rằn ri
Definition
- Adjective:
- Striped, chequered/checkered: Describes a pattern consisting of multiple, often brightly coloured, stripes or checks. It typically implies a pattern that is vivid, conspicuous, or showy.
- Variegated, multicoloured: Can describe something with a mix of bright, contrasting colours in a striped or patterned arrangement.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Chiếc khăn rằn ri của cô ấy rất nổi bật. (Her chequered scarf is very striking.)
- Những chiếc áo rằn ri thường được mặc trong một số lễ hội truyền thống. (Striped shirts are often worn in some traditional festivals.)
- Bức tường được sơn màu rằn ri. (The wall was painted with a variegated/striped pattern.)
Advanced Usage
- "rằn ri mặt": An idiom describing a face marked with streaks, often from dirt, tears, or sweat, giving a striped appearance.
- Đứa bé khóc, nước mắt lẫn bụi làm mặt nó rằn ri. (The child cried, and tears mixed with dust made its face streaked.)
- Historically used to describe soldiers' uniforms ("lính rằn ri"), referring to colourful or patterned military attire.
Variants and Related Words
- Rằn (adj): Striped (often used for animals like tigers, or for patterns). Less specific about bright colours than "rằn ri".
- Con hổ có bộ lông rằn. (The tiger has striped fur.)
- Sọc (n): Stripe. The basic noun for a line in a pattern.
- Áo có sọc đỏ và trắng. (A shirt with red and white stripes.)
Synonyms
- Sọc vằn: Striped (emphasizing the stripe pattern).
- Nhiều màu sặc sỡ: Multicoloured, gaudy.
- Loang lổ: Blotchy, spotted (different pattern but similar concept of uneven colour).
Notes on Meaning
- Primary Meaning: The core meaning is "striped" or "chequered," specifically with bright, conspicuous colours. It is not used for simple, subtle stripes (e.g., a pinstripe suit).
- Cultural Context: The term is famously associated with the "khăn rằn," a chequered scarf/kerchief that is a cultural symbol of the Mekong Delta region in Vietnam.
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Striped, checquered
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Khăn rằn riA checquered scarf, a checquered headkerchief
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