ánh sáng
[ʔajŋ̟˧˦ saːŋ˧˦]
In Vietnamese, the English word 'light' is translated as ánh sáng. If unsure, use ánh sáng. Wiktionary also lists ánh.
Meaning: visible light, brightness (noun)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| ánh sáng | [ʔajŋ̟˧˦ saːŋ˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ʔɛɲ˦˧˥ ʂaːŋ˦˧˥] (Huế, narrow) |
| ánh | [ʔajŋ̟˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ʔɛɲ˦˧˥] (Huế, narrow) |
Ánh sáng refers to physical illumination or brightness. It is also used metaphorically to describe enlightenment or inspiration.
What does it mean word for word?
Ánh sáng is a compound word where ánh refers to a glow or reflection and sáng means bright or luminous.
Which one should you use?
While ánh can mean a glow or a ray of light on its own, ánh sáng is the standard compound noun used to refer to light as a physical phenomenon. For specific types of light, Vietnamese speakers use different terms: ánh nắng is used for sunlight and ánh đèn is used for artificial light from a lamp or street light.
Related words
Did you know?
- The term ánh sáng is often used in Vietnamese literature to symbolize hope and the end of a dark period of history or life.
- The component ánh in ánh sáng is likely a Sino-Vietnamese borrowing from the Chinese character 映, which means 'to reflect' or 'to shine'.
Examples in context
- Kẻ ác ghét ánh sáng.Evildoers hate light.This sentence uses ánh sáng to show someone's dislike for light.Tatoeba #13515459 by leucammieuvu, translation #13514359 by rul
- Hãy bước ra ánh sáng.Step into the light.This sentence uses ánh sáng to describe moving into the light.Tatoeba #11266546 by chaule3, translation #3728140 by CM
- Nước phản chiếu ánh sáng.Water reflects light.This sentence uses ánh sáng to describe the reflection of light in water.Tatoeba #9067326 by dotheduyet1999, translation #270802 by CK
- Cần thêm ánh sáng để đọc sách.We need more light to read the book.
- Tôi cần mở đèn để đọc sách.I need to turn on the light to read the book.
- Cô ấy thích màu sáng.She likes bright colors.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mai and Nam are discussing the weather while walking outside.
- MaiAnh có thấy ánh sáng hôm nay thật đẹp không?Do you think the light today is really beautiful?
- NamĐúng vậy, trời đang rất trong.Yes, the sky is very clear.
- MaiEm muốn chụp ảnh với ánh sáng này.I want to take a photo with this light.
- NamĐể anh chụp giúp em nhé.Let me help you take it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “light” translations and entries ánh sáng, ánh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sáng, ánh, ánh sáng, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
