kì lương
Definition
- Noun (Vulgar, Slang):
- The dole; welfare payment; government benefit (money): A vulgar, colloquial term for a regular payment of money from the state, such as unemployment benefits or social assistance. It carries a connotation of sarcasm or disdain.
- A windfall; easy money: Can refer to any unexpected or easily obtained sum of money, often viewed with skepticism or mockery.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Tháng này nó lại đi lĩnh kì lương của nhà nước. (This month he went to collect his dole from the government again.)
- Cả ngày không làm gì, chỉ chờ kì lương thôi à? (You do nothing all day, just waiting for your welfare check, huh?)
Advanced Usage
- The term is inherently informal and vulgar. It is not used in formal or polite contexts. Its use often implies laziness, dependency, or a mocking attitude towards the recipient or the system.
Variants and Related Words
- Trợ cấp (n): Allowance, benefit. (The standard, neutral term).
- Anh ấy nhận trợ cấp thất nghiệp. (He receives unemployment allowance.)
- Tiền trợ cấp (n): Allowance money.
- Tiền chùa (n, slang): Literally "temple money"; money that is easy come, easy go, or money that is not earned by one's own labor.
Synonyms
- Dole
- Welfare (payment)
- Benefit money
- Windfall (in the "easy money" sense)
Related Idioms/Phrases
- Ăn kì lương: To live on the dole; to be on benefits.
- Hắn suốt ngày nhậu nhẹt, ăn kì lương của vợ. (He drinks all day, living on his wife's benefits.)