lưỡng diện
Definition
Adjective:
- Two-faced / double-faced: Having two distinct faces, aspects, or natures. This often implies a dual character that can be contradictory.
- Dual / twofold: Pertaining to or possessing two sides, facets, or dimensions.
Noun:
- A two-faced nature / duality: The state or quality of having two contrasting sides or aspects.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- Anh ta là một nhân vật lưỡng diện, vừa tốt vừa xấu. (He is a two-faced character, both good and bad.)
- Vấn đề này mang tính lưỡng diện, cần xem xét kỹ. (This issue has a dual nature and needs careful consideration.)
Noun:
- Sự lưỡng diện của tình huống khiến mọi người bối rối. (The duality of the situation confused everyone.)
Advanced Usage
- "lưỡng diện tính": (noun) The property or quality of being dual or twofold.
- Lưỡng diện tính của ánh sáng vừa là sóng vừa là hạt. (The wave-particle duality of light.)
Variants and Related Words
- Lưỡng cực (adj/n): Bipolar, having two opposing poles.
- Song phương (adj): Bilateral, involving two parties or sides.
- Hai mặt (adj): Two-sided, having two faces or aspects (more common, less formal).
Synonyms
- Dual: Consisting of two parts or aspects.
- Twofold: Double; having two elements.
- Ambivalent: Having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas.
- Janus-faced: Literally having two faces (like the Roman god Janus); deceitful.
Related Idioms
- Một cổ hai tròng: (Literally: one neck, two yokes) To be in a double bind or a difficult situation with two pressures. This relates to the concept of being pulled in two directions.
- Ở hai thế giới: To be in two worlds, describing a state of duality or belonging to two different spheres.