Definition

1. Adjective:
   • A bit under the weather: To be in a state of mild illness or discomfort, often characterized by slight symptoms like a low-grade fever, sniffles, or general malaise, but not severe enough to be completely bedridden.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Nó bị cảm, người cứ khặc khừ mấy hôm nay. (He caught a cold and has been a bit under the weather for a few days.)
  • Thấy con khặc khừ, mẹ bảo nghỉ học ở nhà. (Seeing her child was a bit under the weather, the mother told him to stay home from school.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "khặc khừ" is primarily used in spoken, colloquial Vietnamese. It describes a physical state that is more noticeable than just feeling "off" but less serious than being properly "sick." It often implies a state where one can still function, albeit not at full capacity.

Variants and Related Words

• Khật khừ: A variant form with the same meaning.
  • Ông ấy khật khừ nên không đi đâu cả. (He was feeling a bit under the weather so he didn't go anywhere.)

Synonyms

• Under the weather: Feeling mildly ill.
• Poorly: In a state of ill health (British English, informal).
• Out of sorts: Slightly unwell or in low spirits.

Related Idioms

• Hâm hấp sốt: To have a slight fever. This phrase is often used in conjunction with "khặc khừ" to describe the specific symptoms of the mild illness.
  • Cậu bé hâm hấp sốt và khặc khừ cả tuần. (The little boy had a slight fever and was under the weather for a whole week.)

1. A bit under the weather