Definition

1. Adjective (Tính từ):
   • Slightly difficult, somewhat hard: "kho khó" is a reduplicative word (từ láy) derived from "khó" (difficult). It expresses a lesser degree of difficulty than "khó" alone, meaning something is a bit hard, somewhat tricky, or not very easy.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Bài toán này kho khó một chút, nhưng em vẫn có thể làm được. (This math problem is a bit tricky, but I can still solve it.)
  • Đoạn đường phía trước kho khó, lái xe cẩn thận nhé. (The road ahead is somewhat difficult, drive carefully.)
  • Công việc nghe có vẻ kho khó nhưng thực ra lại rất thú vị. (The job sounds slightly hard but is actually very interesting.)

Advanced Usage

• "Kho khó" is primarily used in spoken Vietnamese or informal writing to soften the statement, making it sound less harsh or absolute than using "khó". It often implies that while there is a challenge, it is manageable.

Variants and Related Words

• Khó (adj): Difficult, hard. This is the root word.
  • Cửa sổ này khó mở quá. (This window is too hard to open.)
• Khó khăn (adj/n): Difficult, challenging; difficulty (as a noun). This is more formal and indicates a more significant level of difficulty than "kho khó".
  • Chúng tôi đang gặp nhiều khó khăn. (We are facing many difficulties.)
• Khó nhọc (adj): Arduous, laborious. Emphasizes physical or strenuous difficulty.
  • công việc khó nhọc (arduous work)

Synonyms

• Hơi khó: A bit difficult.
• Không dễ: Not easy.
• Có chút thử thách: A bit challenging.

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning of "kho khó" is a diminished intensity of "khó". It does not mean "very difficult" but rather "moderately difficult" or "a little hard". It often carries a connotation of something being cumbersome or requiring a bit more effort than usual.

1. xem khó (láy)