Definition

1. Onomatopoeia / Interjection:
   • A groaning or moaning sound: "khừ khừ" is an onomatopoeic word that imitates the sound of deep, repetitive groaning or moaning, typically made by a person who is suffering, such as from illness, pain, or fever.
   • A clattering groan: It can describe a groaning sound that is somewhat harsh or rattling, often associated with the physical distress of a malarial fever.

Usage Examples

• Onomatopoeia / Interjection:
  • Anh ấy sốt cao, nằm rên khừ khừ cả đêm. (He had a high fever and lay groaning "khừ khừ" all night.)
  • Nghe tiếng rên khừ khừ từ trong phòng bệnh. (To hear the sound of groaning "khừ khừ" from inside the sickroom.)

Advanced Usage

• "rên khừ khừ": to groan "khừ khừ"; a common collocation describing the act of making this specific groaning sound due to suffering.
  • Bệnh nhân lên cơn sốt rét, rên khừ khừ không ngừng. (The patient had a malarial fit, groaning "khừ khừ" incessantly.)

Variants and Related Words

• Rên (v): to groan, to moan. This is the base verb, while "khừ khừ" specifies the sound.
• Rên rỉ (v): to whimper, to moan plaintively (can imply a more continuous or pitiful sound than "khừ khừ").

Synonyms

• Rên (onomatopoeic): u... ứ... (another onomatopoeia for a stifled groan).
• Rên rẩm (v): to groan, to moan (often with a sense of complaint).

Related Phrases

• Lên cơn sốt rét rên khừ khừ: To be seized by a fit of malaria and groan "khừ khừ". This is a set phrase illustrating the classic context for this word.
  • Ông cụ lên cơn sốt rét rên khừ khừ. (The old man was seized by a fit of malaria, groaning "khừ khừ".)

Notes on Meaning

• Primary Meaning: The word almost exclusively describes a human vocal sound of discomfort or pain. It is not typically used for sounds made by animals or objects.
• Nuance: "Khừ khừ" conveys a sense of involuntary, deep, and somewhat labored groaning, often due to physical illness like malaria. It is more specific and graphic than the general verb "rên" (to groan).

1. Clattering(groan)
   • Lên cơn sốt rét rên khừ khừ
     To make clattering groans when seized by a fit of malaria