Definition

1. Verb:
   • To scold, to rebuke, to chide: "khiền" is a colloquial verb meaning to speak to someone angrily or critically because they have done something wrong. It implies a sharp, often loud, verbal reprimand.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Mẹ khiền tôi vì tôi về nhà quá muộn. (My mother scolded me because I came home too late.)
  • Anh ấy bị thầy giáo khiền một trận vì không làm bài tập. (He got a scolding from the teacher for not doing his homework.)

Advanced Usage

• "khiền cho một trận" / "khiền cho một mẻ": to give someone a (good) scolding, to tell someone off thoroughly.
  • Bố nó sẽ khiền cho nó một trận khi biết chuyện. (His father will give him a good scolding when he finds out.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mắng (v): to scold, to tell off (more common and standard than "khiền").
• La (v): to shout at, to yell at (can imply scolding).
• Quở trách (v): to reproach, to admonish (more formal/literary).
• Rầy la (v): to berate, to scold (stronger, more prolonged).

Synonyms

• Chửi mắng: to curse and scold.
• Trách mắng: to blame and scold.

Notes on Usage

• Register: "Khiền" is considered colloquial and somewhat vulgar. It is more common in spoken Vietnamese, particularly in certain dialects or informal contexts. In formal writing or polite speech, words like "mắng", "phê bình" (to criticize), or "nhắc nhở" (to remind, to admonish) are preferred.
• Connotation: The word carries a tone of severity and directness. It is not a mild reprimand.

1. (thông tục) Chide, scold
   • Khiền cho nó một trận
     Give him a scolding