cho
[t͡ɕɔ˧˧]
The English verb "give" is translated into Vietnamese as cho.
cho is the most common and versatile word used to convey the idea of giving in Vietnamese. It is used to describe the transfer of possession from one person to another.
Meaning: transfer the possession of something to someone else (verb)
Which one should you use?
While cho is the general term for "give", other words are used for specific contexts. Tặng is used when the emphasis is on giving a gift or a present. Đưa is used when the action implies physically handing or passing something to someone.
How does it change in a sentence?
In addition to being a verb, cho can function as a preposition meaning "to" or "for" when it is used to indicate the recipient of an action. In this role, it marks the indirect object, similar to how "to" is used in English structures like "give it to me".
Did you know?
- In Vietnamese, the word cho is used to ask for permission, such as in the phrase cho tôi hỏi which literally means 'give me to ask' but translates to 'may I ask'.
- While cho means 'give', it is also used in the phrase cho dù, which means 'even if' or 'regardless'.
- In Vietnamese, cho can be used to describe letting an animal go or releasing a prisoner, blending the idea of 'giving' with 'granting freedom'.
Examples in context
- Đưa nó cho tôi.Give that to me.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of cho to indicate a recipient.Tatoeba #5161411 by truongap, translation #2649035 by CK
- Cho họ vài phút.Give them a minute.This sentence demonstrates using cho to provide something to a group.Tatoeba #6546601 by duythanh, translation #3915886 by CH
- Trả tiền cho tôi!Give me my money back.This sentence shows how cho acts as a preposition to indicate whom the money is being returned to.Tatoeba #8978319 by dotheduyet1999, translation #3151512 by CK
- Cho tôi quyển sáchGive me the book
- Tặng bạn một món quàGive you a gift
- Cho mình câu trả lời nhanh nhéGive me a quick answer, please
- Đưa tôi một tách cà phêGive me a cup of coffee
- 80 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chi is asking Hùng for a pen in a classroom.
- ChiHùng, cho mình mượn cái bút nhé.Hùng, please give me a pen to borrow.
- HùngĐây, mình cho bạn mượn này.Here, I will give it to you.
- ChiCảm ơn bạn nhiều!Thank you so much!
- HùngKhông có gì đâu Chi.It's nothing, Chi.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “give” translations and entries cho, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
