Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Always carrying/keeping something close by: Describes the action of constantly having an item on one's person or keeping something very near at hand.
   • Persistently, without separation: Indicates that something is maintained in close proximity in a persistent, almost inseparable manner.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Anh ấy lúc nào cũng kè kè cái điện thoại. (He always carries his phone with him everywhere.)
  • Đứa trẻ kè kè món đồ chơi yêu thích, không rời nửa bước. (The child clings to his favorite toy, never letting it out of his sight.)

Advanced Usage

• "kè kè bên mình": to have something on one's person at all times.
  • Nhà đầu tư thành đạt luôn kè kè bên mình cuốn sổ ghi chép ý tưởng. (Successful investors always keep a notebook for ideas close at hand.)
• Used to emphasize a habitual or obsessive action of holding or keeping something nearby.
  • Ông lão kè kè chai rượu thuốc, coi như bảo bối. (The old man always has his bottle of medicinal wine with him, treating it like a treasure.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kèm theo (verb phrase): to accompany, to go along with. This is related but implies accompaniment rather than constant physical carrying.
  • Đơn xin việc phải kèm theo sơ yếu lý lịch. (The job application must be accompanied by a resume.)
• Giữ kè kè (verb phrase): to keep (something) constantly close. This is a common collocation that reinforces the meaning.
  • Cô ấy giữ kè kè chiếc ví trong tay. (She keeps the purse firmly in her hand.)

Synonyms

• Luôn mang theo: to always bring/carry along.
• Luôn giữ bên mình: to always keep on one's person.
• Không rời: not to leave/part with.

Notes on Meaning

• The word "kè kè" is an adverb and is almost always used in informal, colloquial speech to add vividness and emphasis. It paints a picture of someone who is seldom seen without a specific object.
• It often carries a slight nuance of the action being noticeable, persistent, or even somewhat excessive to the observer.
• The core meaning revolves around physical proximity and constancy regarding an object.

1. Carry always
   • Lúc nào cũng kè kè cái xà cột
     To always carry a leather shoulder-strap bag