cẩn thận
[kən˧˩ tʰən˧˨ʔ]
The English phrase "be careful" is translated into Vietnamese as cẩn thận.
cẩn thận is a warning used to tell someone to avoid danger or mistakes. If you shout Cẩn thận! as a standalone exclamation, it functions as an urgent "Watch out!" to warn someone of immediate danger.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can modify the phrase to change its tone. Adding Hãy to the beginning, as in Hãy cẩn thận, turns the adjective into a formal imperative command similar to "Please be careful". Adding the particle nhé to the end, as in Cẩn thận nhé, makes the warning sound softer and more caring rather than a blunt command.
Did you know?
- The word thận in cẩn thận is etymologically linked to the Sino-Vietnamese word for 'kidney'.
- In Vietnamese culture, saying cẩn thận nhé to a loved one is often used as a way to say 'I love you' or 'I care about you' without using those specific words.
- The phrase cẩn thận is often used as a compliment for a person's character, describing someone who is meticulous or prudent rather than just someone who avoids accidents.
Examples in context
- Hãy cẩn thận nhé.Be careful, please.This sentence is useful for practicing a polite way to say "Be careful, please."Tatoeba #13340197 by leucammieuvu, translation #9194190 by CK
- Cẩn thận, đường trơn!Be careful, the road is slippery!This sentence shows how to use the phrase as a warning for a specific dangerTatoeba #3320925 by trieuho, translation #7794348 by sharris123
- Tom muốn Mary cẩn thận.Tom wants Mary to be careful.This sentence demonstrates how to use the phrase within a descriptive sentenceTatoeba #9715742 by dotheduyet1999, translation #8870314 by deniko
- Hãy cẩn thận với cái bàn này nhéBe careful with this table, okay
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nam is leaving the house and warns Lan about the weather.
- NamLan ơi, đi đường cẩn thận nhé.Lan, be careful on the road.
- LanEm biết rồi, cảm ơn anh.I know, thank you.
- NamTrời đang mưa đấy.It is raining.
- LanVâng, em sẽ chú ý.Yes, I will pay attention.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cẩn thận, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cẩn, cẩn thận, thận, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
