khăm

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The Vietnamese word "khăm" generally refers to playing a trick or prank on someone, often with a sense of mischief or malice. It can be translated as "to play a nasty trick" or "to prank" in English.

Basic Usage:

• Play a trick: When you "khăm" someone, you are doing something to them that is meant to be funny or surprising, but it can also be mean or hurtful.
• Example:
  • "Hôm qua, tôi đã khăm bạn tôi bằng cách giấu điện thoại của anh ấy."
  • (Yesterday, I pranked my friend by hiding his phone.)

Advanced Usage:

• "Chơi khăm" is a more common phrase that means "to play a prank." It can be used in various contexts, such as among friends or even in playful family situations.
• While "khăm" often has a negative connotation, in some contexts, it can be used lightheartedly among friends who enjoy joking with each other.

Variants:

• The word can be combined with other words to create phrases. For instance:
  • "khăm người khác" (to prank someone else)
  • "khăm vui" (to play a fun prank)

Different Meanings:

While "khăm" primarily means to prank or play a trick, in some contexts, it can imply a sense of being sneaky or deceitful. However, the primary focus is on the action of tricking someone.

Synonyms:

• Chơi khăm: To play a prank.
• Trêu chọc: To tease or make fun of someone.
• Lừa: To deceive or trick (this is more serious and can imply a negative outcome).

Cultural Context:

In Vietnamese culture, pranks can be a way of showing affection among friends, but it’s essential to know your audience—some people might not appreciate being pranked. Always consider the feelings of the person you intend to prank to ensure it remains a fun experience for everyone involved.

Academic

1. Nasty
   • Chơi khăm ai
     To play a nasty trick on someone