Definition

1. Verb:
   • To keep an eye on / to watch over: To observe or monitor someone or something carefully, often to ensure safety, prevent problems, or supervise.
   • To be careful / to watch out: To be cautious or mindful of a potential danger or problem.

Usage Examples

• Verb (to keep an eye on):

  • Bạn có thể trông chừng túi xách của tôi một lát được không? (Can you keep an eye on my bag for a moment?)
  • Người bảo mẫu trông chừng lũ trẻ. (The nanny is watching over the children.)

• Verb (to be careful):

  • Trông chừng kẻo ngã. (Be careful, or you might fall.)
  • Lái xe trông chừng đường trơn. (Drive carefully; the road is slippery.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often implies a sense of duty, caution, or temporary responsibility. It can be used in both imperative warnings ("Trông chừng!") and descriptive statements about supervision.

Variants and Related Words

• Coi chừng (v): A near-synonymous phrase meaning "to watch out" or "to beware."

  • Coi chừng chó dữ. (Beware of the fierce dog.)

• Trông nom (v): To look after, to take care of (often with a sense of nurturing).

  • Bà ấy trông nom ngôi nhà. (She looks after the house.)

Synonyms

• To watch over: To supervise or guard.
• To mind: To pay attention to, especially for safety.
• To look out for: To be vigilant about.

Related Idioms

• While "trông chừng" itself is a common phrase, it is frequently used in direct, cautionary expressions rather than in fixed idiomatic constructions.