Definition

1. Onomatopoeia / Interjection:
   • "Khà khà" is a reduplicative word (láy) derived from "khà". It is an onomatopoeic expression representing a specific type of laugh or chuckle. It typically conveys a laugh that is hearty, somewhat deep, self-satisfied, or even slightly mischievous or scornful. It is not a standard laugh like "ha ha" but carries more nuanced emotion.

Usage Examples

• As an interjection in dialogue:
  • "Khà khà, ta đã đoán trước được điều này rồi!" ("Khà khà, I predicted this would happen!")
  • Ông già cười khà khà một cách đắc ý. (The old man chuckled "khà khà" in a self-satisfied way.)

Advanced Usage

• Characterization in narratives: Often used in literature and comics to instantly characterize a person's mood or personality—such as a cunning character, a wise elder, or someone enjoying a private joke.
  • Nhân vật phản diện cười khà khà khi kế hoạch của hắn thành công. (The villain laughed "khà khà" when his plan succeeded.)

Variants and Related Words

• Khà: The root word, also an onomatopoeic interjection for a short, similar chuckle or grunt. "Khà khà" is its reduplicated form, which emphasizes and prolongs the sound.
  • Anh ta khà một tiếng, vẻ mặt khinh bỉ. (He gave a "khà" grunt, his face full of disdain.)

Synonyms

• Cười hô hố: To guffaw (a loud, boisterous laugh, but less deep and self-satisfied than "khà khà").
• Cười khoái trá: To laugh with great pleasure (describes the feeling, not the sound).
• Cười khẩy: To sneer, to scoff (conveys contempt, which can sometimes overlap with the scornful nuance of "khà khà").

Notes on Meaning

• This word is almost exclusively used to represent the sound of laughter and is rarely used in other contexts. Its meaning is heavily dependent on the situation and the character of the person laughing. It can indicate:
  • Amused satisfaction: Laughing at one's own cleverness.
  • Mocking or scorn: Laughing at someone else.
  • A deep, hearty chuckle: Especially from an older male character.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Cười khà khà: This is the standard phrase. The word "khà khà" is almost always paired with the verb "cười" (to laugh) to form the phrase "cười khà khà," meaning "to let out a 'khà khà' laugh."
  • Nghe xong câu chuyện, ông ấy chỉ cười khà khà. (After hearing the story, he just chuckled "khà khà".)

1. xem khà (láy)