Definition

1. Adjective phrase:
   • To have a dry, tight, or constricted throat: Describes the uncomfortable sensation in the throat caused by consuming something excessively sweet, thick, or cloying. It is a specific physical feeling, not a general term for thirst.

Usage Examples

• Adjective phrase:
  • Ăn mứt nhiều quá, tôi thấy khé cổ. (I ate too much jam, and I feel my throat is constricted.)
  • Mật ong này đặc quá, uống vào khé cổ lắm. (This honey is too thick; drinking it makes my throat feel very dry and tight.)
  • Đồ ngọt này khiến tôi khé cổ. (This sweet thing makes my throat feel constricted.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is almost exclusively used to describe the physical aftereffect of consuming specific foods or drinks. It is not typically used in metaphorical contexts.
• It often implies the sweetness or consistency was excessive or unpleasant in its effect on the throat.

Variants and Related Words

• Khé (adj): Can be used alone to describe a dry, constricted feeling, often in the throat. "Khé cổ" is the most common and specific collocation.
• Khô cổ (adj phrase): Means "to have a dry throat," but is more general and often caused by thirst or speaking too much, not specifically by sweetness.

Synonyms

• Rát cổ (adj phrase): Means "to have a sore/burning throat." While "khé cổ" is specifically from sweetness/thickness, "rát cổ" can be from spicy food, illness, or dryness.
• Se cổ (adj phrase): Very similar to "khé cổ," also meaning the throat feels tight or constricted, often from astringent or very sweet substances.

Related Phrases (if applicable)

• Làm khé cổ: To cause a constricted throat sensation.
  • Loại mật ong này dễ làm khé cổ. (This type of honey easily causes a constricted throat.)

Related Idioms

• There are no common idioms that use the exact phrase "khé cổ." Its usage is literal, describing a direct physical sensation.

1. Have one's throat contracted by too much sweetness
   • ăn mật đặc quá khé cổ
     To have one's throat contracted by eating too thick molasses