Definition

Adjective: - Quite empty, considerably empty: Describes a container or quantity that has become significantly depleted, often implying a noticeable and substantial reduction from its original full state. It emphasizes the visual or measurable emptiness after a portion has been removed or used.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Bán một lúc thúng xôi ngoang ngoảng quá nửa. (After selling for just a while, the sticky rice basket was more than half empty.)
  • Chai nước uống ngoang ngoảng rồi. (The water bottle is already quite empty.)
  • Bát canh ngoang ngoảng sau bữa ăn. (The soup bowl was considerably empty after the meal.)

Advanced Usage

• This word is considered somewhat literary or less common in modern everyday speech. It is typically used to vividly describe the state of a container (like a basket, bowl, or bottle) that has been partially emptied, often surprisingly or quickly.

Variants and Related Words

• Vơi (adj): to become less full, to diminish (in level). (The water in the tank has diminished.)
• Trống (adj): empty, hollow. (The room is completely empty.)

Synonyms

• Largely empty: Mostly depleted.
• Significantly depleted: Reduced by a large degree.
• Half-empty: Emphasizing the remaining emptiness.

Notes on Usage

• "Ngoang ngoảng" specifically describes a state of partial but substantial emptiness. It is not used for something completely empty () or just slightly used. The word often carries a nuance of the emptiness being a result of recent consumption or removal.

1. (ít dùng) Quite empty, considerably empty
   • Bán một lúc thúng xôi ngoang ngoảng quá nửa
     Her sticky rice basket was more than half empty after only a moment's business