xáo xác
Definition
- Adjective:
- Flustered, agitated, or in a state of noisy commotion: Describes a state of disorderly disturbance, often involving panic or hurried, confused movement, typically of a group. It conveys a sense of being startled into a noisy, unsettled state.
- Rustling (of dry leaves): Describes the light, dry, and desolate sound made by things like dead leaves or paper, often evoking a sense of bleakness or neglect.
Usage Examples
Adjective (Agitated):
- Đàn gà xáo xác khi diều hâu bay qua. (The flock of chickens became flustered when the hawk flew over.)
- Cả phòng họp xáo xác vì tin khẩn cấp. (The whole meeting room was in a commotion because of the urgent news.)
Adjective (Rustling):
- Tiếng lá khô xáo xác trong gió. (The sound of dry leaves rustling in the wind.)
- Căn nhà hoang vắng, chỉ nghe tiếng gió xáo xác. (The deserted house was quiet, with only the rustling sound of the wind.)
Advanced Usage
- The word often carries a poetic or literary tone, used to describe both auditory and emotional states of disturbance. It can imply a disruption of peace or order.
Variants and Related Words
- Xao xác: A common variant spelling with the same meaning.
- Xôn xao (adj): Buzzing, murmuring (often with voices). Implies a stirred state but is less panicked than "xáo xác."
Synonyms
- Agitated: Troubled or nervous.
- Flustered: In a state of agitated confusion.
- Commotion: A state of confused and noisy disturbance.
- Rustling: Making a soft, muffled crackling sound.
Related Idioms
- While "xáo xác" itself is not typically part of a fixed idiom, its sense is captured in phrases describing disorder, such as "làm cho xáo xác cả lên" (to throw into a state of commotion).