cô gái ngoan
The phrase "good girl" in Vietnamese is translated as cô gái ngoan.
cô gái ngoan is a descriptive noun phrase used to identify a girl who is well-behaved and obedient. While it is a literal translation of the English phrase, Vietnamese speakers use it more as a way to describe a person rather than as a direct way to call out to someone's name or title.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of cô gái, meaning girl and ngoan, meaning good or obedient.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to praise a small child, such as a little girl, it is much more natural to use bé ngoan (good child/little one) instead of cô gái ngoan.
Did you know?
- The concept of being ngoan is highly valued in Vietnamese culture as a manifestation of filial piety and respect for elders.
- The word gái is related to the word cái, which is used as a general classifier for inanimate objects and females in Proto-Vietic.
- In Vietnam, praising a child as ngoan often focuses on their ability to listen and follow directions rather than their moral goodness.
Examples in context
- Con gái này rất xuất sắc.This girl is excellent.
- Cậu là một cô gái tốt.You are a good girl.
- Mẹ luôn khen con là cô gái ngoan.Mom always praises you as a good girl.
- Cô ấy thực sự là một cô gái ngoan.She truly is a good girl.
Example conversation
A father praising his daughter for cleaning her room.
- ChiCon đã dọn phòng sạch quá!You cleaned the room so well!
- HùngCon cảm ơn bố ạ.Thank you, dad.
- ChiChi đúng là một cô gái ngoan.Chi is truly a good girl.
- HùngCon sẽ luôn chăm chỉ ạ.I will always be hardworking.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cô, gái, ngoan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
