Definition

1. Verb:
   • To be careful, to watch out, to mind: "coi chừng" is used to warn someone to pay close attention to a potential danger, risk, or undesirable situation in order to avoid it.
   • To beware, to take heed: It implies a sense of caution and vigilance against a specific threat.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Coi chừng sơn ướt! (Mind the wet paint!)
  • Coi chừng chó dữ. (Beware of the fierce dog.)
  • Coi chừng, đường trơn đấy! (Watch out, the road is slippery!)
  • Anh phải coi chừng lời nói của mình. (You must watch your words.)

Advanced Usage

• "coi chừng" as a standalone warning: Often used by itself as an exclamation.
  • Coi chừng! (Watch out! / Be careful!)
• Used to advise caution regarding someone's behavior or actions.
  • Coi chừng nó lừa đấy. (Be careful, he might trick you.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cẩn thận (adj/adv): Careful, carefully. While "cẩn thận" is a general admonition to be careful, "coi chừng" is more specific, warning of an immediate or identifiable hazard.
• Đề phòng (verb): To guard against, to take precautions. "Đề phòng" suggests a more general or preparatory action, whereas "coi chừng" is often an immediate warning.
• Chú ý (verb): To pay attention. "Chú ý" is neutral, while "coi chừng" carries a connotation of danger.

Synonyms

• Cảnh giác: To be vigilant, alert (often against a more serious or covert threat).
• Để ý: To take notice, to look out for (less urgent than "coi chừng").

Related Phrases

• Coi chừng thất bại: To beware of failure.
• Coi chừng mắc bẫy: To watch out for falling into a trap.

Related Idioms

• Coi chừng mất cả chì lẫn chài: Literally "beware of losing both the lead sinker and the net", meaning to be careful not to lose everything, to avoid a total loss. This idiom emphasizes the risk of a double or complete loss.

verb

1. To mind, to pay attention to
   • coi chừng sơn ướt
     mind the wet paint!