Definition

1. Verb:
   • To live by one's wits; to make small, often dishonest, profits: The primary meaning of "kiếm chác" refers to the act of obtaining minor gains or profits, typically through cunning, petty tricks, or slightly dishonest means. It implies a focus on small-scale, opportunistic gain rather than honest, substantial work.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Hắn ta chỉ biết kiếm chác bằng những mánh khóe. (He only knows how to make a living through petty tricks.)
  • Bọn buôn lậu nhỏ lẻ thường kiếm chác ở vùng biên giới. (Small-time smugglers often live by their wits along the border.)
  • Đừng tin hắn, hắn đang tìm cách kiếm chác từ anh đấy. (Don't trust him; he's looking for a way to make a small, dishonest profit from you.)

Advanced Usage

• The term often carries a negative connotation, suggesting a lack of scruples or a willingness to exploit minor opportunities for personal gain. It is frequently used in contexts of informal or illicit economies.

Variants and Related Words

• Kiếm sống (v): To make a living. This is a more neutral term for earning a livelihood, without the negative connotation of "kiếm chác."
  • Anh ấy kiếm sống bằng nghề lái xe. (He makes a living as a driver.)

Synonyms

• To scrounge: To obtain something, especially money or food, by begging or borrowing without intending to repay.
• To grift: To engage in petty swindling or dishonest schemes for small gains.
• To profit dishonestly: To gain an advantage, especially financially, through deceit.

Related Idioms

• Kiếm chác vặt: To make petty, insignificant gains. This emphasizes the small and often undignified nature of the profits.
  • Suốt ngày lo kiếm chác vặt thì không thể giàu được. (If you spend all day worrying about making petty gains, you can never become rich.)

1. Live by one;s wits, make small profits by dishonest tricks
   • Kiếm chác bằng cách buôn lậưTo live by one's wits with
     contraband