Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Horizontal; Crosswise: Positioned or oriented parallel to the horizon; lying flat or level from side to side, as opposed to vertical (dọc).
   • Equal; Level: Being of the same height, degree, status, or strength as something else.
   • Ordinary; Average: Of common or standard quality, not special or superior.
   • Stubborn; Contrary: Behaving in an unreasonable, obstinate, or defiant way, often opposing what is considered right or logical.

2. Adverb:

   • Across; Through: Moving from one side to the other, traversing a space.
   • Directly (in the way): Positioned so as to block a path or passage.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Kẻ một đường ngang trên giấy. (Draw a horizontal line on the paper.)
  • Hai đội chơi ngang sức. (The two teams are equal in strength.)
  • Đây chỉ là loại rượu ngang. (This is just ordinary wine.)
  • Đứa trẻ đó ngang lắm. (That child is very stubborn.)

• Adverb:

  • Chúng tôi đi ngang qua công viên. (We walked across the park.)
  • Đừng đỗ xe ngang đường. (Don't park across the road / in the way.)

Advanced Usage

• "ngang nhiên": To act brazenly, audaciously, or without regard for rules or others.

  • Hắn ngang nhiên đi vào nhà tôi. (He brazenly walked into my house.)

• "ngang tàng": To have a free-spirited, rebellious, or roguish demeanor (can be positive or negative depending on context).

  • Anh ấy có vẻ ngang tàng nhưng rất trượng nghĩa. (He seems roguish but is very chivalrous.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngang dọc (adv): Literally "horizontally and vertically"; meaning everywhere, all over the place.

  • Anh ấy đi ngang dọc cả nước. (He traveled all over the country.)

• Ngang hàng (adj): Equal in rank or status; peer.

  • Các quốc gia ngang hàng. (The nations are equal in status.)

Synonyms

• Horizontal: Crosswise, lateral.
• Equal: Equivalent, even, on par.
• Ordinary: Common, average, standard.
• Stubborn: Obstinate, contrary, defiant.
• Across: Over, through.

Related Idioms

• Ngang như cua: Literally "as stubborn as a crab"; used to describe an extremely stubborn or contrary person.

  • Nó ngang như cua, chẳng nghe lời ai. (He's as stubborn as a mule, not listening to anyone.)

• Ngang bằng sổ ngay:

  • (Literal): Refers to straight, neat horizontal and vertical strokes in calligraphy or writing.
  • (Figurative): To be frank, straightforward, and clear-cut in speech or action.
  • Hãy nói chuyện ngang bằng sổ ngay. (Let's talk frankly and directly.)

adj

1. ordinary
   • rượu ngang
     ordinary wine

adj

1. across; through
   • đi ngang qua một con đường
     to walk across a street. level; equal
   • có những điều kiện ngang nhau
     on equal terms
2. Cross; horisontal
   • đường ngang
     cross-line