Definition
摇摇摆摆 is a four-character reduplicated form (AABB) meaning 'to sway or wobble from side to side,' typically describing unsteady movement — a person staggering while walking, a loose object shaking, or something physically unstable. The English gloss 'swaggering' is misleading because it suggests a proud, confident gait; instead, 摇摇摆摆 emphasizes lack of balance or control. You can also use it figuratively for someone's wavering stance, though this is less common.
r.f.
swayingstaggeringwobbling (of gait or movement)
Examples
- ，摇摇摆摆，。Tā hē zuì le, zǒulù yáo yáo bǎi bǎi de, chàdiǎn shuāidǎo.He was drunk and walked staggering, almost falling.
- 摇摇摆摆，。Fēng chuī dé shù shàng de dēnglóng yáo yáo bǎi bǎi, hǎoxiàng yào diào xiàlái.The wind blew the lanterns on the tree swaying, as if they would fall off.
- ，摇摇摆摆。Nà zhī xiǎo yāzi gāng xuéhuì zǒulù, yáo yáo bǎi bǎi de gēn zài māma hòumiàn.That little duck just learned to walk, wobbling along behind its mother.
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