chị
[t͡ɕi˧˨ʔ]
The Vietnamese term for big sister is chị.
chị refers to a female sibling who is older than the speaker. Beyond biological relationships, it is also used as a polite way to address any woman who is slightly older than the speaker.
Which one should you use?
While chị refers to an older sister, em is the term used for a younger sibling of any gender.
When do people say it?
In Vietnamese social hierarchy, using the correct kinship term like chị is essential for showing proper respect based on age.
Did you know?
- In the romantic context of 'dating' in Vietnam, a man may refer to his girlfriend as chị if she is older, creating a dynamic of respect and affection.
- In a professional setting, a subordinate might call their female boss chị even if the boss is younger than them, to acknowledge her higher rank.
- The word chị is derived from the Old Chinese word for elder sister, 姊, reflecting the deep historical influence of Chinese linguistic structures on Vietnamese.
Examples in context
- Chị gái của tôi đã giúp tôi nhiều trong cuộc sống.My big sister has helped me a lot in life.
- Chị ơi, chúc mừng sinh nhật!Hey, big sister, happy birthday!
- Chị gái của bạn gặp gỡ nhiều khách hàng trong công việc của mình.Your big sister meets many clients in her job.
- Chị, hãy giúp em với bài tập toán này nhé.Big sister, please help me with this math exercise.
- Chị của tôi rất giỏi.My big sister is very talented.
- Chị đi đâu đấy?Where are you going, big sister?
Example conversation
Hùng and Chi are talking at a coffee shop.
- HùngChị Chi ơi, chị đang làm gì vậy?Big sister Chi, what are you doing?
- ChiChị đang đọc sách thôi.I am just reading a book.
- HùngChị có muốn uống trà sữa không?Do you want to drink milk tea, big sister?
- ChiĐược, cảm ơn em nhé.Sure, thank you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chị, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chị, CC BY-SA 4.0.
