What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of chào, which means to greet or say hello. bạn, used as the pronoun for "you" when addressing a peer or friend. And khỏe, which means healthy or well.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The neutral and polite way to greet a peer is chào bạn, bạn khỏe không? If you are speaking to a wider audience or engaging in public speaking, use the formal variant Xin chào, quý vị khỏe không? For informal situations that show familiarity, you can use Xin chào, anh/em khỏe không? or Chào, bạn khỏe không? Other informal options include Chào cậu/em, khỏe không?
How does it change in a sentence?
While bạn is the pronoun for "you" when addressing a peer or friend, the pronoun for "you" must change in Vietnamese based on the age and gender of the person you are addressing. For example, the term cậu is used to address males who are younger than you or of equal age.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use bạn for everyone. However, you must change the pronoun for "you" according to the age and gender of the person you are talking to.
Did you know?
- The word chào shares a historical root with the term 'triều', which refers to attending an emperor's audience.
Examples in context
- Chào bạn, bạn khỏe không? Tôi rất vui được gặp bạn.Hi, how are you? I am very happy to see you.
Example conversation
Two friends meet at a coffee shop.
- TuấnChào bạn, bạn khỏe không?Hi, how are you?
- HươngMình khỏe, cảm ơn Tuấn.I'm well, thank you Tuan.
- TuấnHương dạo này thế nào rồi?How have you been lately, Huong?
- HươngMọi thứ đều rất tốt.Everything is very good.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bạn, chào, không, CC BY-SA 4.0.
