Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| bản tin | [ʔɓaːn˧˩ tin˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ʔɓaːŋ˧˨ tin˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
| tin | [tin˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [tin˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
| thời sự | [tʰəːj˨˩ sɨ˧˨ʔ] (Hà Nội, narrow) [tʰəːj˦˩ ʂɨ˨˩ʔ] (Huế, narrow) |
Vietnamese uses several terms to describe reports of current events depending on the specific context of the information being shared.
What does it mean word for word?
The term bản tin literally means a news bulletin or report, composed of bản (meaning a copy, version or sheet) and tin (meaning news or information).
Which one should you use?
While bản tin specifically refers to a formal news report or bulletin, tin is the most general and common way to refer to a piece of news, information or a message. Thời sự is used specifically for news regarding current events or topical issues, frequently in the context of journalism or news programs. Tin tức is a common compound noun used to refer to 'the news' as a general concept or a collection of information.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Southern Vietnam, Tin tức mới nhất means latest news.
How does it change in a sentence?
Unlike the English word 'news', which is uncountable, the Vietnamese word tin can be used with counters or treated as a discrete unit of information.
Did you know?
- The word tin is actually a non-Sino-Vietnamese reading of the Chinese character 信, which is also the root for the word 'trust' or 'faith'.
Examples in context
- Tôi có tin xấu.I have bad news.This sentence is useful for expressing that you possess bad news using the word tin.Tatoeba #3680922 by tucm, translation #2359026 by CK
- Tin tức có đúng không?Is the news true?This sentence is useful for questioning the veracity of the news using the word tin.Tatoeba #11414241 by chaule3, translation #11414238 by chaule3
- Ai có tin gì tốt không?Does anybody have any good news?This sentence is useful for asking if anyone has any good news using the word tin.Tatoeba #3460400 by tucm, translation #2995474 by CK
- Hôm nay có tin gì mới không?Any news for today?
- Thông tin chi tiết về vụ việc đã được cập nhậtDetailed information about the incident has been updated
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mai and Nam are talking about the morning television program.
- MaiNam có xem bản tin sáng nay không?Did you watch the news bulletin this morning, Nam?
- NamTôi không xem, có chuyện gì vậy?I didn't watch it, what happened?
- MaiBản tin nói về thời tiết ngày mai.The news report mentioned tomorrow's weather.
- NamVậy là tôi nên mang theo ô nhỉ.Then I should bring an umbrella, right?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “news” translations and entries bản tin, tin, thời sự, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bản, sự, thời, thời sự, tin, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
