Have you ever wondered how to say “cry” in Vietnamese? In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to express this emotion in the Vietnamese language. Whether you’re learning Vietnamese for travel, cultural understanding, or personal interest, understanding how to express emotions like crying can deepen your understanding of the language and its people.
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Formal Ways to Say “Cry” in Vietnamese
In formal situations or when speaking to someone older or in a higher position, it is essential to use formal language. Here are some formal ways to express “cry” in Vietnamese:
1. Khóc
The most common and straightforward way to say “cry” in Vietnamese is “khóc.” This term can be used in various contexts and is widely understood throughout Vietnam. For example:
“Con bé khóc rất to,” which translates to “The baby is crying loudly.”
2. Rơi lệ
Another formal way to express “cry” is “rơi lệ.” This term specifically refers to “tears falling.” For instance:
“Cậu ấy rơi lệ vì tin tức đau lòng,” which means “He is crying due to heartbreaking news.”
Informal Ways to Say “Cry” in Vietnamese
In informal situations, with friends or peers, you can use more colloquial terms to describe “cry.” These informal expressions are commonly used among Vietnamese youth.
1. Khóc nhè
“Khóc nhè” is an informal way to describe “cry” in a rather mild or soft manner. This term is often used to express mild distress or when trying not to cry too loudly. For example:
“Cô ấy khóc nhè vì bị bạn trai từ chối,” which translates to “She is crying a bit because her boyfriend rejected her.”
2. Rưng rưng nước mắt
“Rưng rưng nước mắt” is another casual way to say “cry” in Vietnamese. It refers to tearing up without sobbing loudly. It is mostly used to describe emotional moments while still maintaining composure. An example would be:
“Tôi rưng rưng nước mắt khi nghe câu chuyện cảm động ấy,” which means “I cried with tears in my eyes while listening to that touching story.”
Common Tips and Examples
Tips for Correct Pronunciation:
To pronounce “khóc” correctly, follow these tips:
- Start with a soft “kh” sound, similar to the Spanish “j” in “jugar”
- Follow with a long “o” sound as in “phone”
- Finally, end with a “c” sound, pronounced like a “k”
To pronounce “rơi lệ” correctly, keep in mind:
- Start with a soft “r” sound
- Follow with a rising “ơi” sound, as in “choice”
- End with the sound of “lệ,” similar to saying “letter” without the “t”
Additional Examples:
Here are some additional examples of how to use these terms in sentences:
- “Cô bé xinh đó đang khóc vì mất xe đạp” – “That cute girl is crying because she lost her bicycle.”
- “Anh ta rưng rưng nước mắt khi nghe thấy ca khúc quốc tế” – “He teared up when he heard the international song.”
It’s important to understand that the Vietnamese language is diverse, and certain phrases or expressions may vary depending on the region or local dialect. However, the terms provided in this guide are commonly used and understood throughout Vietnam.
Learning how to express emotions like “cry” in Vietnamese allows you to connect with locals on a deeper level. Remember to practice pronunciation to ensure effective communication. So go ahead, embrace the Vietnamese language, and expand your understanding of its vibrant culture!
