nhóc
[ɲawk͡p̚˧˦]
In Vietnamese, the phrase for kid can be translated as nhóc. Wiktionary also lists con nít.
Meaning: child (colloq.) (noun)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| nhóc | [ɲawk͡p̚˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ɲawk͡p̚˦˧˥] (Huế, narrow) |
| con nít | [kɔn˧˧ nit̚˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [kɔŋ˧˧ nit̚˦˧˥] (Huế, narrow) |
The term nhóc is often used as a friendly or affectionate way to address a younger person or a child, similar to calling someone 'kiddo' in English.
Which one should you use?
nhóc is used as a friendly or affectionate term, whereas con nít is an informal way to refer to children that can also carry a derogatory tone.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations where you are referring to children collectively, use Trẻ em. In informal and endearing settings, you might use Bé for 'little one' or 'kiddo' or Cháu when an adult addresses a child (similar to 'niece' or 'nephew'). Nhóc is informal and friendly, while con nít is informal but can be derogatory.
Is it said differently in some regions?
con nít is a common way to say 'kid' in Southern and Central Vietnamese dialects.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- "Bé, đã ăn no chưa?"Kid, have you eaten enough?
- Thằng nhóc đó nghịch ngợm quá.That kid is so naughty.
- Nhìn nhóc kia kìa, dễ thương chưa.Look at that kid over there, isn't he cute.
- Đừng có dạy bảo mấy nhóc đó.Don't try to lecture those kids.
Example conversation
Tuấn and Chi are watching children play at a park.
- TuấnMấy nhóc kia đang chơi đá bóng kìa.Those kids are playing soccer over there.
- ChiMột nhóc con đang chạy rất nhanh.One kid is running very fast.
- TuấnNhóc đó trông có vẻ rất khỏe mạnh.That kid looks very healthy.
- ChiĐúng vậy, nhóc ấy trông rất năng động.True, he looks very energetic.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “kid” translations and entries nhóc, con nít, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries con, con nít, nít, CC BY-SA 4.0.
