kiếm chác

Thân thiện

Người bán hàng rong cố kiếm chác thêm chút lợi nhuận từ khách hàng.

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.)

Học thuật

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