bằng cách
[ʔɓaŋ˨˩ kajk̟̚˧˦]word by word
The English word 'by' can be translated into Vietnamese as bằng cách when indicating a means. Wiktionary also lists theo cách.
Meaning: indicates a means (prep)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| bằng cách | [ʔɓaŋ˨˩ kajk̟̚˧˦] (Hà Nội, word by word, narrow) |
| theo cách | [tʰɛw˧˧ kajk̟̚˧˦] (Hà Nội, word by word, narrow) |
bằng cách is used to express the specific method or tool one employs to achieve a certain result or to perform an action.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase bằng cách is composed of bằng, which means 'by', 'with' or 'using' and cách, which means 'way', 'method' or 'manner'. Literally, it translates to 'by way of' or 'by means of'.
Which one should you use?
While bằng cách focuses on the specific method or tool used to reach a result, theo cách is used to focus more on the manner or style in which something is performed, translating closer to 'in a way' or 'in the manner of'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase bằng cách is typically followed by a verb to indicate the method used to achieve an action.
Did you know?
- The word bằng is also used to refer to a 'diploma' or 'certificate', as it stems from a character meaning 'on the basis of'.
- The word bằng in bằng cách is a homonym for the word used in đại bàng, which means 'eagle'.
- Although some believe the Northern form bằng was created to avoid a royal taboo during the 18th century, the word appeared in dictionaries as early as 1651.
Examples in context
- Cô ta kiếm tiền bằng cách dắt sinh viên tới.She earns money by taking in students.The sentence shows how to use bằng cách to describe an earning method.Tatoeba #3469994 by tucm, translation #313024 by shekitten
- Con nai thoát khỏi kẻ săn mồi bằng cách chạy đi.Deer escape predators by running away.The sentence shows how to use bằng cách to describe an escape method.Tatoeba #13675747 by leucammieuvu, translation #13674611 by Adelpa
- Nước chiếu có thể bị hoá giải bằng cách bắt quân tấn công.Checks can be resolved by capturing the attacking piece.The sentence shows how to use bằng cách to describe a method for resolving a situation.Tatoeba #13860740 by leucammieuvu, translation #11535601 by megamanenm
- Tôi học tiếng Việt bằng sách.I study Vietnamese by using books.
- Bức tranh đẹp này được vẽ bằng màu nước.This beautiful painting is painted in watercolors.
- Tôi học tiếng Việt bằng cách xem phim.I study Vietnamese by watching movies.
- Chị đã làm bánh ngon bằng cách học từ mẹ.You made delicious cake by learning from your mom.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a new hobby.
- LanMinh ơi, bạn học vẽ bằng cách nào vậy?Minh, how do you learn to draw?
- MinhMình học bằng cách xem các video hướng dẫn.I learn by watching tutorial videos.
- LanVậy là Minh học rất chăm chỉ nhỉ!So Minh studies very hard!
- MinhĐúng vậy, mình rất thích nó.That's right, I like it a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “by” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (bằng, cách, theo) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bằng, cách, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
