What does it mean word for word?
The term ăn cơm literally means "to eat rice," but it is used idiomatically to mean "to eat a meal."
Which one should you use?
The full phrase bạn ăn cơm chưa? is grammatically complete, but in casual speech, the subject bạn (you) is often dropped, resulting in ăn cơm chưa? The most concise form is Ăn chưa?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern Vietnam, people might say Ăn cơm rồi chưa? to mean "Have you eaten rice yet?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The word chưa at the end of the question functions as a particle to ask if an action has been completed yet.
When do people say it?
In Vietnamese culture, asking if someone has eaten is a common way to show care and serve as a polite greeting, rather than a literal inquiry into their hunger. A common response to this greeting is Ăn rồi (Eaten already) if you have eaten, or Chưa (Not yet) if you haven't.
Did you know?
- Depending on the context, the word bạn can derive from different Chinese characters, one meaning 'companion' and another meaning 'to rebel'.
- If you answer 'Chưa' (Not yet) to this greeting, a polite host may immediately offer you food, turning a casual greeting into a literal invitation.
- Because Vietnamese is a tonal language, saying ăn cơm chưa? with the wrong tone can make the question sound like a command or a statement.
Examples in context
- Chào buổi sáng, bạn ăn cơm chưa?Good morning, have you eaten yet?
- Lâu rồi không gặp, bạn ăn cơm chưa?Long time no see, have you eaten yet?
Example conversation
Hùng and Lan meet briefly in the hallway of their apartment building.
- HùngChào Lan, bạn ăn cơm chưa?Hello Lan, have you eaten yet?
- LanMình ăn rồi, cảm ơn Hùng nhé.I have eaten, thank you Hùng.
- HùngVậy thì tốt quá.That is great then.
- LanCòn bạn thì sao?How about you?
