bấp bênh

Vietnamese

Etymology

This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.
Particularly: “Probably bấp (“to stumble”, unlenited form of vấp) +‎ bênh (“to tilt”, unlenited form of vênh)?”

Possible doublet of bập bênh (“seesaw”).

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)

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