Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Hampered, hindered (in one's movement): Describes a state where movement or progress is obstructed, slowed down, or made difficult by physical obstacles or entanglements. It conveys a sense of being encumbered or impeded.
   • Entangled, encumbered: Refers to being caught up in something, leading to a lack of freedom or ease in movement.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy bước đi lướng vướng vì chiếc váy dài. (She walked in a hampered manner because of the long dress.)
  • Dây điện lướng vướng dưới chân rất nguy hiểm. (The entangled electrical cords underfoot are very dangerous.)
  • Cảm giác lướng vướng trong cổ họng khi bị viêm. (The feeling of obstruction in the throat when having an inflammation.)

Advanced Usage

• Used figuratively for abstract hindrances: While primarily physical, "lướng vướng" can describe non-physical impediments to progress or thought.
  • Dự án bị lướng vướng bởi quá nhiều thủ tục giấy tờ. (The project is hampered by too much paperwork.)
• Describing an awkward or clumsy state: Implies a resulting clumsiness from being hindered.
  • Anh ta cử động lướng vướng trong bộ đồ bảo hộ cồng kềnh. (He moved awkwardly in the bulky protective suit.)

Variants and Related Words

• Vướng víu (adj): Tangled, obstructed. A close synonym, often used interchangeably with "lướng vướng" but can imply a slightly more stuck or snagged condition.
• Vướng (verb): To get caught on, to snag, to be obstructed. The root verb from which "lướng vướng" is derived as a reduplicative form, emphasizing the state.
• Cản trở (verb/noun): To obstruct, obstruction. A more general term for hindrance.

Synonyms

• Trở ngại: Obstacle, hindrance (more noun-focused).
• Ngáng đường: To block the way (verb).
• Bị vướng: To be caught/stuck (verb phrase).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Lòng dạ lướng vướng: A troubled or unsettled heart/mind. This idiom extends the meaning to describe emotional or mental unease, as if thoughts are entangled.
  • Nghe tin ấy, lòng dạ cô ấy cứ lướng vướng mãi. (Upon hearing that news, her heart/mind remained troubled.)
• Công việc lướng vướng mãi không xong: The work remains hampered and unfinished. A common phrase describing stalled progress.

1. Hampered, hindered (in one's movement)