Definition

1. Verb:
   • To carry with one's hands, to move by hand: "Khênh" describes the action of two or more people lifting and transporting a heavy or bulky object by hand to another location. It implies a cooperative effort to move something that is difficult for one person to handle alone.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Mọi người cùng khênh chiếc tủ lên tầng hai. (Everyone together carried the wardrobe up to the second floor.)
  • Chúng tôi phải khênh cái máy giấy cũ ra bãi rác. (We had to carry the old photocopier out to the dump by hand.)

Advanced Usage

• "Khênh vác": This is a compound verb combining "khênh" and "vác" (to shoulder-carry). It emphasizes the act of carrying heavy loads, often over distances.
  • Công việc khênh vác hàng hóa ở bến tàu rất vất vả. (The work of manually carrying goods at the port is very hard.)

Variants and Related Words

• Khiêng: This is a common variant spelling and pronunciation of "khênh". The meanings and usage are identical.
  • Khiêng bàn ghế giúp tôi một tay. (Help me carry the tables and chairs.)
• Vác (verb): To carry on one's shoulder. While "vác" often involves one person, "khênh/khiêng" involves multiple people.
• Bưng (verb): To carry carefully in one's hands or on a tray, usually something lighter or more delicate.

Synonyms

• Mang (verb): To carry, to bring. A more general term that does not specify the method or number of people.
• Chuyển (verb): To move, to transfer. A broader term for relocating something.

Related Phrases

• Khênh nhau (idiomatic): Literally "to carry each other," this phrase is used informally to describe people supporting or helping each other, often physically.
  • Đường trơn quá, chúng mình phải khênh nhau mà đi. (The road is too slippery, we have to support each other to walk.)

Notes on Usage

• The word "khênh" (or "khiêng") specifically denotes a manual, collective effort. It is not used for carrying small, light items or for transport using vehicles or machinery.
• It is a colloquial and common word in everyday spoken Vietnamese.

1. Carry with one's hands, move by hand
   • Khênh cái bàn ra sân
     To carry a table with one's hands out into the courtryard, to move a table out into the cortryard