Definition

1. Demonstrative pronoun/adverb: "kia kìa" is a colloquial, emphatic variant of "kia," used to point out or draw attention to a specific person, object, or location that is relatively far from both the speaker and the listener. It carries a stronger sense of "over there" or "look there!"

Usage

• Pointing to a distant object or person: Used to indicate something visible but not nearby, often with a gesture.
• Drawing attention: Used to make the listener notice something specific in the distance.
• Responding to a question about location: Used to answer "where" questions by pointing out the place.

Usage Examples

• Pointing:
  • Kia kìa, con chim đang đậu trên cành cây. (Look over there, the bird is perched on the tree branch.)
  • Nhà hàng ở đâu? - Ở kia kìa. (Where is the restaurant? - It's over there.)
• Drawing attention:
  • Kia kìa! Xe buýt của chúng ta đến rồi. (Look! Our bus is here [over there].)
  • Anh ấy đang đứng kia kìa, cạnh cột đèn. (He's standing right over there, next to the lamp post.)

Advanced Usage

• "Kìa" vs. "Kia kìa": While "kìa" is the standard form, "kia kìa" is a reinforced, more emphatic version commonly used in spoken Vietnamese, especially in the Northern dialect. It adds a slightly more urgent or obvious tone.
  • Kìa, trời sắp mưa. (Look, it's about to rain.) Kia kìa, mây đen kìa! (Look over there, the black clouds!)

Variants and Related Words

• Kia (demonstrative pronoun/adverb): That, over there. The standard, less emphatic form.
  • Ngôi nhà kia rất đẹp. (That house over there is very beautiful.)
• Kìa (demonstrative pronoun/adverb): Look, there. Often used to suddenly draw attention.
  • Kìa, ai đến rồi! (Look, who's here!)
• Đằng kia (phrase): Over there (in that direction). Specifies a direction.
  • Hãy đi về đằng kia. (Go over in that direction.)

Synonyms

• Đó (demonstrative pronoun): That, there. Refers to something slightly closer or previously mentioned than "kia."
• Chỗ đó / Chỗ ấy (phrase): That place/spot there.

Related Phrases

• Kia này (phrase): A similar emphatic phrase meaning "here/there, look." It is used to point out something while handing it over or showing it more directly.
  • Cái bút của em kia này. (Here's your pen, look.)

Related Idioms

• Chỉ tay năm ngón (idiom): To point the finger. This idiom describes the action of pointing, which often accompanies saying "kia kìa."
  • Ông ấy chỉ tay năm ngón về phía ngọn núi và nói: "Nhà tôi ở kia kìa". (He pointed his finger toward the mountain and said: "My house is over there.")

1. như kia