tâm trạng
[təm˧˧ t͡ɕaːŋ˧˨ʔ]
In Vietnamese, the English phrase mood is translated as tâm trạng. Wiktionary also lists tính khí.
Meaning: mental state (noun)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| tâm trạng | [təm˧˧ t͡ɕaːŋ˧˨ʔ] (Hà Nội, narrow) [təm˧˧ ʈaːŋ˨˩ʔ] (Huế, narrow) |
| tính khí | [tïŋ˧˦ xi˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [tɨn˦˧˥ kʰɪj˨˩˦] (Huế, narrow) |
The term tâm trạng is used to describe a person's temporary emotional state or a fleeting mood.
What does it mean word for word?
The word tâm trạng is composed of tâm, meaning heart or mind and trạng, meaning state or condition.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between the two forms provided. tâm trạng refers to a temporary emotional state or mood. In contrast, tính khí refers to a person's temperament, inherent disposition or long-term personality traits.
Did you know?
- The word khí in tính khí is the same word used in 'feng shui' (phong thủy) to describe 'qi' or life force.
- In Vietnamese, the heart tâm is viewed as the center of both emotion and intellect, whereas the physical organ is tim.
- The component khí in tính khí refers to a concept similar to 'breath' or 'air', suggesting that temperament is something as vital and invisible as the air we breathe.
Examples in context
- tâm trạng lên xuống thất thườngHaving fast mood swingThis sentence is useful for describing someone who is having fast mood swings using tâm trạng.
- Tôi có tâm trạng khá tốt hôm nayI'm feeling quite good today
- Anh ấy đang trong trạng thái mệt mỏiHe is in a tired mood/state
- Tôi cảm thấy thất vọng về kết quảI feel disappointed about the outcome
- Hôm nay tâm trạng tôi rất tốt.My mood is very good today.
- Cô ấy đang có tâm trạng buồn.She is in a sad mood.
Example conversation
Nam and Mai are talking at a cafe.
- NamNam thấy tâm trạng của Mai không tốt.Nam sees that Mai's mood is not good.
- MaiĐúng vậy, mình đang thấy hơi buồn.That's right, I'm feeling a bit sad.
- NamĐể mình mua cho Mai một ly trà sữa nhé.Let me buy Mai a milk tea.
- MaiCảm ơn Nam, tâm trạng mình tốt hơn rồi.Thanks Nam, my mood is better now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mood” translations and entries tâm trạng, tính khí, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
