biết tay
[ʔɓiət̚˧˦ taj˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) to get to catch hands
Register: informal
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Cấm lại gần, không là biết tay tao.Don't you ever approach me, or else you will catch these hands.
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 ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(verb) to make a name for oneself
Register: informal
Examples
Phải thật giầu về cho thiên hạ biết tay mới được!I shall make a name for myself with a big fortune on my way home.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Equivalents & related
Common questions
What does “biết tay” mean?
(verb) to get to catch hands
Is “biết tay” formal or informal?
biết tay is generally informal.
What is the closest equivalent?
“make a name for oneself” (English) — near equivalent.