bạn có sao không?
[ʔɓaːn˧˨ʔ kɔ˧˦ saːw˧˧ xəwŋ͡m˧˧]word by word
The English phrase "are you okay?" is translated into Vietnamese as bạn có sao không?
This phrase is a question used to ask if someone is hurt or feeling unwell after an accident or a problem.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase có sao không? literally translates to "have star/problem not?", where sao functions as a colloquial way to mean "problem" or "issue".
How does it change in a sentence?
In Vietnamese, you must replace the generic bạn with a specific pronoun based on the person's age and gender, such as anh có sao không? for a slightly older male. To ask a younger person if they are okay, replace bạn with em có sao không?
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse are you okay? (after an accident) with how are you? (general greeting). bạn có khỏe không? is a greeting about general health, whereas bạn có sao không? is specifically for checking on someone after a mishap.
Did you know?
- The word bạn used to address people in this phrase can, depending on its Sino-Vietnamese origin, actually mean 'rebel'.
Examples in context
- Ngã đau thế này, bạn có sao không?Falling like that, are you okay?
- Trông bạn rất mệt, bạn có sao không?You look very tired, are you okay?
Example conversation
Tuấn tripped while walking in the park and Mai rushes to help him.
- MaiTuấn ơi, bạn có sao không?Tuấn, are you okay?
- TuấnMình không sao, cảm ơn Mai.I'm okay, thanks Mai.
- MaiChân bạn có bị thương không?Is your leg injured?
- TuấnKhông, chỉ hơi đau một chút thôi.No, it just hurts a little bit.
