hơn
[həːn˧˧]
In Vietnamese, 'more' is expressed as hơn.
hơn is used to form the comparative degree, equivalent to adding '-er' to an English adjective or using the word 'more'. The word Thêm is a generic translation for 'more' in Vietnamese. For emphasis, you can use Thêm nữa to mean 'even more' or use Thêm vào đó to mean 'furthermore' or 'in addition'.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers use 'more' before an adjective (e.g., 'more beautiful'), Vietnamese places hơn after the adjective.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the comparative degree in Vietnamese, place hơn after the adjective or adverb.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid placing hơn before the adjective. Instead of saying hơn đẹp, you should say đẹp hơn.
Did you know?
- The term hơn shares a common ancestor with several indigenous languages in Southeast Asia, such as the Arem and Pacoh languages, where it can mean 'to defeat' or 'to win'.
- In Vietnamese, hơn can be used to express a rough estimate, such as when saying 'more than ten' to mean 'ten-plus'.
- Vietnamese uses different words for 'more' depending on whether you are comparing two things (hơn) or asking for an additional quantity (thêm).
Examples in context
- Ăn chậm hơn đi.Eat more slowly.This sentence shows how to use hơn with an adverb to mean 'more slowly'.Tatoeba #13599340 by leucammieuvu, translation #4630811 by CK
- Tôi đẹp hơn bạn.I'm more beautiful than you.This sentence demonstrates using hơn to say 'more beautiful'.Tatoeba #13668125 by leucammieuvu, translation #8322917 by CK
- Vàng đắt hơn chì.Gold is more expensive than lead.This sentence illustrates using hơn to say 'more expensive'.Tatoeba #13769883 by leucammieuvu, translation #2847993 by mervert1
- Có thể cho thêm cơm không?Can I have more rice?
- Tôi muốn biết thêm nữaI want to know more
- Hơn nữa, chúng tôi đang phát triển các dự án mớiMoreover, we are developing new projects
- Anh ơi, cho thêm đi!Brother, give me more!
- Còn không? Thêm cái nữa!Is there any left? One more, please!
- Chương trình này càng xem càng thíchThe more I watch this show, the more I like it
- 149 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nam and Chi are at a coffee shop.
- NamChi ơi, cà phê này ngọt hơn hôm qua.Chi, this coffee is sweeter than yesterday's.
- ChiVậy sao? Nam muốn thêm đường không?Really? Do you want more sugar, Nam?
- NamKhông, tôi muốn uống nhiều nước hơn.No, I want to drink more water.
- ChiĐược rồi, để tôi lấy cho anh.Okay, let me get that for you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hơn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hơn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
