Gaining knowledge of commonly used phrases is essential when learning any language. In Vietnamese, one of the phrases you might find useful is “later,” as it allows you to express the idea of doing something at a different time or postponing an activity. In this guide, we will explore different ways to say “later” in Vietnamese, including both formal and informal variants. We will also touch upon regional variations when necessary. So, let’s get started!
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Formal Ways to Say “Later” in Vietnamese
When you want to express the concept of “later” in formal settings, the following phrases can be used:
- Sau – This is the standard and most widely used word to convey “later” in formal situations. It is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts. For instance, you can say “Em làm sau” (I’ll do it later) or “Chúng ta sẽ gặp sau” (We will meet later).
- Sau đó – Translated directly as “after that,” this phrase is more specific and formal. It implies an action happening subsequently, often used to describe a sequence of events. For example, “Tôi đi làm việc, sau đó đi mua sắm” (I’ll go to work and then go shopping).
- Sau khi – This phrase is similar to “sau đó,” but it specifically indicates an action occurring after another action. For instance, “Sau khi làm bài tập, cô ấy đi dạo” (After doing her homework, she went for a walk).
Informal Ways to Say “Later” in Vietnamese
Informally, Vietnamese speakers often use the following expressions to say “later” in their everyday conversations:
- Mai sau – This phrase literally translates to “tomorrow later.” Although it mentions “tomorrow,” it is commonly used to represent the idea of “later” in general. For example, “Chúng ta gặp lại mai sau” (We’ll meet again later).
- Mấy hôm sau – In this expression, “mấy hôm” means “a few days” or “some days,” combined with “sau” (later) to convey the sense of “in a few days” or “in some days.” An example usage is “Thứ Hai đi công tác, mấy hôm sau mới trở về” (I’m going on a business trip on Monday, I’ll be back in a few days).
- Tối nay hoặc ngày mai – This phrase, translated as “tonight or tomorrow,” is an informal way of suggesting an alternative time without specific commitment. It implies that the task can be done either later in the evening or the next day. An example usage is “Chúng ta đi xem phim tối nay hoặc ngày mai” (Let’s go watch a movie either tonight or tomorrow).
Tips and Examples
Here are a few tips and additional examples to help you understand and apply these phrases effectively:
Tip 1: In Vietnamese culture, it is often polite to use specific time expressions rather than general terms. Be mindful of providing more precise information whenever possible.
For instance, instead of saying “I’ll do it later,” you can say “Tôi sẽ làm việc đó vào buổi chiều” (I’ll do that in the afternoon). This not only shows your commitment to a specific time but also displays courtesy.
Tip 2: Body language and tone play an important role in conveying politeness in Vietnamese communication, regardless of the phrase used. Be aware of maintaining a warm and respectful demeanor when expressing your intent.
For example, when saying “Sau khi ăn cơm, chúng ta có thể đi thăm một số địa điểm” (After eating, we can visit some places), make sure to accompany it with a friendly smile and considerate body language to enhance your overall communication.
Summary
In summary, the Vietnamese language offers various ways to say “later,” depending on the level of formality and context. In formal settings, “sau” is the standard term, while “sau đó” and “sau khi” provide more specific sequences of events. Informally, phrases like “mai sau,” “mấy hôm sau,” and “tối nay hoặc ngày mai” are commonly used. Remember to be mindful of cultural nuances, use specific time expressions when appropriate, and maintain a warm and respectful tone during conversations. Practicing these phrases will undoubtedly help you in your Vietnamese language journey! Chúc bạn may mắn! (Good luck!)
