làm tốt lắm!
[laːm˨˩ tot̚˧˦ lam˧˦]word by word
The English phrase "good job!" is translated into Vietnamese as làm tốt lắm!
An expression used to praise someone for doing something well.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase làm tốt lắm! is composed of làm (to do), tốt (good/well) and lắm (very/very much).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
làm tốt lắm! is a common, direct way to praise someone, but in very formal settings, one might use more specific praise regarding the person's effort or result. The phrase Hay quá! means "Great job!" and is used in informal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase làm tốt lắm is used for both present and past achievements, as Vietnamese verbs do not change for tense.
Did you know?
- In a professional hierarchy, a subordinate rarely says làm tốt lắm! to a boss, as praising a superior can be seen as condescending.
- The term tốt is a Sino-Vietnamese word derived from the Chinese character 卒.
- While làm tốt lắm! is direct, Vietnamese culture often favors praising the effort or the process rather than the result to maintain modesty.
Examples in context
- Bạn đã thể hiện khả năng làm việc tốt. Làm tốt lắm!You have demonstrated great work ability. Well done!
- Cảm ơn vì đã chuẩn bị buổi tiệc tuyệt vời. Hay quá!Thank you for organizing such an amazing party. Great job!
- Con làm tốt lắm!You did a good job (child/younger person)!
- Làm tốt lắm!Good job!
Example conversation
Lan is praising Minh for finishing a difficult task.
- LanMinh làm tốt lắm!Good job, Minh!
- MinhEm cảm ơn chị Lan.Thank you, sister Lan.
- LanEm đã cố gắng rất nhiều.You tried very hard.
- MinhEm sẽ cố gắng hơn nữa.I will try even harder.
