ơ kìa
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Interjection:
- Hey! / Look! / Oh my!: An exclamation used to express surprise, mild protest, or to draw someone's attention to something unexpected or noteworthy. It often conveys a tone of playful or gentle admonishment.
Usage Examples
- Interjection:
- Ơ kìa! Sao anh đến sớm thế? (Hey! Why are you so early?)
- Ơ kìa! Cẩn thận với cái cốc kia! (Look! Be careful with that glass!)
- Ơ kìa! Con làm hỏng đồ chơi mới rồi! (Oh my! You've broken the new toy!)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can be used on its own or at the beginning of a sentence to immediately capture attention and frame the following statement as a reaction to a surprising or improper action.
- It is commonly used in spoken Vietnamese and can soften a reprimand, making it sound less harsh and more affectionate or teasing.
Variants and Related Words
- Ô kìa: An alternative, equally common spelling and pronunciation with identical meaning and usage.
- Ô kìa! Ai đứng đằng kia thế? (Look! Who's standing over there?)
Synonyms
- Này: Hey (a more neutral or direct call for attention).
- Trời ơi: Oh my god / Oh dear (expresses stronger surprise or shock).
- Nhìn kìa: Look there (a more literal instruction to look).
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Ơ kìa lạ nhỉ: An extended exclamation meaning "Well, isn't that strange!" or "How odd!"
- Ơ kìa lạ nhỉ! Chìa khóa của tôi đâu rồi? (How odd! Where is my key?)
- như ô kìa