bán sống bán chết
[ʔɓaːn˧˦ səwŋ͡m˧˦ ʔɓaːn˧˦ t͡ɕet̚˧˦]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(adverb) in a dire situation that puts your endurance to the test
Adverb
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
chạy bán sống bán chếtto run like your life depends on it
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Common questions
What does “bán sống bán chết” mean?
(adverb) in a dire situation that puts your endurance to the test
Is “bán sống bán chết” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.