bia
[ʔɓiə˧˧]
The Vietnamese word for beer is bia.
bia is the standard term for an alcoholic drink made of malt. In specific contexts, you may encounter the term bia hơi, which refers specifically to fresh, unpasteurized draft beer often served in street-side settings in Vietnam.
Meaning: alcoholic drink made of malt (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word bia is an uncountable noun and does not change its form to indicate plurality.
Did you know?
- Vietnamese people often mix bia with a small amount of ice to keep it cold in the humid tropical climate.
- When drinking bia in a group, it is a sign of respect to hold your glass lower than that of an elder or a superior.
- The word bia is a loanword from the French word bière, reflecting the historical influence of French culture in Vietnam.
Examples in context
- Bia của ai đây?Whose beer is this?This sentence shows how to ask about ownership of the bia.Tatoeba #5162201 by truongap, translation #1761834 by CK
- Mang bia ra đây.Bring the beer.This sentence is useful for requesting that bia be brought to you.Tatoeba #13437777 by leucammieuvu, translation #8396135 by Amastan
- Anh ta ghét bia.He hates beer.This sentence demonstrates expressing a dislike for bia.Tatoeba #13437778 by leucammieuvu, translation #8318982 by Amastan
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minh and Chi are sitting at a small outdoor cafe.
- MinhChi ơi, em có muốn uống bia không?Chi, do you want to drink beer?
- ChiDạ, em muốn một chai bia.Yes, I want a bottle of beer.
- MinhĐể anh gọi bia cho em nhé.Let me order the beer for you.
- ChiCảm ơn anh, Minh.Thank you, Minh.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beer” translations and entries bia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
