông ấy về sự kiện đó giờ đã loang lổ. (His memory of that event is now patchy/fragmented.)

Variants and Related Words

• Loang (verb): to spread, to seep (often of a liquid stain).
  • Vết cà phê loang ra mặt bàn. (The coffee stain spread on the table.)
• Lốm đốm (adjective): spotted, speckled (can be natural and more regular than "loang lổ").
  • Con báo có bộ lông lốm đốm. (The leopard has a spotted coat.)

Synonyms

• Blotchy: Marked with blotches of color.
• Mottled: Marked with spots or smears of color.
• Patchy: Existing or happening in small, isolated areas.
• Stained: Marked with discoloration.

Related Idioms

• While "loang lổ" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, it is commonly used in descriptive phrases criticizing poor condition or shoddy work.
  • Công trình làm loang lổ, thiếu chuyên nghiệp. (The construction work was patchy and unprofessional.)