Definition

1. Interjection:
   • Hey! / Look! / Oh my!: An exclamation used to express surprise, mild protest, or to draw someone's attention to something unexpected or noteworthy. It often conveys a tone of playful or gentle admonishment.

Usage Examples

• Interjection:
  • Ơ kìa! Sao anh đến sớm thế? (Hey! Why are you so early?)
  • Ơ kìa! Cẩn thận với cái cốc kia! (Look! Be careful with that glass!)
  • Ơ kìa! Con làm hỏng đồ chơi mới rồi! (Oh my! You've broken the new toy!)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can be used on its own or at the beginning of a sentence to immediately capture attention and frame the following statement as a reaction to a surprising or improper action.
• It is commonly used in spoken Vietnamese and can soften a reprimand, making it sound less harsh and more affectionate or teasing.

Variants and Related Words

• Ô kìa: An alternative, equally common spelling and pronunciation with identical meaning and usage.
  • Ô kìa! Ai đứng đằng kia thế? (Look! Who's standing over there?)

Synonyms

• Này: Hey (a more neutral or direct call for attention).
• Trời ơi: Oh my god / Oh dear (expresses stronger surprise or shock).
• Nhìn kìa: Look there (a more literal instruction to look).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Ơ kìa lạ nhỉ: An extended exclamation meaning "Well, isn't that strange!" or "How odd!"
  • Ơ kìa lạ nhỉ! Chìa khóa của tôi đâu rồi? (How odd! Where is my key?)

1. như ô kìa