xuôi ngược
Definition
Adverb:
- Back and forth / to and fro: Describes the action of moving repeatedly in one direction and then the opposite direction, often over a route or between places.
- In all directions / hither and thither: Describes moving or traveling extensively to many different places, often with effort or without a fixed single route.
Adjective:
- Characterized by arduous travel: Describes a life, period, or activity full of constant, tiring movement and travel.
Usage Examples
Adverb:
- Cô ấy xuôi ngược tìm việc khắp thành phố. (She went back and forth looking for a job all over the city.)
- Xuôi ngược mấy năm rồi mới gặp lại. (We've been going hither and thither for years before meeting again.)
Adjective:
- Cuộc sống xuôi ngược vất vả. (A life of arduous coming and going is hard.)
- Anh ấy kể về những năm tháng xuôi ngược trên biển. (He told stories of the years spent traveling to and fro on the sea.)
Advanced Usage
- The term "xuôi ngược" often implies effort, struggle, or a lack of stable settlement. It is frequently used to emphasize the difficulty and persistence involved in constant travel or movement for work, livelihood, or a specific purpose.
Variants and Related Words
- Ngược xuôi: This is a direct variant with the same meaning and usage as "xuôi ngược".
- Bà mẹ ngược xuôi lo cho con cái. (The mother went to great lengths, hither and thither, to take care of her children.)
Synonyms
- Back and forth: Moving in opposite directions repeatedly.
- Hither and thither: To many places in a disorganized way.
- Toil and travel: To work hard while moving around.
Related Idioms
- Xuôi ngược đủ đường: To have experienced all the hardships and complexities of life's journeys.
- Ông ấy từng trải, xuôi ngược đủ đường. (He is experienced, having traveled every which way.)
- Một đời xuôi ngược: A lifetime of constant struggle and travel.
- Một đời xuôi ngược lo cho gia đình. (A whole lifetime of toiling back and forth for the family.)