Definition

1. Verb:
   • To waver; to be unsteady; to sway: Describes a physical state of instability, leaning from side to side, often due to weakness, intoxication, or an uneven surface.
   • To vacillate; to be indecisive; to be irresolute: Describes an abstract state of uncertainty, lacking a firm position or opinion, and being easily influenced.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Physical):
  • Anh ấy say rượu, bước đi ngả nghiêng. (He was drunk, walking unsteadily.)
  • Cây cối ngả nghiêng trong cơn bão. (The trees swayed in the storm.)
• Verb (Abstract):
  • Anh ta có thái độ ngả nghiêng, không dám đưa ra quyết định. (He has a vacillating attitude, not daring to make a decision.)
  • Không nên ngả nghiêng giữa hai lựa chọn. (One should not waver between two choices.)

Advanced Usage

• "ngả nghiêng" can be used metaphorically to describe something unstable or precarious.
  • Tình hình chính trị ngả nghiêng. (The political situation is unstable / precarious.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chếnh choáng (adj/verb): to be dizzy, lightheaded; often precedes to describe drunkenness.
  • Chếnh choáng hơi men, ngả nghiêng dáng đi. (Dizzy from the alcohol, his gait was unsteady.)
• Lả lơi (adj): flirtatious, coquettish; sometimes used in conjunction with to describe suggestive looks or behavior.
• Ngả ngớn (adj): frivolous, not serious or proper in manner.

Synonyms

• Physical: Sway, totter, stagger, reel.
• Abstract: Vacillate, fluctuate, hesitate, be indecisive, be irresolute.

Related Idioms

• Ngả nghiêng trước gió: Literally "to sway before the wind," meaning to be easily swayed by circumstances or opinions.
  • Lập trường của họ ngả nghiêng trước gió. (Their stance sways with the wind.)

verb

1. to waver