toán
[twaːn˧˦]
In Vietnamese, math is said as toán. Wiktionary also lists toán học.
Meaning: short form of mathematics (noun)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| toán | [twaːn˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [twaːŋ˦˧˥] (Huế, narrow) |
| toán học | [twaːn˧˦ hawk͡p̚˧˨ʔ] (Hà Nội, narrow) [twaːŋ˦˧˥ hawk͡p̚˨˩ʔ] (Huế, narrow) |
Common phrases include Làm Toán (do math), Học Toán (study math) and Giải Toán (solve math problems). To refer to specific math problems, you can use Các bài toán.
Which one should you use?
toán is the short form of the word, while toán học is the full, formal term for mathematics.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you are referring specifically to math as a school subject, it is common to use the phrase môn toán.
Did you know?
- In Vietnamese, the word for math toán can also refer to a 'group' or 'team' of people, such as a search party or a military unit.
- In traditional Vietnamese contexts, the act of tính toán means both 'to calculate a sum' and 'to plan or scheme' for the future.
- The Vietnamese word toán shares a root with the Chinese character used for the abacus, the traditional calculating tool of East Asia.
Examples in context
- Toán học rất khó.Math is really difficult.This sentence shows how to describe the difficulty of toán.Tatoeba #13249679 by leucammieuvu, translation #10100594 by CK
- Toán học rất hay.Math is cool.This sentence expresses that toán is interesting or cool.Tatoeba #14034925 by nhuttan2004, translation #14004872 by menaud
- Chúng tôi thích toán.We love math.This sentence shows how to express a liking for toán.Tatoeba #13344324 by leucammieuvu, translation #9152677 by CK
- Ngành Khoa học Toán học có thể khó khăn đối với nhiều người.The field of mathematical sciences can be challenging for many people.
- Sự hiểu biết về Toán học là cần thiết trong công việc này.Understanding mathematics is essential for this job.
- Bạn muốn rèn luyện khả năng tư duy, hãy giải nhiều bài Toán.If you want to develop your thinking skills, solve many math problems.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two students are talking in a classroom.
- HùngLan ơi, bạn làm xong bài tập toán chưa?Lan, have you finished the math homework?
- LanMình chưa, bài toán này khó quá.Not yet, this math problem is too hard.
- HùngĐể mình giúp bạn nhé.Let me help you.
- LanCảm ơn Hùng nhiều nhé!Thanks a lot, Hung!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “math” translations and entries toán, toán học, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
