kẹt
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb:
- To be stuck; to be jammed; to be caught: Refers to an object becoming trapped or immobilized in a narrow space or between surfaces, preventing movement.
- To be pinched; to be nipped: Describes something being squeezed or caught tightly, often causing pressure or pain.
- To stick; to become lodged: Used when an item does not move smoothly in its intended mechanism.
Adjective:
- Stuck; in a tight spot; in a bind: Describes a difficult situation, often financial or logistical, where one is trapped or lacks a solution.
- Squeaky; grating: Describes a short, sharp, high-pitched sound produced by friction between hard objects.
Noun:
- A crack; a crevice; a narrow gap: A small, narrow opening or space between objects.
- A nook; a corner; an out-of-the-way spot: A secluded or hidden corner.
Usage Examples
Verb:
- Chìa khóa kẹt trong ổ. (The key is stuck in the lock.)
- Tờ giấy bị kẹt trong máy in. (The paper got jammed in the printer.)
- Ngón tay tôi bị kẹt ở cửa. (My finger got pinched in the door.)
Adjective:
- Tôi đang kẹt tiền. (I am in a tight spot for money.)
- Cánh cửa cũ kêu kẹt kẹt. (The old door makes a squeaking sound.)
Noun:
- Lau bụi trong các kẹt bàn. (Dust in the cracks of the table.)
- Con mèo trốn trong kẹt tủ. (The cat hid in the nook behind the cupboard.)
Advanced Usage
"Kẹt xe": traffic jam.
- Đường phố bị kẹt xe vào giờ cao điểm. (The streets have a traffic jam during rush hour.)
"Kẹt lời": to be at a loss for words; to be tongue-tied.
- Bị chất vấn bất ngờ, anh ấy hoàn toàn kẹt lời. (Questioned unexpectedly, he was completely at a loss for words.)
Variants and Related Words
Kẹt cứng (adj/verb): to be jammed solid; completely stuck.
- Bánh xe kẹt cứng trong bùn. (The wheel was jammed solid in the mud.)
Kèn kẹt (onomatopoeia/adjective): a repeated squeaking or grating sound.
- Xe đẩy hàng kêu kèn kẹt. (The cart made a squeaking sound.)
Synonyms
- Verb: To jam, to trap, to catch.
- Adjective: Stuck, difficult, squeaky.
- Noun: Crevice, cranny, corner.
Related Idioms
Kẹt như con kiến trong hũ: To be stuck like an ant in a jar (i.e., to be trapped with no way out).
- Mất điện thang máy, chúng tôi kẹt như con kiến trong hũ. (With the elevator power out, we were stuck like ants in a jar.)
Kẹt giữa hai lựa chọn: To be caught between two choices; to be on the horns of a dilemma.
- Cô ấy kẹt giữa hai lựa chọn công việc. (She was caught between two job offers.)
verb
- to nip; to catch; to pinch; to stick
- chìa khóa kẹt trong ổThe key stuck in the lock