k
[kaː˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(particle) abbreviation of không
Register: informal
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
k ăn đâuI'm not eating
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
Texting shortcut for “không” — no / not. The single most common teencode abbreviation.
Literally: First letter of không; “hok/hong/hem” are cutesy spoken-flavor spellings.
Register: informalConnotation: texting shorthand
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Origin
Mạng xã hội · Vietnamese internet culture
Sources & notes
Listed in vi.wikipedia “Teencode” (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30).
Common questions
What does “k” mean?
(particle) abbreviation of không
Is “k” formal or informal?
k is generally informal.