Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Patchy, blotchy, mottled: Describes a surface or area marked with irregular spots, stains, or patches of different colors or shades, often creating an uneven, non-uniform appearance.
   • Full of holes, pockmarked: Can describe something that is riddled with many small holes or gaps, making it appear porous or damaged.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Bức tường bị ẩm nên sơn bong ra loang lỗ. (The wall was damp so the paint peeled off in a patchy, blotchy manner.)
  • Mặt đường sau trận mưa lớn trở nên loang lỗ. (The road surface became full of potholes after the heavy rain.)
  • Tấm vải cũ có màu loang lỗ. (The old fabric has a mottled color.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe abstract concepts like uneven development or distribution.
  • Kiến thức của anh ấy về chủ đề này còn loang lỗ. (His knowledge on this topic is still patchy and full of gaps.)

Variants and Related Words

• Loang (v): to spread, to seep (often of a liquid stain).

  • Vết cà phê loang trên mặt bàn. (The coffee stain spread on the table.)

• Lỗ (n): hole, gap.

  • Chiếc áo bị sâu ăn thành nhiều lỗ. (The sweater was eaten by moths, leaving many holes.)

Synonyms

• Blotchy: Marked with blotches of color.
• Mottled: Spotted or streaked with different colors.
• Patchy: Existing or happening in small, isolated areas; not uniform.
• Pockmarked: Covered with small holes or pits.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Loang lỗ chỗ: An intensified form emphasizing a very uneven, hole-riddled, or heavily stained condition.
  • Mái tôn cũ bị gỉ sét loang lỗ chỗ. (The old corrugated iron roof was rusted through in many spots.)