kháo

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The Vietnamese word "kháo" can be understood as a verb that means to gossip or to spill private secrets about someone. It often involves sharing confidential information or personal stories that are not meant to be shared publicly.

Basic Meaning:

• Gossiping: Sharing private or secret information about someone else, often in a casual or informal setting.

Usage Instructions:

• "Kháo" is typically used in informal conversations among friends or family. It can be used to describe a situation where someone is talking about others’ personal lives in a way that is not respectful or is considered nosy.

Example:

• Sentence: "Hôm qua, tôi nghe mấy bạn trong lớp kháo nhau về chuyện riêng tư của một bạn khác."
  • Translation: "Yesterday, I heard some friends in class gossiping about someone else's private matters."

Advanced Usage:

• In a more advanced context, "kháo" can be used to describe scenarios where the gossip might not be harmful but is still an invasion of privacy. It can also refer to the act of sharing stories that are meant to be kept secret, often for entertainment or curiosity.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "kháo," but it can be used in different phrases:
  • "kháo nhau": to gossip with each other.
  • "kháo về": to gossip about someone or something.

Different Meanings:

• While "kháo" primarily relates to gossiping, it can sometimes imply a sense of light-hearted or playful chatter among friends, even if it involves discussing others. However, it is important to note that it generally carries a negative connotation regarding respect for privacy.

Synonyms:

• Tám: Another slang term for gossiping, often used in informal settings.
• Nói xấu: To speak ill of someone, which can also imply gossiping negatively about them.
• Kể lể: To tell or recount stories, often in a way that may involve gossiping.

Cultural Note:

In Vietnamese culture, gossiping is often viewed negatively, especially if it involves sharing secrets that could harm someone's reputation or personal life. The phrase "ăn cơm nhà nọ kháo cà nhà kia," which literally translates to "eat rice from one family and gossip about another," emphasizes the idea of betrayal and disloyalty when sharing private stories. This phrase reflects the importance of maintaining trust and privacy in relationships.

Academic

1. Spill someome's private (still secret) stories
   • ăn cơm nhà nọ kháo cà nhà kia
     To eat one family's rice and tell another private stories