khổ
[xo˧˩]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adjective) miserable; painful
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Những người cùng/khốn khổLes Misérables
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
(interjection) good grief (an expression of exasperation, annoyance, irritation)
Examples
Biết rồi, khổ lắm, nói mãi!I get it! Good grief! Enough with the nagging!
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(noun) a width of a roll of cloth
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(noun) a size
Examples
khổ A4A4 size
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “khổ” mean?
(adjective) miserable; painful
Is “khổ” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.