Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Nearly, about, almost: Used to describe a quantity, amount, or measurement that is very close to a specific figure but not exactly reaching it. It implies a very small margin of difference.
   • Close, by a narrow margin: Describes an action or event that almost happened or was barely avoided.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cân nặng của nó xúyt xoát 10 kg. (Its weight is nearly 10 kg.)
  • Anh ấy xúyt xoát bị tai nạn. (He almost had an accident.)
  • Khoảng cách xúyt xoát một cây số. (The distance is about one kilometer.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is often used in informal, spoken Vietnamese to give an approximate estimate. It can sometimes carry a tone of relief when describing a negative event that was narrowly avoided.

Variants and Related Words

• Suýt (adv): An abbreviated and more common form meaning "almost" or "nearly," often used before a verb.

  • Tôi suýt ngã. (I almost fell.)

• Suýt soát (adj): A variant spelling with the same meaning as "xúyt xoát."

Synonyms

• Gần như: almost, nearly.
• Chừng: approximately, about.
• Sắp: about to (often for time or imminent actions).

Related Idioms

• Xúyt xoát nữa thì...: Was this close to... (often used with a gesture).
  • Xúyt xoát nữa thì tôi bị lỡ chuyến tàu. (I was this close to missing the train.)

adjective

1. nearly, about