kẻo

Meaning

Highlighted words are what Saigon and Hà Nội say differently.

1. otherwise

   conjunction

   or else, otherwise, or

   Always followed by something to avoid. In everyday Saigon speech, không thôi or không thì are more common.

   • Saigon

     Đi nhanh lên, kẻo trễ.

     Hà Nội

     Đi nhanh lên, kẻo muộn.

     Hurry up, or we'll be late.

   • Ăn đi con, kẻo nguội.

     Eat up before it gets cold.

   Grammar: Or else: kẻo