The Vietnamese word "kiếm chác" refers to the act of making a living or earning money through cleverness, often in a way that is not entirely honest or straightforward. It can imply using tricks, schemes, or shortcuts to gain small profits, sometimes involving dishonest practices.
Usage Instructions:
"Kiếm chác" is often used in a negative context, indicating that the way of earning money is not ethical or legal.
You can use it to describe someone who is trying to survive or make a profit through dubious means.
Examples:
"Trong thời kỳ khó khăn, nhiều người phải kiếm chác để sống sót."
(During tough times, many people have to rely on clever tricks to survive.)
Word Variants:
"Kiếm" means "to earn" or "to make" while "chác" relates to "tricks" or "tricksiness." Together, they form the notion of earning through cunning methods.
Related phrases might include "kiếm sống" (to make a living) which is more neutral and does not imply dishonesty.
Different Meanings:
While "kiếm chác" specifically refers to making a living through questionable means, it can also reflect a broader concept of surviving through cleverness in various contexts, not just financial.
Synonyms:
"Lừa đảo" (to deceive, to scam): This term is more directly related to dishonest practices.
"Buôn lậu" (smuggling): Specifically refers to illegal trade, often used in connection with "kiếm chác."
Conclusion:
In summary, "kiếm chác" reflects the idea of surviving by one's wits, often through dishonest or cunning means.