mau khỏe nhé
To get well in Vietnamese is to say mau khỏe nhé.
This phrase is used as a direct wish to someone who is currently sick or injured.
Meaning: to recover from illness or injury (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mau (quickly), khỏe (healthy or strong) and the particle nhé (a friendly suggestion or softener).
Which one should you use?
You may also use Nhanh khỏe nhé for a similar informal meaning or Chúc bạn sớm khỏe lại to mean wishing you a speedy recovery.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form mau khỏe nhé is informal and is used between friends, family members or people of similar social status. The other forms Nhanh khỏe nhé and Chúc bạn sớm khỏe lại are also considered informal.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle nhé at the end makes the phrase sound like a warm, friendly wish rather than a command.
Did you know?
- In Vietnamese culture, wishing someone to 'get well' is often accompanied by bringing a gift of fruit or bird's nest soup. These specific foods are believed to physically assist the 'strength' implied by the word khỏe.
- The word mau is a cognate with the Muong word bau meaning 'dense' or 'thick'.
- When someone says mau khỏe nhé, the recipient often replies with cảm ơn while avoiding direct eye contact if they are in a subordinate position. This gesture signals humility and gratitude.
Examples in context
- Nguyệt, em nghe nói bạn bị ốm đúng không? Chúc bạn mau khỏe lại!Nguyet, I heard you're not feeling well. Get well soon!
- Anh Minh, chúc anh mau khỏe nhé!Minh, get well soon!
- Mau khỏe nhé!Get well soon!
- Bạn hãy mau khỏe nhé.Please get well soon.
- Em mau khỏe nhé.Get well soon, dear.
Example conversation
Tuấn calls Mai to check on her while she is sick at home.
- TuấnMai ơi, em thấy trong người thế nào rồi?Mai, how are you feeling?
- MaiEm vẫn còn hơi mệt anh ạ.I still feel a bit tired, Tuấn.
- TuấnNghỉ ngơi nhiều vào và mau khỏe nhé.Rest a lot and get well soon.
- MaiEm cảm ơn anh nhiều.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
