Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cling to / to hang on to: To hold onto someone or something tightly and persistently, often in an affectionate or needy manner, showing reluctance to let go.
   • To be entwined / to be tangled: To be twisted or coiled around something, implying a state of being wrapped up or intertwined, often physically or metaphorically.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Lũ trẻ luấn quấn lấy mẹ. (The children clung to their mother.)
  • Cô ấy luôn luấn quấn trong những suy nghĩ buồn. (She is always entangled in sad thoughts.)
  • Sợi dây luấn quấn quanh cành cây. (The rope is tangled around the tree branch.)

Advanced Usage

• "luấn quấn lấy": to cling persistently to someone/something.

  • Chú chó nhỏ luấn quấn lấy chân chủ. (The little dog clung persistently to its owner's legs.)

• Used metaphorically for persistent thoughts or problems.

  • Vấn đề ấy cứ luấn quấn trong đầu anh ấy. (That problem keeps swirling in his head.)

Variants and Related Words

• Quấn quýt (v): to cling affectionately, to stick close to. Often used interchangeably with "luấn quấn" for emotional attachment.

  • Đứa bé quấn quýt bên bà ngoại. (The child clung affectionately to her grandmother.)

• Vương vấn (v): to linger, to be unable to forget or let go of (often used for feelings or memories).

  • Cô ấy vẫn vương vấn kỷ niệm cũ. (She still lingers on old memories.)

Synonyms

• Cling: to hold on tightly to someone or something.
• Entwine: to twist or twine around something.
• Tangle: to become twisted together in a confused mass.

Related Idioms

• Luẩn quẩn: (a similar-sounding but distinct word) to go around in circles, to be stuck in a cycle or a repetitive, unproductive situation.
  • Công việc mãi luẩn quẩn chẳng đi tới đâu. (The work just goes around in circles without progress.)

1. hang on tọ
   • lũ trẻ luấn quấn lấy mẹ
     The band of children hung on to their mother