Definition

1. Verb:

   • To be stuck; to be jammed; to be caught: Refers to an object becoming trapped or immobilized in a narrow space or between surfaces, preventing movement.
   • To be pinched; to be nipped: Describes something being squeezed or caught tightly, often causing pressure or pain.
   • To stick; to become lodged: Used when an item does not move smoothly in its intended mechanism.

2. Adjective:

   • Stuck; in a tight spot; in a bind: Describes a difficult situation, often financial or logistical, where one is trapped or lacks a solution.
   • Squeaky; grating: Describes a short, sharp, high-pitched sound produced by friction between hard objects.

3. Noun:

   • A crack; a crevice; a narrow gap: A small, narrow opening or space between objects.
   • A nook; a corner; an out-of-the-way spot: A secluded or hidden corner.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Chìa khóa kẹt trong ổ. (The key is stuck in the lock.)
  • Tờ giấy bị kẹt trong máy in. (The paper got jammed in the printer.)
  • Ngón tay tôi bị kẹt ở cửa. (My finger got pinched in the door.)

• Adjective:

  • Tôi đang kẹt tiền. (I am in a tight spot for money.)
  • Cánh cửa cũ kêu kẹt kẹt. (The old door makes a squeaking sound.)

• Noun:

  • Lau bụi trong các kẹt bàn. (Dust in the cracks of the table.)
  • Con mèo trốn trong kẹt tủ. (The cat hid in the nook behind the cupboard.)

Advanced Usage

• "Kẹt xe": traffic jam.

  • Đường phố bị kẹt xe vào giờ cao điểm. (The streets have a traffic jam during rush hour.)

• "Kẹt lời": to be at a loss for words; to be tongue-tied.

  • Bị chất vấn bất ngờ, anh ấy hoàn toàn kẹt lời. (Questioned unexpectedly, he was completely at a loss for words.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kẹt cứng (adj/verb): to be jammed solid; completely stuck.

  • Bánh xe kẹt cứng trong bùn. (The wheel was jammed solid in the mud.)

• Kèn kẹt (onomatopoeia/adjective): a repeated squeaking or grating sound.

  • Xe đẩy hàng kêu kèn kẹt. (The cart made a squeaking sound.)

Synonyms

• Verb: To jam, to trap, to catch.
• Adjective: Stuck, difficult, squeaky.
• Noun: Crevice, cranny, corner.

Related Idioms

• Kẹt như con kiến trong hũ: To be stuck like an ant in a jar (i.e., to be trapped with no way out).

  • Mất điện thang máy, chúng tôi kẹt như con kiến trong hũ. (With the elevator power out, we were stuck like ants in a jar.)

• Kẹt giữa hai lựa chọn: To be caught between two choices; to be on the horns of a dilemma.

  • Cô ấy kẹt giữa hai lựa chọn công việc. (She was caught between two job offers.)

verb

1. to nip; to catch; to pinch; to stick
   • chìa khóa kẹt trong ổ
     The key stuck in the lock