Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • Otherwise, or else, lest: Used to introduce a negative consequence that will occur if the preceding action is not taken or condition is not met. It expresses a warning or a reason for doing something to avoid an undesirable outcome.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:
  • Anh ơi buông áo em ra, để em đi chợ kẻo mà chợ trưa. (Please let go of my dress, so I can go to the market, otherwise it will be noon [and the market will be closed].)
  • Con phải học bài chăm chỉ, kẻo mà thi trượt. (You must study hard, or else you will fail the exam.)
  • Đi nhanh lên, kẻo mà trễ máy bay. (Hurry up, otherwise we'll miss the flight.)

Advanced Usage

• "kẻo mà" vs. "kẻo": Both "kẻo" and "kẻo mà" function as conjunctions meaning "lest" or "otherwise." "Kẻo mà" is slightly more emphatic and conversational. They are often interchangeable.
  • Nhớ khóa cửa, kẻo (mà) có trộm. (Remember to lock the door, lest there be a thief.)

Variants and Related Words

• Kẻo (conj): Otherwise, lest. The shorter, more common form of "kẻo mà."
  • Mặc áo ấm vào, kẻo lạnh. (Put on warm clothes, or you'll get cold.)
• Nếu không thì (conj phrase): If not, then... A more direct and modern way to express "otherwise."
  • Nhanh lên, nếu không thì chúng ta sẽ muộn. (Hurry up, otherwise we will be late.)

Synonyms

• Bằng không: Otherwise, or else.
• Nếu không: If not.
• Sợ rằng: Fear that, lest (more formal/literary).

Related Phrases

• Kẻo không: A variant combining "kẻo" and "không" for emphasis, meaning "lest not" or "otherwise."
  • Giữ im lặng, kẻo không họ nghe thấy. (Keep quiet, otherwise they might hear.)

Related Idioms

• Kẻo rồi: A colloquial, shortened form often used in spoken warnings.
  • Cẩn thận, kẻo rồi ngã. (Be careful, or you'll fall.)

1. như kẻo
   • Anh ơi buông áo em ra, để em đi chợ kẻo mà chợ trưa
     Please let go the flap of my dress, Otherwise I shall be too late for market