chỉ
[t͡ɕi˧˩]
The English phrase 'only' is translated into Vietnamese as chỉ.
chỉ is used as an adverb to mean without others or anything further, or exclusively. In spoken Vietnamese, chỉ is frequently paired with the particle thôi at the end of a clause to add emphasis to the sense of 'only' or 'just'.
Meaning: without others or anything further, exclusively (adv)
Which one should you use?
chỉ functions as an adverb to limit the scope of a verb or an entire sentence. In contrast, duy nhất is an adjective used to emphasize that something is the one and only of its kind.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Central and Northern Vietnam, people often use mới to express 'only'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase chỉ có is used to express the existence of only one thing or a limited number of things.
Did you know?
- One version of chỉ used in Vietnamese refers to a traditional unit of weight for gold, which is a cognate of the English word 'chee'.
Examples in context
- Họ chỉ ăn cơm.They only ate rice.Tatoeba #13840909 by leucammieuvu, translation #13840629 by maaster
- Tôi chỉ uống bia.I only drink beer.Tatoeba #13908358 by leucammieuvu, translation #13907954 by araneo
- Chỉ có Tom rời đi.Only Tom left.Tatoeba #13340780 by leucammieuvu, translation #6351883 by CK
- Chỉ có một người giành chiến thắng.Only one person won.
- Tôi chỉ muốn mua một cái.I only want to buy one.
- Em ấy học tiếng Anh thôi.He/she only studies English.
- 115 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tuấn and Mai are talking about their plans for the weekend.
- TuấnCuối tuần này tôi chỉ ở nhà.I am only staying at home this weekend.
- MaiTại sao bạn không đi chơi?Why aren't you going out?
- TuấnTôi chỉ muốn nghỉ ngơi thôi.I only want to rest.
- MaiVậy thì hãy nghỉ ngơi thật tốt nhé.Then have a good rest.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “only” translations and entries chỉ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chỉ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
