giận
[zən˧˨ʔ]
The English word "angry" is translated into Vietnamese as giận.
The word giận is most commonly used to describe interpersonal anger, such as being upset with a partner, friend or family member. For a much more intense feeling of being so angry that you feel like going crazy, you can use the phrase tức phát điên.
Meaning: displaying anger (adj)
Which one should you use?
While giận is the standard word for being angry, tức giận is a more formal or intense way to express anger, often used in writing or to describe a state of fury. In colloquial settings, specifically within romantic or familial contexts, you might use giận dỗi to describe a specific type of anger characterized by sulking or being poutingly angry.
Did you know?
- Vietnamese speakers often avoid saying Tôi giận (I am angry) directly to elders, instead using indirect language or silence to maintain 'face' and filial piety.
- The word tức in the phrase tức giận can also mean 'immediate' or 'instant', capturing the feeling of a sudden flash of temper.
- While giận describes the emotion of anger, the related word giận hờn often describes a lingering, soulful resentment typical of romantic longing in Vietnamese poetry and songs.
Examples in context
- Tôi rất tức giận!I am very angry!This sentence shows how to express being very angry using giận.Tatoeba #13582190 by leucammieuvu, translation #13581988 by Native77
- Tom hơi giận Mary.Tom is a little angry at Mary.This sentence demonstrates being slightly angry at someone using giận.Tatoeba #9075827 by dotheduyet1999, translation #5433873 by CK
- Sao họ lại tức giận?Why are they angry?This sentence is useful for asking why people are feeling angry using giận.Tatoeba #9034838 by dotheduyet1999, translation #796886 by Shishir
- Tôi cảm thấy tức giận với những lời xúc phạm của anh ấy.I feel angry about his offensive words.
- Tôi tức phát điên với những hành động vô lý của cô ấy.I'm so angry that I feel like going crazy because of her irrational actions.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minh and Chi are talking at home about a small argument.
- ChiAnh có đang giận em không?Are you angry with me?
- MinhAnh không giận em đâu.I am not angry with you.
- ChiThật sao? Em thấy anh hơi giận.Really? I feel like you are a little angry.
- MinhKhông, anh chỉ hơi mệt thôi.No, I am just a little tired.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “angry” translations and entries giận, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
