kêu trời

Friendly

The Vietnamese phrase "kêu trời" can be translated to English as "to implore (or entreat) God" or "to cry out to the heavens." It is often used in situations where someone expresses deep distress, desperation, or a plea for help, almost as if they are calling out to a higher power for assistance in a difficult situation.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "kêu trời" when you want to describe someone who is feeling overwhelmed and is seeking help or relief from a tough circumstance.
• It is often used in informal conversations and can be applied to various contexts, such as personal struggles, emotional distress, or overwhelming situations.

Example:

• "Khi biết tin mình bị mất việc, anh ấy đã kêu trời vì không biết phải làm gì tiếp theo." (When he found out he lost his job, he cried out to the heavens because he didn't know what to do next.)

Advanced Usage:

In a more advanced context, "kêu trời" can be used metaphorically to describe someone who is lamenting about their situation, not necessarily in a religious context. For example, you might hear someone say, "Tôi không thể chịu đựng thêm nữa, tôi phải kêu trời!" (I can't take it anymore; I have to cry out to the heavens!)

Word Variants:

• "Kêu" means "to call" or "to cry out."
• "Trời" means "heaven" or "God."
• You might see variants in different contexts, such as "kêu khóc" (to cry out) or "kêu ca" (to complain).

Different Meanings:

While "kêu trời" primarily conveys a sense of desperation or plea, it can also be used in a lighter context to express frustration with minor inconveniences, though this is less common.

Synonyms:

• "Cầu nguyện" (to pray) – This term is more formal and directly related to prayer.
• "Kêu cứu" (to call for help) – This implies a more urgent need for assistance.

Academic

1. Implore, God, entreat God