chia li
[t͡ɕiə˧˧ li˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) to separate; to part; to disunite (especially tragically; of family)
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Lúc yêu chẳng hiểu
Khi chia li sẽ đau rất nhiều
Đau đến trong tận linh hồn
Và cuộc đời một màu băng giáWhen we were in love, I had no clue
That when we part, it will hurt so much,
To the depths of my soul,
And life is as cold as ice
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
(adjective) tragic; miserable; bleak (especially due to separation)
Common questions
What does “chia li” mean?
(verb) to separate; to part; to disunite (especially tragically; of family)
Is “chia li” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.