Definition

1. Interjection:
   • An exclamation expressing resignation, reluctant acceptance, or mild surprise: Used to indicate that the speaker is giving in, accepting something they may not fully agree with, or reacting to a minor realization.
   • An exclamation used before making a decision or taking action: Often precedes a statement of intent or action, signaling a shift from hesitation to resolution.

Usage Examples

• Interjection:
  • Chậc! Thôi thì tôi đi vậy. (Well! Fine, I'll go then.)
  • Chậc, muốn làm gì thì làm. (Alright, do whatever you want.)
  • Chậc! Thế thì mình về thôi. (Well then, let's head home.)

Advanced Usage

• "Chậc lưỡi": This is a compound phrase meaning "to click one's tongue." It is a physical action (a tongue click) that often accompanies the interjection "chậc" to express regret, sympathy, disapproval, or resignation.
  • Anh ấy chỉ biết chậc lưỡi, lắc đầu. (He could only click his tongue and shake his head.)
  • Nghe câu chuyện, bà cụ chậc lưỡi thương xót. (Upon hearing the story, the old lady clicked her tongue in pity.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chép miệng (Verb Phrase): To smack one's lips, often expressing similar feelings of regret, contemplation, or tasting. It is a related gesture but not a direct variant.
• Than (Verb): To sigh or lament. While "chậc" is a brief exclamation, "than" involves a longer vocal expression of sorrow or complaint.

Synonyms

• Ừ (Interjection): Yes, okay (indicating agreement, often casual).
• Thôi (Interjection/Particle): Used to express "let it be," "enough," or "stop," often conveying resignation.
• À (Interjection): An exclamation of sudden realization or understanding.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Chậc chậc (Reduplicated Interjection): A repeated form sometimes used for emphasis, though less common than the single "chậc."
  • Chậc chậc, thật là đáng tiếc. (Tsk tsk, what a real pity.)

Notes on Usage

• Register: "Chậc" is primarily used in spoken Vietnamese and informal contexts. It is rarely found in formal writing.
• Tone and Gesture: The meaning is heavily dependent on context, tone of voice, and often accompanying facial expressions or gestures (like shaking the head or the physical act of "chậc lưỡi").
• Position: It is typically used at the beginning of a sentence or as a standalone response.

1. từ cảm
2. Well
   • chậc! đi thì đi
     well, let's go if you like