mời vào
[məːj˨˩ vaːw˨˩]word by word
The Vietnamese phrase for "come in" is mời vào.
mời vào is used as a polite invitation for someone to enter a room or a building.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mời, meaning "to invite" and vào, meaning "to enter".
Which one should you use?
While mời vào is a polite invitation, the phrase Vào đi is an informal way to say "come in".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
mời vào is a polite way to invite someone in, whereas Vào đi is more casual and can sound like a command.
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural speech, mời vào is often expanded by inserting a polite pronoun or honorific between mời and vào, such as mời anh vào (invite you [older brother/male] in).
When do people say it?
In Vietnamese culture, it is common to remove your shoes before entering someone's home.
Did you know?
- The word mời is used not just for entering a room, but also as a polite way to invite someone to eat or drink.
- Depending on the region, you might hear the word vô instead of vào to mean 'enter', as vô is the traditional form found in central and southern dialects.
Examples in context
- Mời bạn vào, xin mời ngồiPlease come in and have a seat
- Xin mời bạn vào phòng họpPlease come into the meeting room
- Vào đi, nhà mình là nhà bạn màCome in, my house is your house
- Mời mọi người vào đi, tiệc đã sẵn sàngCome in everyone, the party is ready
- Mời vào, mời vào.Please come in, please come in.
Example conversation
Hùng is at his office door when Mai arrives to see him.
- HùngChào Mai, mời vào!Hello Mai, please come in!
- MaiCảm ơn anh, tôi có tài liệu cho anh.Thank you, I have some documents for you.
- HùngCảm ơn cô, hãy ngồi xuống đi.Thank you, please have a seat.
- MaiDạ, cảm ơn anh.Yes, thank you.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (mời, vào) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries vào, CC BY-SA 4.0.
