Definition

1. Verb:
   • To carry, to transport (heavy objects): "khuân" refers to the action of moving or transporting heavy items, typically using physical strength, often involving lifting and carrying with hands or on shoulders. It implies moving objects from one place to another.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Anh ấy đang khuân những thùng hàng nặng vào kho. (He is carrying the heavy boxes into the warehouse.)
  • Chúng tôi phải khuân hết đồ đạc cũ ra khỏi nhà. (We had to carry all the old furniture out of the house.)
  • Đội bốc vác chuyên khuân hàng hóa ở bến cảng. (The porters specialize in carrying goods at the dock.)

Advanced Usage

• "khuân vác": This is a common compound verb meaning "to carry heavy loads" or "to do heavy manual labor involving carrying." It emphasizes the strenuous nature of the work.
  • Công việc khuân vác ở chợ đầu mối rất vất vả. (The carrying work at the wholesale market is very hard.)
• Implied meaning of burden or effort: The word can sometimes imply a tedious or burdensome task beyond just physical carrying.
  • Khuân đống sách này lên tầng 4 mệt quá! (Carrying this pile of books up to the 4th floor is so tiring!)

Variants and Related Words

• Khiêng (verb): To carry (usually by two or more people holding an object at both ends). It is a close synonym often used interchangeably with "khuân," though "khiêng" more specifically suggests shared effort.
• Vác (verb): To carry on one's shoulder. This is another synonym that specifies the method of carrying.
• Bưng/bê (verb): To carry (in one's hands or arms, often carefully). These are for lighter or more delicate items compared to "khuân."
• Chuyển (verb): To move, to transfer. A more general term for moving objects, not necessarily implying manual carrying of heavy items.

Synonyms

• Carry: Mang, vác, khiêng (general terms for carrying).
• Transport: Vận chuyển (more formal or general for transportation).
• Haul: Kéo lê, chở (to pull or transport, often over a distance).

Related Phrases (Collocations)

• Khuân đồ: To carry stuff/things.
  • Tối nay tôi phải khuân đồ sang nhà mới. (Tonight I have to carry stuff to the new house.)
• Khuân hàng: To carry goods/merchandise.
  • Xe tới rồi, mau ra khuân hàng xuống đi! (The truck is here, hurry and carry the goods down!)
• Khuân giúp: To help carry.
  • Cậu khuân giúp tôi cái bàn này với. (Can you help me carry this table?)

Notes on Usage

• Register: "Khuân" is a common, colloquial word used in everyday spoken Vietnamese. It is neutral but conveys a sense of physical labor.
• Object: It typically collocates with nouns for heavy, bulky, or numerous items (e.g., - belongings, - goods, - boxes, - tables and chairs).
• Difference from "mang": While "mang" is a very general verb for "to carry" or "to bring" (e.g., - bring an umbrella), "khuân" specifically suggests moving heavy objects, often with noticeable effort. You would not use "khuân" for carrying a phone or a bag lightly.

verb

1. to carry