ngủn ngoẳn
Definition
- Adjective:
- Very short and stubby; truncated; cut off short: Describes something that is conspicuously short, often in a way that seems abruptly cut or naturally stunted. It emphasizes a lack of length.
- Brief and curt; clipped: Can describe speech, text, or responses that are excessively short and lacking in detail or courtesy.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Cái đuôi của con chó con ấy ngủn ngoẳn. (That puppy's tail is very short and stubby.)
- Cậu bé có những ngón tay ngủn ngoẳn. (The boy has short, stubby fingers.)
- Anh ấy trả lời một cách ngủn ngoẳn, không muốn nói thêm. (He answered in a curt manner, not wanting to say more.)
Advanced Usage
- The word often carries a slightly negative or descriptive connotation, implying that the shortness is notable, perhaps unattractive, or insufficient.
- It can be used metaphorically for non-physical things, like time or explanations.
Variants and Related Words
- Ngắn ngủn: An even more colloquial synonym meaning very short.
- Một câu trả lời ngắn ngủn. (A very short reply.)
Synonyms
- Stubby: Short and thick.
- Truncated: Shortened by cutting off.
- Curt: Rudely brief in speech.
- Dwarfed: Stunted in growth.
Related Idioms
- Ngủn ngủn ngoẳn ngoẳn: A reduplicated form for emphasis, meaning extremely short and stumpy.
- Cành cây bị chặt ngủn ngủn ngoẳn ngoẳn. (The tree branch was chopped off extremely short.)