số
[so˧˦]
In Vietnamese, the English word "number" is expressed as số.
The term số refers to an abstract entity used to describe quantity. While số is the general term for a number, you may encounter related compounds for more specific meanings: con số is frequently used when referring to a specific numerical figure or a statistical value and số lượng is used to specifically refer to a quantity or an amount of something.
Meaning: abstract entity used to describe quantity (noun)
Which one should you use?
The word số is the standard way to say number, but it can be differentiated by its compounds. Use con số when you are talking about a specific figure or statistic, and use số lượng when you want to emphasize the quantity or amount of an item.
Did you know?
- While số is a general term, Vietnamese uses the classifier con in the phrase con số to treat a specific numerical figure almost like a living entity.
- The word số shares its roots with the concept of fate or destiny. In many traditional contexts, having a specific 'number' can imply that one's life path or luck is predestined.
- The term kĩ thuật số is used to say 'digital' in technology, but it literally translates to 'digit-based technology'. It uses the word for number to describe the modern digital age.
Examples in context
- Chắc bạn nhầm số rồi.I think you have the wrong number.This sentence shows how to use số when talking about a wrong number.Tatoeba #9741771 by dotheduyet1999, translation #282837 by CK
- Đó là một con số lớn.That's a big number.This sentence illustrates the use of số to describe a big number.Tatoeba #13563828 by leucammieuvu, translation #13563376 by rul
- Ông hãy lên xe buýt số 5.You should take the number 5 bus.This sentence demonstrates using số to identify a specific bus number.Tatoeba #510415 by autuno, translation #72483 by autuno
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hương and Hùng are looking at a list of participants for a meeting.
- HươngSố lượng người tham gia là bao nhiêu?What is the number of participants?
- HùngTôi thấy có mười người trong danh sách.I see ten people on the list.
- HươngSố này có vẻ hơi ít nhỉ?This number seems a bit low, doesn't it?
- HùngCó lẽ họ sẽ đến muộn.Maybe they will arrive late.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “number” translations and entries số, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries số, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
