Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Swaggering, arrogant: Describes a manner of walking or behaving that is overly proud, self-important, and shows a lack of respect or consideration for others.
   • Obstructive, lying in the way: Describes something placed or positioned in a manner that blocks a path, passage, or thoroughfare, causing an obstruction.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Swaggering):

  • Hắn đi nghênh ngang ngoài phố. (He is swaggering about in the streets.)
  • Thái độ nghênh ngang của nó khiến mọi người khó chịu. (His arrogant attitude makes everyone uncomfortable.)

• Adjective (Obstructive):

  • Chiếc hòm to đặt nghênh ngang giữa cửa ra vào. (The large trunk is lying about obstructively in the middle of the entrance.)
  • Xe đạp dựng nghênh ngang trên vỉa hè. (The bicycle is parked obstructively on the sidewalk.)

Advanced Usage

• "Đi nghênh ngang": To walk with a swagger; to strut arrogantly.

  • Sau khi thắng trận, đội trưởng đi nghênh ngang khắp sân. (After winning the match, the captain swaggered all over the field.)

• "Nằm nghênh ngang": To lie sprawled out in a way that blocks the way.

  • Con chó nằm nghênh ngang giữa lối đi. (The dog is lying sprawled out in the middle of the pathway.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngang ngạnh (adj): Stubborn, obstinate (shares the root "ngang" implying defiance or opposition).
• Ngang ngược (adj): Recalcitrant, defiantly unreasonable.
• Ngang tàng (adj): Dashing, rakish (can imply a bold, somewhat reckless style).

Synonyms

• Kiêu ngạo, vênh váo: Arrogant, haughty.
• Cản trở, vướng víu: Obstructive, hindering.

Related Idioms

• "Mặt nghênh ngang": A face showing arrogance or impudence.

  • Nó có cái mặt nghênh ngang khó ưa. (He has an unpleasantly arrogant face.)

• "Đường đi nghênh ngang": A path that is blocked or obstructed.

  • Công trường khiến đường đi nghênh ngang. (The construction site makes the road obstructed.)

1. Swaggering
   • Đi nghênh ngang ngoài phố
     To be swaggering about in the streets
2. Lying about in the way, blocking the way
   • Đừng có đi xe đạp ngang nghênh ngang giữa đường
     Never ride your bicycles several abreast and block the way (traffic)