Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Meandering, full of twists and turns: Describes a line, path, or shape that curves or bends frequently and irregularly, like a winding road or a snake's movement.
   • Zigzagging: Describes something that has a series of sharp, alternating turns or angles, like a lightning bolt.

2. Adverb:

   • In a winding/zigzag manner: Describes the action of moving or extending with many curves and turns.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Đường núi ngoằn ngoèo. (The mountain road is winding.)
  • Chớp ngoằn ngoèo. (Zigzagging lightning.)
  • Dòng sông chảy ngoằn ngoèo qua cánh đồng. (The river flows meanderingly through the field.)

• Adverb:

  • Con rắn bò ngoằn ngoèo. (The snake slithers in a winding manner.)
  • Đứa trẻ vẽ một đường ngoằn ngoèo trên giấy. (The child drew a line zigzagging on the paper.)

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe abstract concepts like handwriting or thought processes that are not straight or direct.
  • Nét chữ ngoằn ngoèo. (Squiggly handwriting.)
  • Lập luận ngoằn ngoèo. (A convoluted/tortuous argument.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngoằn ngà ngoằn ngoèo (adj/phr): An emphatic, reduplicative form meaning extremely winding or convoluted.
• Vằn vèo (adj): Similar to "ngoằn ngoèo," meaning winding, sinuous, often with a sense of being coiled or intricate.

Synonyms

• Winding: Curving repeatedly.
• Sinuous: Having many curves and turns.
• Zigzag: Having short, sharp turns.
• Tortuous: Full of twists and turns, often excessively complex.
• Meandering: Following a winding and turning course.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Đường đời ngoằn ngoèo: The winding road of life. (A metaphor for life's unpredictable and complex path.)
• Ăn nói ngoằn ngoèo: To speak in a roundabout, indirect, or evasive manner.

1. Meandering, full of twists and turns, zigzagging
   • Đường núi ngoằn ngoèo
     A zigzagging mountain path
   • Chớp ngoằn ngoèo
     A zigzagging flash of lightning