Definition

1. Noun:

   • A handle or strap: A curved or similar part of an object used for carrying, holding, or wearing it. It often refers to the handle of a basket or pan, or the strap of a hat or sandal.
   • A chin strap (for a hat): Specifically, the strap under the chin used to secure a hat or helmet.

2. Verb (colloquial):

   • To hit, to strike, to fetch (a blow): To deliver a punch or a hit, typically with the fist.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Quai làn bị đứt rồi. (The basket handle is broken.)
  • Đứa bé thích nghịch quai chảo. (The child likes to play with the pan handle.)
  • Quai mũ của anh ấy có thể điều chỉnh được. (The strap on his hat is adjustable.)

• Verb:

  • Nó tức quá, định quai cho hắn một quả. (He was so angry he intended to fetch him a blow.)
  • Đừng có quai búa lung tung như thế! (Don't just hammer away like that!)

Advanced Usage

• "Râu quai nón": A colloquial term for "whiskers" or sideburns. The phrase literally refers to the beard that reaches down like the chin strap (quai) of a conical hat (nón).

  • Ông cụ để râu quai nón trông rất oai. (The old man with sideburns looks very dignified.)

• "Quai đê" / "Đê quai": Refers to the act of building or reinforcing dikes/embankments, especially to reclaim land from the sea.

  • Công việc quai đê lấn biển rất vất vả. (The work of building dikes to reclaim land from the sea is very hard.)

Variants and Related Words

• Quai hàm (n): Jaw, jawbone. (Note: This is a compound word where "quai" contributes to the meaning of a curved, holding structure.)
• Quai búa (v): To hammer, to beat with a hammer. (This is a verb phrase using "quai" in its verbal sense.)

Synonyms

• Noun (Handle/Strap):
  • Tay cầm: Handle (more general).
  • Dây đeo: Strap, sling.
• Verb (To hit):
  • Đánh: To hit, to strike.
  • Thoi: To punch (colloquial).
  • Nện: To beat, to thrash (colloquial).

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Quai cho (một quả): To fetch (a blow), to land a punch.
  • Anh ta bực mình và quai cho đối thủ một quả. (He got annoyed and fetched his opponent a blow.)

Related Idioms

• (Có) râu quai nón: (To have) sideburns/whiskers. Often used to describe a mature, dignified, or stern appearance in men.
  • Ông giám đốc mới có râu quai nón trông rất nghiêm nghị. (The new director with sideburns looks very stern.)

1. handle
   • Quai làn
     a basket handle
   • Quai chảo
     a pan handle (or strap)
   • Quai dép
     A sandal strap
   • Quai mũ
     A hat strap
   • Râu quai nón
     Whiskers.
2. (thông tục) Fetch
   • Quai cho một quả vào mặt
     To fetch someone a blow on the face
3. Hit,beat
   • Quai búa
     To beat with a hammer; to hammer
   • xem đê quai