đi
[ʔɗi˧˧]
The Vietnamese verb for "go" is đi.
The verb đi is used to describe moving through space from one place to another. It can mean the general sense of "to go" or specifically "to walk" by foot. In many cases, đi is used in combination with other verbs to indicate a change of state or a specific activity, such as đi ngủ (to go to sleep).
Meaning: to move through space (especially from one place to another) (verb)
Which one should you use?
While đi is the standard verb for "to go", you may also encounter phrases like đi thôi or đi nào to express the intent of starting a movement.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a particle at the end of a sentence, đi functions as an imperative or a way to encourage someone to perform an action. Adding the word thôi after đi creates the common phrase đi thôi, which translates to "let's go" or "let's get moving".
Did you know?
- In traditional Vietnamese customs, saying đi to a superior can be seen as too abrupt, requiring the addition of polite particles to avoid sounding like a command.
- Although the Vietnamese word đi sounds identical to the Chinese character 移 'di', they are completely unrelated and are considered false cognates.
- The term đi is used in the phrase đi chợ, which literally means 'go to the market' but often refers to the entire cultural ritual of daily food shopping.
Examples in context
- Tôi sẽ đi ngủI'm going to go.This sentence shows how đi is used to express an intention to go to sleep.Tatoeba #12528571 by thanhcona40, translation #1312 by axcutul
- Tôi sẽ đi học.I'll go to school.This sentence demonstrates the use of đi when expressing the intent to go to school.Tatoeba #3714423 by khoaharp, translation #2905390 by CK
- Tôi có thể đi.I can go.This sentence shows the use of đi to express the ability to go.Tatoeba #13638148 by leucammieuvu, translation #3092548 by CK
- Tôi muốn điI want to go
- Chúng ta phải điWe have to go
- Xin lỗi, tôi phải điSorry, I have to go
- 335 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nam and Chi are preparing to leave for a cafe.
- NamChi ơi, mình đi thôi!Chi, let's go!
- ChiĐợi em một chút, em đang chuẩn bị.Wait for me a moment, I am getting ready.
- NamAnh đi trước nhé?Shall I go ahead?
- ChiKhông, anh đợi em đi cùng.No, wait for me to go with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “go” translations and entries đi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries đi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
