vui lên
[vuj˧˧ len˧˧]word by word
To cheer up in Vietnamese is vui lên.
The phrase is used as an imperative to encourage someone to change their current sad or discouraged mood into a happier one.
Meaning: to make someone happy (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the adjective vui (happy) and the directional particle lên (up), which indicates an increase in state or intensity.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding the particle nào to the end of vui lên makes it a more natural, encouraging imperative, similar to saying "Come on, cheer up!"
Did you know?
- Ancient texts from the 12th century recorded the word vui using the Chinese characters 司 and 盃.
Examples in context
- Vui lên nào John. Ngoài biển thiếu gì cá.Cheer up John. There are more fish in the sea.This sentence shows how to use vui lên when offering encouragement to someone.Tatoeba #9000485 by dotheduyet1999, translation #610688 by darinmex
- Tình hình đang được cải thiện, hãy vui lên!The situation is improving, so cheer up!This sentence demonstrates the use of vui lên to suggest a positive outlook when a situation is improving.Tatoeba #5159016 by truongap, translation #263782 by CK
- Xin hãy đừng buồn. Chúng ta sẽ vượt qua điều này thôi.Please don't be sad. We will overcome this.
- Đừng buồn nữa. Chúng ta cùng nhau vượt qua khó khăn này nhé!Don't be sad anymore. Let's overcome this challenge together!
- Đừng buồn nữa, hãy vui lên!Don't be sad anymore, cheer up!
Example conversation
Lan is comforting Minh after he lost his wallet.
- LanMình biết là cậu rất tiếc.I know you feel very regretful.
- MinhMình thực sự thấy rất tệ.I really feel terrible.
- LanThôi nào, hãy vui lên đi!Come on, just cheer up!
- MinhCảm ơn cậu, mình sẽ cố gắng.Thank you, I will try.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (vui, lên) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lên, vui, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
