Definition

1. Adverbial phrase:
   • It seems / It appears / It looks like: Used to express an observation or judgment based on visual evidence or general impression, indicating that something is likely or probable.
   • Be careful / Watch out / Mind: Used as a warning or caution to pay attention and avoid a potential danger or mistake.

Usage Examples

• Meaning: It seems:
  • Xem chừng trời sắp mưa. (It looks like it's about to rain.)
  • Xem chừng dự án này sẽ bị trễ hạn. (It seems this project will be delayed.)
• Meaning: Be careful:
  • Xem chừng! Có một cái hố phía trước. (Watch out! There's a hole ahead.)
  • Xem chừng kẻo nói sai. (Be careful not to say the wrong thing.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase can often stand alone as an interjection, especially when used as a warning: (Careful! / Look out!).
• It is commonly used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a probable conclusion or a necessary caution.

Variants and Related Words

• Coi chừng (adverbial phrase): An almost identical variant, more common in Southern Vietnamese, with the same dual meanings of "it seems" and "be careful."
  • Coi chừng anh ta không đến. (It seems he won't come.)
  • Coi chừng chó dữ. (Beware of the fierce dog.)

Synonyms

• It seems / appears: Hình như, có vẻ như, dường như.
• Be careful / cautious: Cẩn thận, đề phòng, chú ý.

Related Idioms

• Xem chừng như: A slightly more formal or literary variant emphasizing "it seems as if."
  • Xem chừng như cô ấy đã biết sự thật. (It seems as if she already knew the truth.)