bấp bênh

Vietnamese

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• (Hà Nội) IPA^(key): [ʔɓəp̚˧˦ ʔɓəjŋ̟˧˧]
• (Huế) IPA^(key): [ʔɓəp̚˦˧˥ ʔɓen˧˧]
• (Saigon) IPA^(key): [ʔɓəp̚˦˥ ʔɓəːn˧˧]

Adjective

bấp bênh (‑a reduplication bấp ba bấp bênh)

1. (of a physical object) unstable; unsteady; imbalance
2. (of a situation) precarious; uncertain
3. (of an opinion) pliable; wavering; indecisive