lủng liểng

Definition

Adverb:
- Swinging loosely, dangling loosely: Describes something hanging down and moving freely back and forth or from side to side, often in an unsecured or careless manner.
- In a dangling or suspended state: Indicates an object is hanging down without firm support, appearing potentially unstable.
Adjective:
- Dangling, swinging: Used to describe the state of an object that is loosely suspended and moving.

Usage Examples

Adverb:
- Chiếc túi xách lủng liểng trên móc. (The handbag was dangling on the hook.)
- Sợi dây chuyền lủng liểng trước ngực cô ấy. (The necklace swung loosely in front of her chest.)
Adjective:
- Nhìn cái quạt trần lủng liểng kia kìa, nguy hiểm quá. (Look at that loosely dangling ceiling fan, it's so dangerous.)
- Anh ta bước đi với chiếc ba lô lủng liểng sau lưng. (He walked with his dangling backpack on his back.)

Advanced Usage

Used to describe sound or speech:
- While less common, it can metaphorically describe a drawn-out, irregular, or faltering sound or tone of voice.
- Giọng nói lủng liểng đầy mệt mỏi. (A wavering voice full of fatigue.)

Variants and Related Words

Lòng thòng (adj/adv): Dragging, hanging down loosely (often for longer items like ropes, clothes). It emphasizes length and lack of tidiness more than motion.
Lủng lẳng (adj/adv): Dangling, hanging down (often implies a heavier or more noticeable object). It shares a very similar meaning but may suggest a slightly more stable suspension than "lủng liểng".

Synonyms

Đong đưa: To swing, to sway (often implies a gentler, more rhythmic motion).
Lắc lư: To sway, to wobble (often implies movement from a base or pivot point).

Notes on Meaning

Primary Meaning: The core meaning involves a combination of hanging loosely (lủng) and moving/swinging (liểng). It often carries a nuance of something being improperly secured or carelessly left hanging.
Visual Imagery: The word effectively paints a picture of an object that is not firmly attached, moving with slight motions due to gravity or movement.