quanh quất
[kwajŋ̟˧˧ kwət̚˧˦]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(adverb) close by, not far
Adverb
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Không thấy ai đòi nhưng nợ vẫn cứ là nợ, nó rờn rờn quanh quất trong chái bếp ngày ngày khói tỏa, trong mấy chiếc giường ngủ con con, trong hai bữa ăn mỗi ngày.No one came to collect, but a debt is still a debt; it hovers close by in the ever-smoking lean-to kitchen, in the little beds, in the two daily meals.
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 “quanh quất” mean?
(adverb) close by, not far
Is “quanh quất” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.