luôn luôn
[luən˧˧ luən˧˧]
The English word 'always' can be translated into Vietnamese using luôn luôn, luôn or mãi mãi depending on the context.
Meaning: at all times (adv)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| luôn luôn | [luən˧˧ luən˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [luəŋ˧˧ luəŋ˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
| luôn | [luən˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [luəŋ˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
| mãi mãi | [maːj˦ˀ˥ maːj˦ˀ˥] (Hà Nội, narrow) [maːj˧˨ maːj˧˨] (Huế, narrow) |
These terms are used to express that something occurs at all times. While luôn luôn is the standard way to express frequency, you may also encounter the alternative phrase lúc nào cũng, which literally translates to 'any time also'.
Which one should you use?
The term luôn luôn is used to describe frequency (always), whereas mãi mãi is used to describe duration or eternity (forever).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The single word luôn is a common, shortened version of luôn luôn used in casual, everyday speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Vietnamese, the adverb luôn luôn typically precedes the main verb or adjective in a sentence.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, adding luôn to the end of a sentence can change its meaning from 'always' to 'immediately', showing how word position completely alters the adverb.
- The phrase lúc nào cũng can be used to express a sense of complaint or exasperation, such as 'you are always late', which differs slightly from the neutral tone of luôn luôn.
- The phrase luôn luôn is a reduplication, a common linguistic pattern in Vietnamese where a word is repeated to add emphasis or create a specific nuance.
Examples in context
- Mẹ luôn luôn đúng.Mom is always right.This sentence shows how to use luôn luôn to describe a constant state.Tatoeba #1568140 by trieuho, translation #1135716 by CM
- Nó luôn di chuyển.He is always on the move.This sentence demonstrates the use of luôn in a casual context.Tatoeba #1575847 by trieuho, translation #299583 by CK
- Phải luôn dậy sớm.He always wakes up early.This sentence provides an example of how luôn is used with a verb.Tatoeba #13530603 by leucammieuvu, translation #11179170 by MessDjaaf
- Chúng ta luôn luôn phải tuân thủ quy định.We must always comply with the regulations.
- Bạn và tôi sẽ mãi mãi là bạn thân.You and I will always be best friends.
- 96 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a local cafe's service.
- ChiNhân viên ở đây luôn luôn thân thiện.The staff here is always friendly.
- NamĐúng vậy, mình rất thích nơi này.That's true, I really like this place.
- ChiHọ luôn luôn phục vụ rất nhanh.They always serve very quickly.
- NamVì thế chúng ta nên quay lại đây.That's why we should come back here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “always” translations and entries luôn luôn, luôn, mãi mãi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
