What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of quý, meaning precious or noble and bà, meaning woman, grandmother or lady.
Which one should you use?
While quý bà is a highly formal way to refer to a lady, other terms exist depending on the context: Người phụ nữ is a general term for woman or lady and Cô gái refers to a girl or young lady. When addressing someone specifically, Bà is a formal way to address a lady who is older than you or of high status, usually for married women, whereas Cô is an informal term for young or older unmarried ladies.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Quý bà is a highly formal term used in professional settings, formal introductions or when addressing high-status women. It is much more formal than the common ways to say 'woman' or 'lady', such as phụ nữ or chị/cô.
Did you know?
- If you use the formal term bà in a casual setting with someone who is not actually old enough to be a grandmother, it can be perceived as an unintended insult.
- The word bà in quý bà functions as a kinship term, meaning Vietnamese speakers use family words like 'grandmother' to address complete strangers.
- The word quý is a homonym in Vietnamese. It can be used to describe something 'noble' or 'precious', but it also refers to a seasonal 'quarter' of the year.
Examples in context
- Xin lỗi, bà ơi. Làm ơn chỉ cho tôi cách đến bưu điện gần nhất được không ạ?Excuse me, Madam. Could you please help me find the way to the nearest post office?
- Quý bà ấy rất lịch sự.That lady is very polite.
- Một quý bà đang đợi ở ngoài.A lady is waiting outside.
Example conversation
Nam is helping a guest at a formal event.
- HươngChào anh, tôi đang tìm phòng hội nghị.Hello, I am looking for the conference room.
- NamDạ, mời quý bà đi theo tôi ạ.Yes, please follow me, lady.
- HươngCảm ơn anh rất nhiều, Nam.Thank you very much, Nam.
- NamKhông có chi, thưa quý bà.You are welcome, lady.
