cần
[kən˨˩]
The Vietnamese word for 'need' is cần.
The verb cần is used to express that there is an absolute requirement for something or an action. It can be used to indicate a need for an object or a need to perform a specific task.
Meaning: to have an absolute requirement for (verb)
Which one should you use?
While cần expresses a requirement, the word muốn is used to express 'want'. Do not confuse these two meanings. Additionally, while cần is primarily the verb 'to need', the adjective 'necessary' is expressed as cần thiết. The noun form for 'something required' or 'a need' is nhu cầu.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the need to perform an action, place the verb directly after cần (cần + verb). To express a requirement for a thing, place the noun directly after it (cần + noun).
Did you know?
- In Vietnamese, cần is also the word for a 'fishing rod'.
- The word cần has a historical connection to the Chinese character 芹, which refers to a type of plant used in cooking.
- In certain contexts, cần can be used to describe a 'lever' or a 'handle', referring to the physical shape of the object.
Examples in context
- Tôi cần đi đái.I need to pee.This sentence shows how to express the need to perform a bodily function using cần.Tatoeba #4272707 by phuc, translation #3379282 by aengelberg
- Trẻ em cần ngủ.Children need sleep.This sentence demonstrates the use of cần regarding a biological requirement.Tatoeba #13340468 by leucammieuvu, translation #7989710 by CK
- Tôi cần hỗ trợ.I need some assistance.This sentence shows how to express a requirement for assistance using cần.Tatoeba #13351038 by leucammieuvu, translation #12449325 by CK
- Tôi cần mua một cuốn sách.I need to buy a book.
- Tôi cần một cái bútI need a pen.
- 248 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hùng and Mai are studying together at a library.
- HùngMai, anh cần một cây bút.Mai, I need a pen.
- MaiEm có hai cây này, anh dùng đi.I have two here, please use one.
- HùngCảm ơn em, anh cần nó ngay bây giờ.Thank you, I need it right now.
- MaiKhông có chi, anh cứ dùng tự nhiên.You're welcome, feel free to use it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “need” translations and entries cần, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cần, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
