Definition

1. Adverbial phrase:
   • The trouble is / The problem is / Unfortunately: Used to introduce a complicating fact, difficulty, or unfortunate circumstance that hinders a desired outcome. It expresses a sense of frustration or regret about a specific situation.

Usage Examples

• Adverbial phrase:
  • Tôi muốn đi chơi, khổ nỗi tôi không có tiền. (I want to go out, the trouble is I don't have any money.)
  • Anh ấy rất thông minh, khổ nỗi lại lười biếng. (He is very intelligent, unfortunately he is lazy.)
  • Khổ nỗi, khi tôi đến thì cửa hàng đã đóng cửa. (The problem was, when I arrived, the shop was already closed.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used at the beginning of a clause or sentence to set up the contrasting, problematic information. It functions similarly to "the catch is" or "the hitch is" in English, highlighting a pivotal drawback.

Variants and Related Words

• Khốn nỗi (adverbial phrase): A variant with identical meaning and usage.
  • Nó định giúp, khốn nỗi không biết cách. (He intended to help, the problem was he didn't know how.)

Synonyms

• The difficulty is: Points to a specific obstacle.
• The catch is: Indicates a hidden or unforeseen problem.
• Sadly / Regrettably: Conveys a tone of disappointment.

Related Idioms

• While "khổ nỗi" itself is idiomatic, it is a core component of expressions conveying frustration over circumstances.
  • Khổ nỗi, nó không chịu nghe lời. (The frustrating thing is, he won't listen.)

1. như khốn nỗi