Definition

1. Adverb:
   • Seldom, rarely, infrequently: Indicates that an action or event occurs not often or only on a few occasions. It describes a low frequency.

Usage

• Position in a sentence: Typically placed before the main verb or after the subject.
• Function: Modifies the verb to express the rarity of the action.
• Tone: Neutral; used in both spoken and written Vietnamese.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Anh ấy ít khi đến thăm chúng tôi. (He seldom visits us.)
  • Tôi ít khi ăn đồ ngọt. (I rarely eat sweets.)
  • Cô ấy ít khi tức giận. (She is seldom angry.)

Advanced Usage

• "Ít khi nào": A slightly more emphatic form, meaning "hardly ever" or "very rarely."
  • Nó ít khi nào đi xem phim. (He hardly ever goes to the movies.)
• "Hiếm khi": A near-synonymous phrase, also meaning "rarely" or "seldom." While very similar, "hiếm khi" can sometimes imply a slightly lower frequency than "ít khi."
  • Trời hiếm khi mưa vào mùa này. (It rarely rains in this season.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hiếm (adj): Rare, scarce.
  • Đó là một loài chim hiếm. (That is a rare bird.)
• Thỉnh thoảng (adv): Occasionally, sometimes. (Indicates a higher frequency than "ít khi.")
  • Tôi thỉnh thoảng mới gặp anh ta. (I meet him only occasionally.)

Synonyms

• Hiếm khi (adv): Rarely, seldom.
• Hãn hữu (adv): Very rarely, exceptionally seldom (more formal/literary).

Antonyms

• Thường xuyên (adv): Frequently, often.
• Luôn luôn (adv): Always.
• Hay (adv): Often (in spoken language).

adv

1. seldom; earely
   • nó ít khi đi đến trường
     He selfom goes to the school