chưa
[t͡ɕɨə˧˧]
The English phrase "not yet" is expressed in Vietnamese using chưa.
chưa is used to indicate that something is not the case for the moment, though it is expected to happen later.
Meaning: not for the moment, though expected later (adv)
Which one should you use?
While the word không expresses a simple negation meaning "no" or "not", chưa specifically implies that the action or state is expected to occur in the future.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can use chưa as a standalone response to a question to mean "not yet". Additionally, adding the word vẫn before chưa to create vẫn chưa emphasizes that a state is continuing to be "not yet" (equivalent to "still hasn't").
Did you know?
- When someone asks ăn cơm chưa? ('have you eaten yet?'), it is often used as a general greeting similar to 'how are you' rather than a literal inquiry about food.
- The word chưa can also be used in questions to mean 'Have you… yet?' rather than 'Have you not… yet?' For example, asking Anh ăn cơm chưa? means 'Have you eaten rice yet?' rather than a negative inquiry.
- The word chưa is used in the phrase chưa biết ('not yet known'), which is a common polite way to say 'I do not know' while suggesting one is willing to find out.
Examples in context
- Tom vẫn chưa đến.Tom has not yet arrived.This sentence is useful for seeing how to say Tom has not yet arrived using chưa.Tatoeba #9002416 by dotheduyet1999, translation #2262783 by CK
- Robert chưa từng đến họp muộn bao giờ.Robert has not yet been late for a meeting.This sentence is useful for seeing how to say Robert has not yet been late for a meeting using chưa.Tatoeba #13841740 by leucammieuvu, translation #29343 by CN
- Trái táo vẫn chưa chín.The apple is not yet ripe.This sentence is useful for seeing how to say the apple is not yet ripe using chưa.Tatoeba #1543008 by Aomori, translation #43455 by Plodder
- Tôi chưa biếtI don't know yet
- Anh ta chưa đếnHe hasn't arrived yet
- Tôi chưa sẵn sàngI am not ready yet
- Tài liệu vẫn chưa được chuẩn bịThe documents have not been prepared yet
- Xe buýt vẫn chưa đếnThe bus hasn't arrived yet
- Mày chưa về à?Haven't you come back yet?
- Còn chưa đến giờ ăn cơmIt's not time to eat yet
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mai and Nam are talking about whether the food is ready.
- MaiMẹ đã nấu cơm xong chưa, Nam?Has mother finished cooking rice yet, Nam?
- NamDạ, mẹ vẫn chưa nấu xong.No, mother hasn't finished cooking yet.
- MaiVậy chúng ta đợi thêm nhé?So shall we wait a bit more?
- NamVâng, em cũng chưa đói.Yes, I'm not hungry yet either.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “not yet” translations and entries chưa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
