xiết
[siət̚˧˦]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) to rub and press on the surface of something else by a tube
Register: formal
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Bà hì hục xiết từng hạt đậu xanh rồi chuẩn bị cho công đoạn kế tiếp.The woman focused to rub and put pressure on every mung bean, preparing for the next culinary step.
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
(verb) to deprive of something, especially the property of someone, regardless of their disapproval, as in xiết nợ
Register: formal
Examples
Nó làm ăn kiểu gì mà bọn xã hội đen đến tận nhà nó xiết nợ kìa.I have no clue how the man run his own business, but some gangster has reached his home to deprive him of the asset.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(adverb) greatly, or endlessly
Register: formal
Examples
Trường báo mình đỗ rồi, mừng không kể xiết á.I got accepted into my beloved school, and I am greatly exhilarated.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(adverb) hardly, or barely
Register: formal
Examples
Tảng đá này nặng quá, hai người khiêng không xiết.The stone was so heavy that even two of us could hardly carry it.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “xiết” mean?
(verb) to rub and press on the surface of something else by a tube
Is “xiết” formal or informal?
xiết is generally formal.