cù
[ku˨˩]
To tickle in Vietnamese is cù. Wiktionary also lists cù lét and chọc lét.
Meaning: to touch in a manner that causes tingling sensation (verb)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| cù | [ku˨˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [kʊw˦˩] (Huế, narrow) |
| cù lét | |
| chọc lét | [t͡ɕawk͡p̚˧˨ʔ lɛt̚˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [t͡ɕawk͡p̚˨˩ʔ lɛt̚˦˧˥] (Huế, narrow) |
| thọc lét |
The verb cù can mean to touch in a manner that causes a tingling sensation. While it can be used broadly to mean to nudge or poke, other forms are used to specifically describe the act of tickling to cause laughter.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrases cù lét, chọc lét and thọc lét, the component lét is used to specify the sensation of being tickled.
Which one should you use?
While cù can mean to nudge or poke, cù lét specifically refers to the act of tickling to cause laughter. The terms chọc lét and thọc lét are synonymous with cù lét, but the use of chọc and thọc implies a more poking or thrusting motion with the fingers.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the expressions cù lét, chọc lét and thọc lét, the word lét serves as a component that specifies the tickling sensation.
Did you know?
- The term chọc lét uses the word chọc, which is also the same word used for 'teasing' or 'provoking' someone mentally.
- In Vietnamese culture, cù lét is frequently used in playful teasing between children, but doing so to an adult stranger would be seen as a significant breach of personal space.
- The word chọc in chọc lét shares a common ancestor with the Khmer word for 'to pierce' or 'to stab'.
Examples in context
- Đừng cù em.Don't tickle me.
- Anh ấy đang cù em bé.He is tickling the baby.
- Em thích cù chân anh.I like tickling your feet.
Example conversation
A couple playing around on the sofa.
- MinhĐể anh cù em nhé!Let me tickle you!
- HươngKhông, đừng cù em mà!No, don't tickle me!
- MinhEm cười trông đáng yêu quá.You look so cute when you laugh.
- HươngThôi, em không chịu nổi đâu.Stop, I can't take it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tickle” translations and entries cù, chọc lét, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chọc, CC BY-SA 4.0.
