xanh lá cây
[sajŋ̟˧˧ laː˧˦ kəj˧˧]
The English word "green" is translated into Vietnamese as xanh lá cây. Wiktionary also lists xanh and xanh lục.
Meaning: having green as its colour (adj)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| xanh lá cây | [sajŋ̟˧˧ laː˧˦ kəj˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [sɛɲ˧˧ laː˨˩˦ kəj˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
| xanh | [sajŋ̟˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [sɛɲ˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
| xanh lục | [sajŋ̟˧˧ lʊwk͡p̚˧˨ʔ] (Hà Nội, narrow) [sɛɲ˧˧ lʊwk͡p̚˨˩ʔ] (Huế, narrow) |
| lục | [lʊwk͡p̚˧˨ʔ] (Hà Nội, narrow) [lʊwk͡p̚˨˩ʔ] (Huế, narrow) |
The term refers to the color green. In Vietnamese, you can use various forms depending on how much precision or formality you require. When referring to the color itself as a noun, it is common to prefix the term with màu (color), such as in (màu) xanh lá cây.
Which one should you use?
The word xanh is ambiguous and can mean either blue or green depending on the context. To specifically clarify that the color is green, use xanh lá cây. For a more formal or technical tone, often found in professional or academic contexts, you may use xanh lục or lục.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To use a form of green as a noun (the color green), it is common to prefix it with màu (color), such as màu xanh.
Did you know?
- The word lục (green) may actually share an ancient root with words meaning 'to touch' or 'to explore manually' in languages like Mon and Khmer. This suggests the word for the color might have evolved from a physical sensation or action.
- Vietnamese uses two distinct systems for the color green: a native, non-Sino-Vietnamese version used in xanh and a Sino-Vietnamese version used in lục. This creates a linguistic layer of formality and precision similar to English using 'verdant' versus 'green'.
Examples in context
- Hy vọng màu xanh.Hope is green.This sentence uses xanh to express an abstract concept of hope.Tatoeba #13603250 by leucammieuvu, translation #11952135 by carlosalberto
- Cô ấy có mắt xanh.She has green eyes.This sentence uses xanh to describe eye color.Tatoeba #9163554 by dotheduyet1999, translation #1463505 by CM
- Tại sao lá màu xanh?Why are leaves green?This sentence uses xanh to describe the color of leaves.Tatoeba #13666119 by leucammieuvu, translation #6008491 by Hybrid
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chi and Nam are shopping for home decor.
- ChiNam ơi, bạn thấy cái ghế này thế nào?Nam, what do you think of this chair?
- NamMàu xanh lá cây của nó rất đẹp.Its green color is very beautiful.
- ChiNó có hợp với phòng khách của chúng ta không?Does it match our living room?
- NamTôi nghĩ là rất hợp đấy.I think it matches very well.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “green” translations and entries xanh lá cây, xanh, xanh lục, lục, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cây, lá, lục, xanh, xanh lá cây, xanh lục, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
