Definition

1. Interjection:
   • Well done! / Nice one!: An exclamation used to express admiration, approval, or pleasant surprise at someone's skillful, clever, or well-executed action or result.
   • Careful now! / Watch it!: A cautionary or warning phrase used to advise someone to be careful or mindful, often in a lighthearted or teasing manner.

Usage Examples

• As praise:

  • "Khéo đấy! Cậu sửa cái máy tính nhanh thật." ("Well done! You fixed that computer really quickly.")
  • "Khéo đấy! Bức tranh này đẹp quá." ("Nice one! This painting is so beautiful.")

• As a warning:

  • "Khéo đấy! Đừng để đổ nước ra sàn." ("Careful now! Don't spill the water on the floor.")
  • "Khéo đấy! Cậu sắp nói sai mất rồi." ("Watch it! You're about to say the wrong thing.")

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is highly dependent on context and tone of voice. The same words can convey genuine praise or friendly caution.
• It is often used in spoken, informal conversations among friends, family, or colleagues.

Variants and Related Words

• Khéo tay (adj): skillful with one's hands, dexterous.

  • Cô ấy rất khéo tay, may quần áo rất đẹp. (She is very skillful with her hands, she sews clothes beautifully.)

• Khéo léo (adj): skillful, tactful, deft.

  • Anh ấy xử lý tình huống rất khéo léo. (He handled the situation very tactfully.)

Synonyms

• As praise: "Good job!", "Well done!", "Impressive!", "Clever!"
• As a warning: "Be careful!", "Watch out!", "Mind you!", "Heads up!"

Related Idioms

• Ăn khéo nói khéo: To act and speak tactfully.

  • Trong công việc này, cần phải biết ăn khéo nói khéo. (In this job, you need to know how to act and speak tactfully.)

• Khéo mồm khéo miệng: To be eloquent or persuasive in speech.

  • Cậu ta khéo mồm khéo miệng nên thuyết phục được nhiều người. (He is very eloquent, so he can persuade many people.)