Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Dangling, hanging down loosely: Describes something, especially a limb or an object, that is hanging down in a relaxed, unsupported, and often slightly swaying manner.
   • Drooping, limp: Describes something that is hanging down without tension or firmness.

2. Verb:

   • To let hang down, to dangle: The action of allowing something to hang down loosely without support.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Ngồi trên bức tường, cậu bé để hai chân thõng xuống. (Sitting on the wall, the boy let his legs dangle down.)
  • Anh ấy đứng với hai tay thõng, mặt buồn rười rượi. (He stood with his arms hanging limply, his face looking utterly sad.)
• Verb:
  • Đừng thõng tay như vậy, hãy giữ thẳng lưng lên. (Don't let your arms hang like that, straighten your back.)

Advanced Usage

• This word often carries a connotation of passivity, lack of energy, or dejection when describing posture (e.g., , , ).
• It can be used metaphorically to describe a lack of effort or a state of inactivity.

Variants and Related Words

• Thõng thượt (adj): An intensified form, emphasizing a long, loose, and drooping state, often untidy.
  • Bộ quần áo rộng thùng thình trông thõng thượt. (The oversized clothes looked baggy and drooping.)
• Buông thõng (verb phrase): To let go and allow to hang down; to neglect.
  • Nó buông thõng đôi tay, bỏ cuộc. (He dropped his arms limply and gave up.)

Synonyms

• Dangling: Hanging loosely.
• Drooping: Bending or hanging down limply.
• Limp: Lacking stiffness or firmness.

Related Idioms

• Tay thõng: Literally "dangling arms," used to describe a posture of idleness, helplessness, or dejection.
  • Cả ngày nó chỉ ngồi tay thõng, chẳng làm gì cả. (All day he just sat around idle, doing nothing.)
• Để thõng: To leave something dangling or unattended.
  • Không được để dây điện thõng xuống thấp như thế. (You must not leave the electrical cord dangling so low.)