ngồi xếp bằng
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To sit cross-legged: The primary meaning of "ngồi xếp bằng" is to sit on a flat surface with the legs bent at the knees, folded in front of the body, and with each foot placed beneath the opposite knee or thigh, causing the knees to splay out to the sides.
- To sit in a simple cross-legged position: This describes a common, informal seated posture, distinct from more formal meditation postures like the lotus position.
Usage Examples
- Verb phrase: (The children sat cross-legged on the floor to listen to the story.) (When relaxing, I like to sit cross-legged on the sofa.)
Advanced Usage
- "ngồi xếp bằng tròn": This variant emphasizes a more symmetrical, "round" cross-legged sitting posture, often used in contexts like meditation or traditional settings. It is closely equivalent to the French "s'asseoir en tailleur."
- Thiền sinh bắt đầu buổi tập bằng tư thế ngồi xếp bằng tròn. (The meditation practitioner began the session in a cross-legged sitting posture.)
Variants and Related Words
- Ngồi khoanh chân (verb phrase): This is a near-synonym, also meaning to sit with legs crossed, though it can sometimes imply a less strict folding of the legs.
- Ngồi thiền (verb phrase): to sit in meditation, which often, but not always, involves a cross-legged posture like "ngồi xếp bằng."
Synonyms
- Sit cross-legged: The direct and most common equivalent.
- Sit tailor-fashion: A less common, more descriptive synonym.
Related Idioms
- While "ngồi xếp bằng" itself is descriptive, it is often part of larger phrases depicting calm, informal, or traditional scenes, such as "ngồi xếp bằng trò chuyện" (sitting cross-legged and chatting).