Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Breathlessly, in a great hurry, hastily: Describes an action performed with extreme haste, urgency, and often a lack of preparation or care, typically resulting in being out of breath or in a state of rush.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Anh ấy chạy hộc tốc về nhà khi nghe tin. (He ran home breathlessly upon hearing the news.)
  • Chúng tôi phải làm việc hộc tốc để kịp hạn chót. (We had to work breathlessly to meet the deadline.)
  • Cô ấy nói hộc tốc, không ai hiểu gì cả. (She spoke in a frantic hurry; no one understood anything.)

Advanced Usage

• "một cách hộc tốc": in a breathless/hasty manner. This phrase emphasizes the manner of the action.
  • Mọi việc được hoàn thành một cách hộc tốc. (Everything was completed in a breathless hurry.)

Variants and Related Words

• Vội vã (adj/adv): hurried, in a hurry. This is a more common and slightly less intense synonym.
• Gấp gáp (adj): urgent, pressing. Often describes a situation requiring immediate action.
• Cuống cuồng (adj/adv): frantic, frenzied. Suggests panic and disorganization along with speed.

Synonyms

• Vội vàng: hurriedly.
• Vội vã: in haste.
• Gấp rút: urgently, hastily (often for important tasks).

Notes on Meaning and Usage

• Connotation: The word "hộc tốc" carries a strong connotation of disorganized, frantic, and sometimes reckless speed. It often implies the action is done so quickly that it affects one's breath or composure. It is generally used in informal contexts.
• Differentiation: While "nhanh" means simply "fast," "hộc tốc" specifically means "fast in a rushed, breathless, and often careless manner." It is not typically used for positive or efficient speed.

1. Breathless
   • Chạy hộc tốc về nhà
     To run home in a breathless hurry
   • Làm hộc để kịp giao hàng
     To work breathlessly in order to deliver the goods on time