bình tĩnh
The English phrase 'calm down' is translated into Vietnamese as bình tĩnh.
Bình tĩnh is used to describe the act of becoming less excited. It can function as both a verb (to calm down) and an adjective (to be calm).
Meaning: To become less excited (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bình, meaning peaceful or level and tĩnh, meaning quiet or still.
How does it change in a sentence?
To emphasize the process of returning to a calm state after being agitated, you can add the word lại after the phrase to get bình tĩnh lại. If you want to use the phrase as a gentle imperative or an encouraging suggestion, such as 'Come on, calm down', add nào at the end to get bình tĩnh nào.
Did you know?
- While bình tĩnh is the standard way to say 'calm down', the word bình is also used in Vietnamese to describe a 'bottle', showing how the same sound can represent completely different concepts.
- The word bình in bình tĩnh is a Sino-Vietnamese reading that can also be found in words related to 'evaluating' or 'judging', such as in the word for 'comment' or 'criticism'.
- While bình tĩnh describes a state of mind, the word bình is also used to describe things that are 'level' or 'equal', like a 'flat surface'.
Examples in context
- OK, bình tĩnh nào.OK, calm down.This sentence is useful for an encouraging imperative using bình tĩnh.Tatoeba #13340441 by leucammieuvu, translation #8330264 by CK
- Tom bảo tớ bình tĩnh.Tom told me to calm down.This sentence shows how to use bình tĩnh when reporting a command.Tatoeba #6285767 by moriole, translation #6071617 by CK
- Bạn phải bình tĩnh lại.You've got to calm down.This sentence demonstrates the use of bình tĩnh to express necessity.Tatoeba #8957174 by dotheduyet1999, translation #3357818 by CK
- Bình tĩnh nào, bạn ơi. Chắc chắn bạn sẽ làm tốt thôi.Calm down, my friend. I'm sure you'll do well.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hùng is feeling very stressed about an upcoming exam.
- HùngTớ đang rất lo lắng cho kỳ thi.I am very worried about the exam.
- ChiHùng ơi, cậu hãy bình tĩnh lại.Hung, please calm down.
- HùngNhưng tớ cảm thấy rất hoảng loạn.But I feel very panicked.
- ChiHít thở sâu đi, rồi sẽ ổn thôi.Take a deep breath, and it will be fine.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bình, bình tĩnh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
