chật vật
[t͡ɕət̚˧˨ʔ vət̚˧˨ʔ]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(adjective) strenuous; arduous; toilsome; laborious; strugglesome
Adjective
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
[…] it [NeXT] was also rumored to be on shaky ground, especially after it was forced to close its hardware business not too long before.
[…] gia đình cuộc sống khá chật vật, anh Dụng buộc phải mang vườn tiêu hơn 4.000m² của gia đình đem đi cầm [cố] để trang trải nợ nần, đồng thời lo chuyện ăn hàng ngày, đóng tiền học phí cho con.
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 “chật vật” mean?
(adjective) strenuous; arduous; toilsome; laborious; strugglesome
Is “chật vật” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.