Definition

1. Verb phrase (informal):
   • To go on foot / to walk: To travel a long distance by walking, often out of necessity rather than choice, typically because no other means of transport is available.
   • To trek / to hoof it: To cover a considerable distance by walking, implying effort and endurance.

Usage Examples

• Verb phrase:
  • Xe hỏng phải kéo bộ mười cây số. (The car broke down, so we had to foot ten kilometres.)
  • Hết tiền xe buýt, tôi đành kéo bộ về nhà. (I ran out of bus money, so I had to walk all the way home.)
  • Đường vào làng nhỏ nên du khách phải kéo bộ. (The road into the small village is narrow, so tourists have to go on foot.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often carries a connotation of inconvenience, fatigue, or a lack of alternatives. It is not used for short, casual walks but specifically for journeys that are tiring or unexpectedly long.
• It can be used humorously or to complain about a situation.

Variants and Related Words

• Đi bộ (v): A more general and neutral term for "to walk" or "to go on foot," without the implied hardship or long distance of "kéo bộ."
  • Chúng tôi đi bộ trong công viên. (We walked in the park.)

Synonyms

• To walk a long way: To travel a significant distance by foot.
• To trek: To make a long, arduous journey on foot.
• To hoof it (slang): To walk, especially over a long distance.

Related Idioms

• While "kéo bộ" itself is an informal phrase, it is related in spirit to expressions describing difficult travel.
• Chân đi mỏi cẳng: An idiom meaning "legs are tired from walking," often used after a long walk.

1. Foot a long distance
   • Xe hỏng phải kéo bộ mười cây số
     To have to foot ten kilometres because of a break-down