ảnh
[ʔajŋ̟˧˩]
The Vietnamese word for "photo" is ảnh.
ảnh is used to refer specifically to a photograph or a photographic image. It is a noun rather than a verb.
Meaning: to take a photograph (verb)
Which one should you use?
While ảnh refers specifically to a photograph, the related word hình is a more general term that can be used for any kind of picture or image.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because ảnh is a noun, you must place the verb chụp (to capture or shoot) before it to express the action "to take a photo". When referring to a single physical or digital photo, you should use a classifier. You can use tấm before ảnh (as in tấm ảnh) or bức before ảnh (as in bức ảnh). Additionally, tấm hình is an informal way to refer to a single photo.
Did you know?
- In Southern Vietnamese and some parts of Thanh Hoá, the word ảnh is used as a pronoun to refer to a man who is slightly older than the speaker.
- In Vietnamese social media slang, people often use sống ảo (literally 'living virtually') to describe the act of taking carefully staged photos to look perfect online.
- The verb chụp used in 'taking a photo' literally means 'to snap' or 'to grab' something quickly out of the air.
Examples in context
- Bạn chụp bức ảnh này lúc nào?When did you take this photo?This sentence shows how to ask about the timing of taking an ảnh.Tatoeba #13503053 by leucammieuvu, translation #13502156 by CK
- Tôi chưa bao giờ thích tấm ảnh này.I never liked this photo.This sentence expresses a personal feeling about an ảnh.Tatoeba #9196939 by dotheduyet1999, translation #9193277 by CK
- Bạn có thể xoá tấm ảnh này cho tôi được không?Could you delete this photo for me?This sentence is a request to delete an ảnh.Tatoeba #13472532 by leucammieuvu, translation #13472523 by CK
- Bạn có thể chụp một bức ảnh chân dung của tôi không?Can you take a portrait of me?
- Tất nhiên, tôi sẽ chụp một bức ảnh cho bạn.Of course, I will take a photo for you.
- Bạn chụp ảnh đẹp quá!You take beautiful photos!
- Cảm ơn! Tôi rất thích chụp ảnh.Thank you! I really enjoy taking photos.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tuấn and Lan are visiting a beautiful park.
- TuấnLan ơi, bạn chụp ảnh cho tôi nhé?Lan, could you take a photo for me?
- LanĐược chứ, Tuấn đứng vào đây đi.Sure, Tuấn, stand right here.
- TuấnBạn chụp ảnh xong chưa?Have you finished taking the photo?
- LanXong rồi, ảnh đẹp lắm!Done, the photo is very beautiful!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ảnh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ảnh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
