phều phào
[few˨˩ faːw˨˩]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(adjective) weak and failing
Adjective
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
[…] thằng Út Chót khọm rọm lấy tay bụm chỗ đau, phều phào nói trong nước mắt,[…][…] Út Chót hunched over, clutching the sore spot, and said weakly through his tears, […]
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 ↗
Common questions
What does “phều phào” mean?
(adjective) weak and failing
Is “phều phào” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.