khè khè

Friendly

The Vietnamese word "khè khè" is an onomatopoeic expression that describes a sound resembling a cough or a croak. It is often used to refer to a specific type of cough that might be dry or raspy.

Meaning

• Basic Meaning: "Khè khè" refers to a sound made when someone coughs, especially in a way that is not very forceful or is somewhat weak. It can also describe a croaking sound, similar to what frogs make.

Usage Instructions

• You can use "khè khè" when talking about someone coughing softly, or when you want to describe the sound of an animal, such as a frog.
• It can also be used in a playful or informal context to describe something that sounds a bit funny or silly.

Examples

1. In a sentence about coughing:

   • "Khi trời lạnh, tôi thường khè khè ho." (When it's cold, I often cough lightly.)

2. Describing an animal sound:

   • "Con ếch khè khè trong đêm." (The frog croaks in the night.)

Advanced Usage

• "Khè khè" can be used in a metaphorical sense to describe someone who is speaking in a low or hoarse voice, as if they have a cold.
• It can also imply a sense of annoyance or exasperation when someone is repeatedly making a soft coughing sound.

Word Variants

• While "khè khè" itself is quite specific, you may encounter variations like "khò khè," which refers to a deeper and more throaty cough.

Different Meanings

• In some contexts, "khè khè" can also refer to a sound made by certain musical instruments or even machinery that produces a similar raspy noise.

Synonyms

• Some synonyms for "khè khè" in terms of sound could include:
  • "húng hắng" (a light cough)
  • "khò khè" (a deeper cough)

Conclusion

"Khè khè" is a versatile word that can describe both human and animal sounds, making it a useful addition to your Vietnamese vocabulary.

Academic

1. xem khè (láy)