Definition

Adjective: - Slightly short, somewhat short: Describes something that is short, but not extremely so; implies a degree of shortness that is noticeable but not absolute. It is a reduplicative form (từ láy) derived from "ngắn" (short), often used to soften the description or express a moderate quality.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Chiếc váy này hơi ngăn ngắn so với chiều cao của cô ấy. (This dress is slightly short for her height.)
  • Anh ấy cắt tóc ngăn ngắn cho mát. (He cut his hair somewhat short to keep cool.)
  • Cái bàn ngăn ngắn này không vừa với không gian phòng. (This rather short table doesn't fit the room space.)

Advanced Usage

• Descriptive Nuance: "Ngăn ngắn" is softer and less blunt than simply using "ngắn". It can imply that the shortness is a minor flaw, a stylistic choice, or simply a descriptive observation without strong negative judgment.
  • Ống tay áo ngăn ngắn một chút nhưng vẫn có thể mặc được. (The sleeves are a bit short but still wearable.)

Variants and Related Words

• Ngắn (adj): Short. This is the root word.
  • Quãng đường ngắn. (A short distance.)
• Cụt ngủn (adj): Very short, stubby. Implies a more abrupt or excessive shortness.
  • Cái đuôi cụt ngủn. (A stubby tail.)
• Lũn chũn (adj): Short and stocky (often for a person or animal).
  • Đứa bé trông lũn chũn. (The child looks short and stocky.)

Synonyms

• Hơi ngắn: A bit short.
• Ngắn cũn cỡn: Very short, uncomfortably short (more informal and negative).
• Ngắn ngủi: Short in duration (used for time, not physical length).

Notes on Usage

• Word Type: "Ngăn ngắn" is primarily an adjective. As a reduplicative word (từ láy), it is often used in spoken and descriptive written Vietnamese.
• Context: It is typically used to describe the physical length or height of objects, clothing, hair, body parts, etc. It is not used to describe abstract concepts like time; for duration, "ngắn ngủi" is used.
• Tone: The word carries a neutral to slightly informal tone. It is descriptive rather than technical.

1. xem ngắn (láy)