kẻo rồi

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kẻo rồi

Đừng đi nhanh quá kẻo rồi ngã.

Definition
  1. Conjunction:
    • Otherwise, or else, lest: Used to express a warning or indicate a negative consequence that will likely occur if a certain action is not taken. It is synonymous with "kẻo nữa".
Usage
  • "Kẻo rồi" is used at the beginning or in the middle of a clause that states the undesirable outcome. It is typically preceded by a clause suggesting a recommended action.
  • It functions as a subordinating conjunction connecting an imperative or suggestive action with its potential negative result.
  • The tone is cautionary or advisory.
Usage Examples
  • Conjunction:
    • Làm bài tập đi, kẻo rồi cô giáo phạt. (Do your homework, otherwise the teacher will punish you.)
    • Phải về sớm kẻo rồi trời tối. (We must go home early, or else it will get dark.)
    • Ăn nhanh lên kẻo rồi đồ ăn nguội hết. (Eat quickly, lest the food gets completely cold.)
Advanced Usage
  • "kẻo rồi" in formal vs. informal speech: While correct, "kẻo rồi" is more common in spoken Vietnamese. In more formal writing, alternatives like "nếu không" (if not) might be preferred, though the cautionary nuance differs slightly.
  • Implied urgency: The phrase often carries a sense of urgency, implying the negative consequence is imminent or highly probable.
Variants and Related Words
  • Kẻo: A shorter, more common form with the same meaning ("otherwise"). It is often used interchangeably with "kẻo rồi".
    • Mặc áo ấm vào kẻo lạnh. (Put on warm clothes or else you'll get cold.)
  • Kẻo nữa: A direct synonym for "kẻo rồi", identical in meaning and usage.
    • Đi ngay đi kẻo nữa muộn. (Go now, otherwise you'll be late.)
  • Nếu không thì: A more neutral and common phrase for "otherwise/if not then". It states a conditional result without the strong cautionary tone of "kẻo rồi".
    • Học chăm chỉ, nếu không thì bạn sẽ thi trượt. (Study hard, otherwise you will fail the exam.)
Synonyms
  • Bằng không: Otherwise, or else (slightly more formal).
  • Nếu không: If not.
  • Phòng khi: In case (used more for precaution than warning of an immediate consequence).
Related Idioms/Phrases
  • Ăn kẻo rồi hết: This is not a fixed idiom but a common sentence structure exemplifying the word's use. It means "Eat it, otherwise it will be all gone."
  • The word itself is a key component in constructing cautionary phrases rather than being part of a larger, fixed idiom.
kẻo rồi

Đừng đi nhanh quá kẻo rồi ngã.

  1. như kẻo nữa