buồn
[ʔɓuən˨˩]
The English word 'sad' is translated into Vietnamese as buồn. If unsure, use buồn. Wiktionary also lists buồn bả and buồn rầu.
Meaning: feeling sorrow (adj)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| buồn | [ʔɓuən˨˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ʔɓuəŋ˦˩] (Huế, narrow) |
| buồn bả | |
| buồn rầu | [ʔɓuən˨˩ zəw˨˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ʔɓuəŋ˦˩ ʐəw˦˩] (Huế, narrow) |
buồn is the standard and most common way to express feeling sorrow. Depending on the context, it can also mean 'bored'.
Which one should you use?
While buồn is the standard term, other forms vary in intensity. buồn rầu is a more intense, formal or literary way to express deep sorrow or melancholy. buồn bã is used to describe a visible state of being dejected or despondent, often referring to a person's demeanor.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the degree of sadness, place the adverb rất (very) before the word, as in rất buồn (very sad).
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Tom có vẻ buồn.Tom looks like he's sad.This sentence shows how to use buồn to describe someone's appearance.Tatoeba #13841656 by vexvine, translation #6355689 by CK
- Hôm nay tôi buồn.I am sad today.This sentence shows how to use buồn to express a personal feeling today.Tatoeba #13508569 by leucammieuvu, translation #13504131 by vowelharmony
- Tạm biệt luôn luôn buồnGoodbyes are always sad.This sentence shows how to use buồn to describe the nature of goodbyes.Tatoeba #12590921 by thanhcona40, translation #2215 by CK
- Tôi cảm thấy buồn.I feel sad.
- Nghe tin tức ấy tôi cảm thấy khốn khổ.Hearing that news, I feel miserable.
- Tôi thật thất vọng vì kết quả này.I'm really disappointed with this outcome.
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tuấn and Lan are talking about a movie they just watched.
- TuấnPhim này kết thúc buồn quá.This movie ended so sadly.
- LanĐúng vậy, tôi thấy rất buồn.True, I feel very sad.
- TuấnSao Lan lại buồn thế?Why are you so sad, Lan?
- LanVì nhân vật chính không hạnh phúc.Because the main character is not happy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sad” translations and entries buồn, buồn rầu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries buồn, buồn rầu, bả, rầu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
