kinh khủng
[kïŋ˧˧ xʊwŋ͡m˧˩]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adjective) horrible; terrible; awful; outrageous; monstrous
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Bộ phim này kinh khủng quá.This movie is horrible.
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: Colloquial; it can also intensify an adjective, meaning extremely. [contributed-collins-enriched]
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(adverb) horribly; terribly; awfully
Examples
ngu kinh khủngoutrageously stupid
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “kinh khủng” mean?
(adjective) horrible; terrible; awful; outrageous; monstrous
Is “kinh khủng” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.