kìa

[kiə˨˩]

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

Sense 1

Meaning · English

(pronoun) there (farther than “kia” but still visible); over there

Register: informal

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

Examples

hôm kìathree days ago
ngày kìathree days later

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) Exclamation used before an appeasing remark, often in response to a previous uncaring expression that displeased the other person in a conversation; or, used to express disapproval.

Register: informal

Examples

Kìa em! Anh trêu có một tí mà cũng dỗi.Hey now dear! I was just kidding around, why do you have to get sullen all of a sudden?
Kìa! Sao còn đứng đực ra đó? Bắt tay vào làm ngay đi chứ!Hey! Why still standing there? Get to work immediately!

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Common questions

What does “kìa” mean?

(pronoun) there (farther than “kia” but still visible); over there

Is “kìa” formal or informal?

kìa is generally informal.