khoan hỡi hồ khoan
Definition
- Interjection:
- A work chant or rhythmic call: This is a traditional call or chant used by boat rowers (like ferrymen) or laborers during heavy, coordinated physical work. It serves to synchronize effort, set a pace, and boost morale.
Usage Examples
- Interjection:
- Người chèo đò hô to "khoan hỡi hồ khoan" để cùng nhịp mái chèo. (The boat rower shouted "khoan hỡi hồ khoan" to synchronize their oar strokes.)
- "Khoan hỡi hồ khoan" vang lên giữa tiếng lao động nặng nhọc. ("Khoan hỡi hồ khoan" rang out amidst the sounds of strenuous labor.)
Advanced Usage
- This phrase is deeply embedded in the folklore and traditional work culture of Vietnam, particularly associated with the rhythm of life on rivers. It is more a cultural artifact than a phrase used in everyday modern conversation.
Variants and Related Words
- Hò (n): A genre of Vietnamese folk singing, often work songs. "Khoan hỡi hồ khoan" is a specific example of a chant.
- Điệu hò của người miền Trung thường thiết tha. (The hò songs of the Central region are often soulful.)
Synonyms
- Work chant: A rhythmic shout or song for coordinating labor.
- Heave-ho: A call made when pulling or lifting something in unison (similar in function).
Related Idioms
- While not an idiom itself, this phrase is a quintessential part of Vietnamese work songs (hò lao động). These songs represent the spirit of collective labor and resilience.