trời ơi
[t͡ɕəːj˨˩ ʔəːj˧˧]
The English phrase "omg" is translated into Vietnamese as trời ơi.
The phrase trời ơi is used to express a wide range of intense emotions, such as shock, frustration, surprise or disbelief.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of trời, meaning sky, heaven or god and ơi, which is an exclamation particle used to call out to someone or express emotion. Together, they literally mean "oh god" or "oh heaven".
Which one should you use?
You may encounter the informal variant Ôi trời ơi! to express surprise, disbelief or annoyance or Ồ trời ơi! to express astonishment or disbelief.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
trời ơi is an informal exclamation. While it is very common, you should use it sparingly in highly formal or professional settings.
Did you know?
- In the 17th century, the word trời was recorded in the Dictionarium Annamiticum Lusitanum et Latinum as blời.
- While most people use trời ơi, Northern speakers might use the variant giời ơi to express the same shock or disbelief.
- The phrase is so versatile that it can actually function as a plea for help rather than just an expression of surprise.
Examples in context
- Bạn vừa trúng số độc đắc! Chúa ơi! Thật không thể tin được!You just won the lottery! OMG! That's incredible!
- Trời ơi! Nhìn cái hoàng hôn đẹp kia đi!Trời ơi! Look at that beautiful sunset!
- Ôi trời ơi! Cái kem này ngon tuyệt vời!Ôi trời ơi! This ice cream is incredibly delicious!
- Lạy Chúa! Nghe tin chưa? Chúng ta đã thắng trận đấu!Lạy Chúa! Did you hear the news? We won the match!
- Ồ trời ơi! Nhìn chú chó con dễ thương kìa!Ồ trời ơi! Look at that adorable puppy!
- Trời ơi, nóng quá!Omg, it's so hot!
- Trời ơi, thật không thể tin được.Omg, I can't believe it.
- Trời ơi, bạn làm gì vậy?Omg, what are you doing?
Example conversation
Chi and Minh are looking at a very expensive menu.
- ChiTrời ơi, món này đắt quá!OMG, this dish is too expensive!
- MinhĐúng vậy, tôi cũng thấy thế.True, I think so too.
- ChiChúng ta chọn món khác đi.Let's choose another dish.
- MinhĐược, để tôi xem lại.Okay, let me check again.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry trời ơi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries trời, trời ơi, ơi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
