Definition

1. Interjection / Phrase:
   • Knock on wood / Touch wood: A superstitious phrase said immediately before praising a young child (or sometimes a valued possession) to ward off bad luck or the "evil eye" that the praise might inadvertently attract. It functions as a verbal protective charm.

Usage Examples

• Interjection / Phrase:
  • Nói trộm vía, con bé nhà tôi năm nay học rất giỏi. (Knock on wood, my daughter is doing very well in school this year.)
  • Nói trộm vía cháu, cháu ăn ngoan và rất khỏe mạnh. (Touch wood for the child, he eats well and is very healthy.)
  • Cái xe này, nói trộm vía, chạy rất êm và chưa hỏng lần nào. (This car, knock on wood, runs very smoothly and has never broken down.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is deeply rooted in Vietnamese folk belief, specifically the concept of "" (vital spirit or aura). It is believed excessive praise can weaken a child's "," making them vulnerable to illness or misfortune. Saying "" is meant to "steal" the praise without drawing negative spiritual attention.
• It is almost exclusively used at the of a praising statement. The act of saying it aloud is considered the protective action itself.

Variants and Related Words

• Trộm vía: A shorter, more casual form with identical meaning and usage.
  • Trộm vía, bé mới sinh mà ngủ rất ngoan. (Knock on wood, the newborn sleeps very well.)

Synonyms

• Knock on wood / Touch wood: The closest English equivalents, expressing a similar desire to avoid tempting fate after a positive statement.
• Jinx-preventing phrase: A descriptive synonym.

Related Idioms

• Sợ vía: To be afraid of someone's or something's strong aura or presence (often used humorously).
• The concept is related to the belief in the evil eye, where envy or excessive admiration can cause harm.