Tiếng Việt · Word Attested

khám

[xaːm˧˦]

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

(noun) jail; prison

Where it’s used: Used Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora

Examples

Bác sĩ đang khám cho bệnh nhân ở phòng bên.The doctor is examining a patient in the next room.

Editorial example (contributed-collins-enriched)

Sources & notes

Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗ Local usage: Depending on context, it can mean a doctor examining someone or a patient going for a medical checkup. [contributed-collins-enriched]

Sense 2

Meaning · English

(verb) to examine carefully (for evidence of crime, etc.); to search; to ransack; to check

Examples

lệnh khám nhàa search warrant

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sense 3

Meaning · English

(verb) to examine (a patient)

Examples

khám bụngto clinically examine the abdomen

khám sức khoẻto check someone's health

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Sense 4

Meaning · English

(verb) to see (a doctor)

Examples

đi khám bác sĩto go to see a doctor

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Common questions

What does “khám” mean?

(noun) jail; prison

Is “khám” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.