khéo đấy
Definition
- Interjection:
- Well done! / Nice one!: An exclamation used to express admiration, approval, or pleasant surprise at someone's skillful, clever, or well-executed action or result.
- Careful now! / Watch it!: A cautionary or warning phrase used to advise someone to be careful or mindful, often in a lighthearted or teasing manner.
Usage Examples
As praise:
- "Khéo đấy! Cậu sửa cái máy tính nhanh thật." ("Well done! You fixed that computer really quickly.")
- "Khéo đấy! Bức tranh này đẹp quá." ("Nice one! This painting is so beautiful.")
As a warning:
- "Khéo đấy! Đừng để đổ nước ra sàn." ("Careful now! Don't spill the water on the floor.")
- "Khéo đấy! Cậu sắp nói sai mất rồi." ("Watch it! You're about to say the wrong thing.")
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is highly dependent on context and tone of voice. The same words can convey genuine praise or friendly caution.
- It is often used in spoken, informal conversations among friends, family, or colleagues.
Variants and Related Words
Khéo tay (adj): skillful with one's hands, dexterous.
- Cô ấy rất khéo tay, may quần áo rất đẹp. (She is very skillful with her hands, she sews clothes beautifully.)
Khéo léo (adj): skillful, tactful, deft.
- Anh ấy xử lý tình huống rất khéo léo. (He handled the situation very tactfully.)
Synonyms
- As praise: "Good job!", "Well done!", "Impressive!", "Clever!"
- As a warning: "Be careful!", "Watch out!", "Mind you!", "Heads up!"
Related Idioms
Ăn khéo nói khéo: To act and speak tactfully.
- Trong công việc này, cần phải biết ăn khéo nói khéo. (In this job, you need to know how to act and speak tactfully.)
Khéo mồm khéo miệng: To be eloquent or persuasive in speech.
- Cậu ta khéo mồm khéo miệng nên thuyết phục được nhiều người. (He is very eloquent, so he can persuade many people.)