buổi chiều
[ʔɓuəj˧˩ t͡ɕiəw˨˩]
The English phrase afternoon is expressed in Vietnamese as buổi chiều. Wiktionary also lists chiều.
Meaning: part of the day between noon and evening (noun)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| buổi chiều | [ʔɓuəj˧˩ t͡ɕiəw˨˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ʔɓuj˧˨ t͡ɕiw˦˩] (Huế, narrow) |
| chiều | [t͡ɕiəw˨˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [t͡ɕiw˦˩] (Huế, narrow) |
The term is used to refer to the part of the day occurring between noon and evening.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase buổi chiều, buổi is a classifier used for periods of time and chiều means afternoon.
Which one should you use?
Buổi chiều is used when you are referring to the afternoon as a distinct block of time. In contrast, the single word chiều is more commonly used when you are specifying a particular time of day.
How does it change in a sentence?
The single word chiều can function as a noun meaning afternoon, or it can act as a modifier for a specific time, such as in hai giờ chiều (two o'clock in the afternoon).
Did you know?
- While 'afternoon' is a period of time, the word chiều is also used to mean 'to pamper' or 'to indulge' someone's whims.
- While English uses 'afternoon', the root of chiều relates to 'facing' the setting sun, reflecting the geographical orientation of the region.
- In Vietnamese, chiều also means 'direction' or 'way', as in the direction of a one-way street.
Examples in context
- Trời mưa cả chiều.It rained all afternoon.This sentence is useful for seeing how to express that it rained for the duration of the chiều.Tatoeba #13376164 by leucammieuvu, translation #7846353 by CK
- Bây giờ là hai giờ chiều.It's two o'clock in the afternoon.This sentence demonstrates using chiều to specify a time of day.Tatoeba #13840959 by leucammieuvu, translation #240089 by CK
- Trời mưa cả chiều hôm qua.It rained all afternoon yesterday.This sentence shows how to describe the afternoon of a previous day using chiều.Tatoeba #13379361 by leucammieuvu, translation #6437131 by CK
- Chúc buổi chiều vui vẻ!Wishing you a pleasant afternoon!
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hương and Minh are planning a meeting time.
- HươngChúng ta gặp nhau vào buổi chiều nhé?Shall we meet in the afternoon?
- MinhĐược, mấy giờ thì tiện cho Hương?Okay, what time is convenient for you, Hương?
- HươngBa giờ buổi chiều là tốt nhất.Three o'clock in the afternoon is best.
- MinhĐồng ý, hẹn gặp Hương lúc đó.Agreed, see you then, Hương.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “afternoon” translations and entries buổi chiều, chiều, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
