hẹn hò
[hɛn˧˨ʔ hɔ˨˩]
In Vietnamese, the English verb 'date' is expressed as hẹn hò.
The term hẹn hò is used to describe the romantic process of dating or being in a dating relationship.
Meaning: point in time (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase hẹn hò is composed of hẹn (to make an appointment/promise) and hò (a rhythmic chant or to call out), but in modern usage, it functions as a compound verb meaning to date.
Which one should you use?
While hẹn hò refers to romantic dating, the shorter form hẹn is used for making general appointments or meeting someone (e.g., for business or friendship).
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing the act of dating a specific person, the verb hẹn hò is often followed by the preposition với.
Did you know?
- In traditional Vietnamese courtship, hẹn hò was often strictly supervised or happened in group settings rather than as private one-on-one dates.
- The word hẹn shares a common linguistic ancestor with the Chinese character 限, which relates to limits or boundaries. This suggests the original concept of an appointment was a fixed point in time.
- If you are talking about a date on a calendar, like 'January 1st', you would not use hẹn hò at all. Instead, you would use the word ngày, which simply means 'day'.
Examples in context
- Anna muốn hẹn hò với Joseph.Anna wants to date Joseph.This sentence shows how to use hẹn hò to indicate who someone wants to date.Tatoeba #13903912 by leucammieuvu, translation #13903702 by Ioan_Cristian
- Tớ sẽ chỉ hẹn hò với người dễ thương thôi.I will not date anyone who is not cute.This sentence uses hẹn hò to express a preference for the type of person one dates.Tatoeba #6275374 by moriole, translation #3222827 by Hybrid
- Bạn nghĩ là tôi nên mặc gì để đi hẹn hò ngày mai?What clothes do you think I should put on to go to my date tomorrow?This sentence uses hẹn hò to refer to the act of going on a date.Tatoeba #8998268 by dotheduyet1999, translation #890187 by Scott
- Anh/chị có thể chọn ngày hẹn gặp để chúng ta thảo luận về dự án không?Would you like to choose a date for our meeting to discuss the project?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hùng and Chi are talking about their weekend plans.
- HùngCuối tuần này em có muốn đi hẹn hò không?Do you want to go on a date this weekend?
- ChiEm rất muốn, mình sẽ đi đâu vậy?I'd love to, where are we going?
- HùngAnh sẽ chuẩn bị một buổi hẹn hò bất ngờ.I will prepare a surprise date.
- ChiAnh làm em tò mò quá, Hùng!You're making me so curious, Hùng!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hẹn hò, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hò, hẹn, hẹn hò, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
