an toàn
[ʔaːn˧˧ twaːn˨˩]
The English word 'safe' is translated into Vietnamese as an toàn.
The adjective an toàn is used to describe being free from risk. It can describe a state of being, such as a person being safe or an action, such as a safe way to perform a task.
Meaning: free from risk (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word an toàn is a compound of an (peace/calm) and toàn (complete/whole).
Which one should you use?
While an toàn is the adjective meaning 'safe', if you are referring to the noun for a physical metal safe, you should use két sắt or tủ sắt.
Related words
Did you know?
- Historical records from 1651 show that toàn was used to avoid confusion with tiền, which means 'money'.
- Because an toàn is composed of two distinct concepts, 'peace' and 'completeness', the Vietnamese way of thinking about safety is rooted in being both undisturbed and whole.
- The word for a physical safe, két sắt, literally translates to 'iron box' or 'iron chest'.
Examples in context
- Ở đây tôi không an toàn.It's not safe for me to be here.This sentence is useful for expressing that a location is not safe for someone.Tatoeba #14029156 by leucammieuvu, translation #3723131 by CM
- Có một chuyến đi an toàn nhé.Have a safe trip.This sentence is useful for wishing someone a safe trip.Tatoeba #1572618 by trieuho, translation #28483 by CK
- Trượt băng trên hồ này an toàn.It is safe to skate on this lake.This sentence is useful for stating that an activity is safe to perform.Tatoeba #1554979 by trieuho, translation #59365 by CK
- Đi công viên có an toàn không?Is it safe to go to the park?
- Ừ, công viên rất an toàn.Yes, the park is very safe.
- Bạn đã về nhà an lành chứ?Have you returned home safely?
- Đảm bảo an toàn cho khách hàng là ưu tiên hàng đầu.Ensuring safety for customers is our top priority.
- Điều đó rất quan trọng. Cảm ơn vì đã đảm bảo an toàn cho chúng tôi.That is very important. Thank you for ensuring our safety.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mai and Tuấn are discussing a travel destination.
- MaiThành phố này có an toàn không?Is this city safe?
- TuấnCó, nó rất an toàn cho khách du lịch.Yes, it is very safe for tourists.
- MaiVậy thì tôi sẽ đặt vé ngay.Then I will book the ticket right away.
- TuấnChúc Mai có một chuyến đi an toàn.I wish Mai a safe trip.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “safe” translations and entries an toàn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries an, an toàn, toàn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
