Definition
摇摇晃晃 is an AABB reduplication of 摇晃 (to shake, to sway). It describes something or someone unsteady, tottering, or swaying back and forth — like a drunk person walking, a loose pole, or a shaky structure. You can use it as a predicate (often with 的) or as an adverbial (with 地).
r.f.
totteringswayingunsteady (in movement or stability)
Examples
- ，摇摇晃晃。Tā hē zuì le, zǒulù yáo yáo huǎng de.He got drunk and walked tottering.
- ，摇摇晃晃。Fēng hěn dà, shù bèi chuī de yáo yáo huǎng.The wind is strong, and the trees are swaying unsteadily.
- 摇摇晃晃，。Nà zuò lǎo fángzi kàn qǐlái yáo yáo huǎng de, hěn wēixiǎn.That old house looks unsteady and is very dangerous.
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