Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • In case, in the event that: Used to introduce a subordinate clause expressing a precautionary measure for a possible future situation, often an undesirable one.
   • In anticipation of, against: Expresses the idea of preparing for or guarding against a potential circumstance.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:
  • Tôi mang theo ô phòng khi trời mưa. (I brought an umbrella in case it rains.)
  • Anh ấy luôn để dành tiền phòng khi ốm đau. (He always saves money in case of illness.)
  • Chúng ta nên có kế hoạch dự phòng phòng khi kế hoạch chính thất bại. (We should have a backup plan in the event that the main plan fails.)

Advanced Usage

• "phòng khi hữu sự": A more formal or literary variant meaning "in case of an emergency" or "for when something important/unfortunate happens."

  • Gia đình nên có một khoản tiết kiệm phòng khi hữu sự. (Families should have savings for emergencies.)

• "phòng khi bất trắc": Meaning "in case of unforeseen events" or "against contingencies."

  • Luôn thắt dây an toàn phòng khi bất trắc. (Always wear a seatbelt against contingencies.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phòng (verb): To prevent, to guard against.
  • phòng bệnh (to prevent disease)
• Đề phòng (verb): To take precautions, to guard against. This is a close synonym often used interchangeably with "phòng khi" but is a verb phrase.
  • Đề phòng trộm cắp. (Guard against theft.)
• Phòng ngừa (verb): To prevent, to prophylactically guard against.
  • phòng ngừa cháy nổ (fire and explosion prevention)

Synonyms

• Phòng hờ: (Conjunction/Adverb) In case, just in case. Slightly more colloquial.
• Để phòng: (Conjunction) For precaution, in case. Emphasizes the purpose of preparation.
• Phòng lúc: (Conjunction) In case of the time when... Functionally identical to "phòng khi."

Related Phrases

• Phòng bệnh hơn chữa bệnh: (Idiom) Prevention is better than cure. This proverb encapsulates the core concept behind "phòng khi."
• Phòng cơm, áo gạo, tiền: (Idiomatic phrase) Refers to the essential preparations for life (house, clothes, rice, money), implying preparedness for basic needs.

1. In anticipation of, in case of, against
   • Phòng khi mưa gió
     Against a rainy day