vằn vèo
Definition
Adjective:
- Winding, zigzagging, sinuous: Describes a line, path, or shape that has many curves, bends, or turns, not straight.
- Streaked, striped, mottled: Describes a pattern on a surface with irregular lines, streaks, or twisting marks.
Adverb:
- In a winding/zigzag manner: Describes an action performed in a twisting, non-linear way.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- Con đường vào làng rất vằn vèo. (The road into the village is very winding.)
- Con rắn có những vệt vằn vèo trên da. (The snake has streaked, twisting patterns on its skin.)
- Adverb:
- Tia chớp lóe lên vằn vèo trên bầu trời. (The lightning flashed zigzag across the sky.)
Advanced Usage
- Often used to describe natural, irregular, or chaotic patterns and movements.
- Can imply a sense of complexity, difficulty, or lack of directness in a path or shape.
Variants and Related Words
- Ngoằn ngoèo (adj): Also means winding, twisting, serpentine. Often interchangeable with "vằn vèo" for describing paths.
- Vằn (adj): Striped (e.g., - tiger stripes). The root suggests linear patterns.
Synonyms
- Winding
- Zigzag
- Sinuous
- Tortuous
- Meandering
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Đường đi vằn vèo: A winding road. Can be used metaphorically for a complicated or indirect plan.
- Lời nói vằn vèo: Indirect or evasive speech; talking in a roundabout way.
- Đừng nói vằn vèo nữa, hãy đi thẳng vào vấn đề. (Stop beating around the bush; get straight to the point.)