The Vietnamese word "co kéo" can be translated into English as "to tug" or "to pull." It is often used to describe the action of gently pulling something or someone, or in a more figurative sense, it can refer to the act of trying to keep someone from leaving or moving on.
Physical Action:
Figurative Usage:
In more advanced contexts, "co kéo" can imply a level of skill in managing resources or situations. For instance, in the phrase: - "Khéo co kéo mới không nợ," which translates to "To know how to contrive well with little and keep one's head above water." This suggests being resourceful and managing to thrive under constraints.
"Co" and "kéo" can be used separately, but together as "co kéo," they form a specific meaning. - "Co" can mean to bend or to contract. - "Kéo" means to pull or to drag.
While "co kéo" primarily means "to tug" or "to pull," it can also imply: - Maintaining a situation or controlling a person’s decision to remain. - Skillfully managing limited resources or circumstances.
Some synonyms for "co kéo" include: - "Kéo" (to pull) - without the nuance of gently holding back. - "Giữ lại" (to retain or hold back) - emphasizing the act of not letting go.