xiên xiên

Một người đàn ông đang xiên xiên những miếng thịt để nướng.

Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Slanting / Sloping / Oblique: Describes something positioned at an angle that is not horizontal or vertical; not straight or perpendicular.
   • Askew / Crooked: Indicates something is not aligned correctly; slightly twisted or tilted from its intended position.

2. Adverb:

   • Diagonally / Aslant: In a manner that is at a slant or angle.
   • Indirectly / Obliquely: In a way that is not straightforward or direct.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Cái bàn để xiên xiên trong góc phòng. (The table was placed askew in the corner of the room.)
  • Mặt trời chiếu ánh sáng xiên xiên qua cửa sổ. (The sun cast a slanting light through the window.)

• Adverb:

  • Anh ấy nhìn xiên xiên về phía tôi. (He glanced obliquely in my direction.)
  • Cô ấy cắt miếng vải xiên xiên. (She cut the fabric diagonally.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is a reduplication of the root "xiên," which intensifies or conveys a sense of "somewhat" or "slightly" slanted. It often describes a visual or physical orientation.

Variants and Related Words

• Xiên (adj, v): Slanting, oblique; or to skewer (as a verb).

  • Một đường xiên. (A diagonal line.)
  • Xiên thịt nướng. (To skewer barbecue meat.)

• Nghiêng (adj, v): Leaning, tilted; a near-synonym for a slanted position.

  • Tháp nghiêng Pisa. (The Leaning Tower of Pisa.)

Synonyms

• Slanting: At an angle.
• Diagonal: Extending between non-adjacent corners.
• Askew: Not in a straight or level position.

Related Idioms

• Nói xiên nói xỏ: To speak insinuatingly or to make indirect, sarcastic remarks.
  • Đừng nói xiên nói xỏ nữa. (Stop making indirect, snide comments.)