phải
[faːj˧˩]
The English word 'right' (referring to direction) is expressed in Vietnamese as phải. Wiktionary also lists thẳng.
Meaning: of direction, opposite of left (adj)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| phải | [faːj˧˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [faːj˧˨] (Huế, narrow) |
| thẳng | [tʰaŋ˧˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [tʰaŋ˧˨] (Huế, narrow) |
When describing a direction or a side that is the opposite of left, use phải. To specifically refer to 'the right side' as a noun phrase, use bên phải.
Which one should you use?
The word phải is used for the direction 'right', which is the opposite of trái (left). While phải can describe the direction, bên phải is the preferred way to specify 'the right side'.
Related words
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be aware that phải is a homonym. It can also mean 'must' or 'have to'. However, the context of direction in a sentence will make the meaning clear.
Did you know?
- The word phải for the direction 'right' actually traces its roots back to the concept of 'suffering' or 'enduring' in ancient Chinese.
- In Vietnamese, the concept of 'right' (direction) and 'right' (correct/just) are expressed by the same word phải.
Examples in context
- Tôi đau chân phải.My right leg hurts.This sentence shows how to use phải to describe a specific limb.Tatoeba #9007253 by dotheduyet1999, translation #2343173 by kareybh
- Tom bị điếc tai phải.Tom is deaf in his right ear.This sentence demonstrates using phải to identify a specific ear.Tatoeba #9752687 by dotheduyet1999, translation #7269170 by CarpeLanam
- Cô ấy giơ tay phải lên.She raised her right hand.This sentence illustrates the use of phải when referring to a hand.Tatoeba #8948931 by dotheduyet1999, translation #7385936 by CH
- Bạn có chắc là đáp án này đúng không?Are you sure this answer is correct?
- Chúng ta phải tuân thủ đúng quy trình làm việc.We must adhere to the correct working procedure.
- Hãy đảm bảo ghi chính xác các thông tin cá nhân.Make sure to record personal information accurately.
- Đó là câu trả lời chính xác cho câu hỏi của bạn.That is the correct answer to your question.
- Anh ấy đã đến sớm, đúng vậy?He arrived early, right?
- Bạn đã nhận được thư từ rồi, đúng không?You've received the letter, right?
- Mình nên đi du lịch vào dịp lễ này, đúng không?We should go on a trip during this holiday, right?
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hùng and Chi are walking in a park and looking for a specific exit.
- HùngRẽ phải ở ngã tư kia.Turn right at that intersection.
- ChiCó phải rẽ phải không?Do I turn right?
- HùngĐúng rồi, đi về phía bên phải.That's right, go towards the right side.
- ChiTôi thấy lối ra ở bên phải rồi.I see the exit on the right.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “right” translations and entries phải, thẳng, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries phải, thẳng, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
