gây sự
[ɣəj˧˧ sɨ˧˨ʔ]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(verb) to pick a fight
Verb
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Muốn gây sự à?Are you trying to pick a fight (with me)?
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 ↗
Equivalents & related
Near equivalent
pick a fight
To deliberately start a quarrel or argument
English
Near equivalent
gây hấn
(verb) to pick a fight
Tiếng Việt · via pick a fight
Lighter cards are two steps away in the meaning graph — equivalents of equivalents, reached via the entry shown on the card.
Common questions
What does “gây sự” mean?
(verb) to pick a fight
Is “gây sự” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.
What is the closest equivalent?
“pick a fight” (English) — near equivalent.