vượt qua
[vɨət̚˧˨ʔ kwaː˧˧]
In Vietnamese, the English verb 'pass' (to move or be moved from one place to another) is expressed as vượt qua.
vượt qua is used when talking about successfully passing an exam, a test or a challenge. It is used for overcoming or surmounting abstract obstacles.
Meaning: to move or be moved from one place to another (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of vượt (to cross/surmount) and qua (to pass/go through).
Which one should you use?
While vượt qua is used for abstract obstacles like exams, it is not typically used for the physical act of passing a person or an object in a queue. For that, one would use đi qua or vượt.
Did you know?
- The word vượt is actually a linguistic 'sibling' to the word 'Việt' used in 'Việt Nam'. They share the same Chinese root 越, but one evolved into a common verb while the other became a proper noun.
- The phrase vượt qua is heavily used in Vietnamese literature and songs to symbolize resilience against fate or life's many hardships.
Examples in context
- Tôi phải vượt qua kì thi này.I have to pass this exam.This sentence shows how to use vượt qua regarding an exam.Tatoeba #4604884 by khoaharp, translation #1744984 by Amastan
- Ngày mai chúng ta sẽ vượt qua bài kiểm tra thôi.We will pass an exam tomorrow.This sentence uses vượt qua in the context of an exam.Tatoeba #13657134 by leucammieuvu, translation #13656618 by dnswrsrx
Example conversation
Mai and Nam are hiking on a narrow trail.
- MaiNam ơi, anh hãy vượt qua em đi.Nam, please pass me.
- NamĐường hẹp quá, em lùi lại một chút nhé.The path is too narrow, step back a little.
- MaiĐược rồi, giờ anh có thể vượt qua rồi.Okay, now you can pass.
- NamCảm ơn Mai nhiều nhé.Thanks a lot, Mai.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry vượt qua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries qua, vượt, vượt qua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
