nằm xuống
[nam˨˩ suəŋ˧˦]
In Vietnamese, 'lay down' is translated as nằm xuống.
The phrase is used to describe the action of a person or an animal lying down.
Meaning: to place on the ground (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the verb nằm (to lie) and the directional particle xuống (down).
Which one should you use?
Use nằm xuống when a living being is lying down. If you are referring to the act of placing an inanimate object on the ground, you should use đặt xuống instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
While it translates to 'lay down' in English, in Vietnamese, nằm xuống specifically denotes the action of a living creature performing the act of lying down.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use nằm xuống when you mean to place an object on the ground. Use đặt xuống for inanimate objects.
Did you know?
- The word nằm shares a distant linguistic root with terms meaning 'to brood' or 'to hatch eggs' in related Austroasiatic languages.
- Because Vietnamese is a tonal language, changing the tone of nằm can completely change the meaning of the sentence.
- Because nằm is specifically for living beings, using it for an object can inadvertently personify that object.
Examples in context
- Anh ấy nằm xuống ngay cạnh tôi.He lay down next to me.This sentence demonstrates the use of nằm xuống to describe a person lying down.Tatoeba #8995766 by dotheduyet1999, translation #8994987 by maaster
- Xin hãy đặt sách xuống bàn.Please lay the book down on the table.
- Xin hãy nằm xuống giường.Please lay down on the bed.
- Tôi cần nằm chút.I need to lay down for a bit.
- Mệt quá, nằm xuống chỗ nghỉ ngơi nào.I'm so tired, let's lay down somewhere to rest.
- Con mèo nằm xuống thảm.The cat lies down on the rug.
Example conversation
Chi is helping Nam feel better at home.
- ChiAnh cảm thấy mệt lắm sao, Nam?Do you feel very tired, Nam?
- NamAnh hơi đau đầu một chút.I have a bit of a headache.
- ChiAnh hãy nằm xuống nghỉ ngơi đi.You should lie down and rest.
- NamCảm ơn em, Chi.Thank you, Chi.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nằm xuống, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nằm, nằm xuống, xuống, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
