Gaining familiarity with the Vietnamese language and its various terms of address is an essential step in immersing yourself in its culture. In this guide, we will explore the word for “brother” in Vietnamese, covering both formal and informal ways of referring to one’s brother. While there might be some regional variations, we will primarily focus on the widely used terms for brother in Vietnamese.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Brother in Vietnamese
1. Anh: This is the most common way to address an older brother or any male who is slightly older or of similar age. It showcases respect and is generally used among peers or as a polite form of address between individuals who are not particularly close.
Example:
“Anh, could you please help me with this?”
“Anh ơi, anh giúp em cái này được không?”
2. Chị: This term is used to address an older sister, but it can also be used to address an older female cousin or family friend with whom you have a familiar bond.
Example:
“Chị, can you lend me your book?”
“Chị ơi, cho em mượn sách của chị được không?”
3. Em trai: When addressing a younger brother, regardless of age difference, the term “em trai” is used. It denotes a sense of affection and care towards the person being addressed.
Example:
“Em trai, let’s go play football together!”
“Em trai ơi, cùng nhau đi chơi bóng đá nhé!”
4. Em gái: Similar to “em trai,” this term is used to address a younger sister, emphasizing a tender and caring tone.
Example:
“Em gái, would you like to have dinner with me?”
“Em gái ơi, em có muốn ăn tối với anh không?”
Informal Ways to Say Brother in Vietnamese
1. Anh ơi: This informal term can be used to address an older brother or an older male with whom you have a close relationship. It reflects a level of familiarity and affection.
Example:
“Anh ơi, want to grab a coffee?”
“Anh ơi, muốn đi uống cà phê không?”
2. Cậu: Commonly used to address a younger brother or a male friend of similar age, “cậu” denotes intimacy and a friendly relationship.
Example:
“Cậu, did you watch the soccer game last night?”
“Cậu à, tối qua cậu đã xem trận bóng đá chưa?”
3. Em: Used to address a younger brother or a younger male friend, “em” is a warm and affectionate term signifying closeness and care.
Example:
“Em, let’s go to the movies this weekend!”
“Em à, hãy đi xem phim cuối tuần này nhé!”
In Closing
Learning how to say “brother” in Vietnamese is a valuable step in deepening your understanding of the language. Whether you choose to use formal or informal terms, it’s important to consider the dynamics of your relationship, age difference, and the level of intimacy you share with the person being addressed. Practice using the examples provided above to become more comfortable with these terms and strengthen your language skills in Vietnamese. Enjoy exploring the beauty of the Vietnamese language and the rich culture it represents!
