các bạn
[kaːk̚˧˦ ʔɓaːn˧˨ʔ]word by word
In Vietnamese, 'guys' is translated as các bạn.
An informal way to address a group of people.
What does it mean word for word?
các is a plural marker used before a noun to indicate a group, and bạn literally means 'friend' but is used as a second-person pronoun for peers.
Which one should you use?
While các bạn is a common way to say 'you guys', it is more neutral and less informal than using kinship terms like các em or các anh depending on age.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
các bạn is a safe, polite way to address a group of peers or a general audience, such as in a classroom or a presentation. The phrase Mấy đứa is an informal way to refer to "guys" in Vietnamese.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase các bạn is used to address a group of people who are roughly the same age or social status as the speaker.
Did you know?
- The word bạn used in các bạn can be linked to two different Chinese characters, one meaning 'companion' and another meaning 'rebel'.
- In Vietnamese, using the wrong kinship term when addressing 'guys' can accidentally make the speaker sound like a much younger or older person.
- Using the phrase mấy đứa to mean 'guys' can actually make you sound like you are looking down on the group or being quite condescending.
Examples in context
- Các bạn có lạnh không?Are you guys cold?This sentence shows how to ask if the group is cold using các bạn.Tatoeba #11392987 by chaule3, translation #8110172 by Luiaard
- Các bạn đã mua bao nhiêu vé?How many tickets did you guys buy?This sentence demonstrates how to ask how many tickets các bạn bought.Tatoeba #13594876 by leucammieuvu, translation #13592970 by araneo
- Các bạn có thích rượu vang trắng không?Do you guys like white wine?This sentence shows how to ask if các bạn like white wine.Tatoeba #9741759 by dotheduyet1999, translation #5205818 by CK
- Các bạn, mình đã chuẩn bị một bài thuyết trình quan trọng về dự án này.Guys, I have prepared an important presentation about this project.
- Mấy đứa, chúng ta đi xem phim sau giờ làm nhé?Guys, let's go watch a movie after work, shall we?
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lan and Minh are meeting a group of friends at a cafe.
- LanChào các bạn, mình đến rồi đây!Hi guys, I'm here!
- MinhChào Lan, các bạn đang đợi bạn đấy.Hi Lan, the guys are waiting for you.
- LanCác bạn đã gọi đồ uống chưa?Have you guys ordered drinks yet?
- MinhRồi, chúng mình vừa gọi xong.Yes, we just ordered.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (các, bạn) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bạn, các, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
