Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • Otherwise, or else, lest: Used to introduce a negative consequence that will likely occur if the preceding action is not taken. It expresses a warning or advice to avoid an undesirable outcome.
   • So as not to, in order not to: Used to indicate the purpose of an action is to prevent something from happening.

Usage Examples

• As a conjunction (Otherwise/Or else):
  • Mau mặc áo ấm vào kẻo bị cảm lạnh. (Put on a warm coat quickly, otherwise you'll catch a cold.)
  • Chúng ta nên khởi hành sớm kẻo tắc đường. (We should leave early, or else we'll get stuck in traffic.)
• As a conjunction (So as not to):
  • Tôi phải ghi chú cẩn thận kẻo quên. (I have to take notes carefully so as not to forget.)
  • Hãy nói nhỏ thôi kẻo làm phiền mọi người. (Please speak softly in order not to disturb everyone.)

Advanced Usage

• "kẻo mà": A slightly more emphatic or literary form with the same meaning.
  • Hãy cẩn thận kẻo mà ngã. (Be careful lest you fall.)
• Used in imperative or suggestive sentences to give urgent advice. The clause following "kẻo" always describes an undesirable situation.
  • Ăn nhanh lên kẻo đói. (Eat quickly, or else you'll be hungry.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nếu không: A more direct synonym for "otherwise" in conditional statements, but less urgent than "kẻo". (E.g., / Do it now, otherwise it will be too late.)
• Để khỏi: A close synonym meaning "in order to avoid", often interchangeable with "kẻo" in the "so as not to" sense. (E.g., / Exercise to avoid getting sick.)

Synonyms

• Bằng không: Otherwise, or else (more formal/neutral).
• Nếu không thì: If not, then (used in conditional reasoning).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Giữ *kẻo rơi: Hold (it) tight *so it doesn't fall. (A common warning.)
• Đi *kẻo trễ: Go now, *or else you'll be late. (A very common催促 phrase.)

1. If not, or else, otherwise
   • Bát phở nóng hổi nên ăn ngay kẻo nguội kém ngon
     The bowl of soup is steaming hot, eat it at once otherwise it will get cold and less tastier