nói
[nɔj˧˦]
To say in Vietnamese is nói.
The most common and versatile word for 'say' in Vietnamese is nói. When you want to say something to a specific person, you use the structure nói với [person].
Meaning: to communicate verbally or in writing (verb)
Which one should you use?
While nói is the general verb for 'to say' or 'to speak', it is distinct from nói chuyện, which emphasizes the act of social interaction or conversation.
Did you know?
- Vietnamese has a specific term, nói xéo, which literally means 'to say diagonally', used to describe the act of speaking sarcastically or making indirect, stinging remarks.
- The expression nói leo describes the act of interrupting someone or answering a question before being called upon. It literally translates to 'say climbing'.
- The term nói lẫy refers to a specific way of 'saying' things when one is pouting or acting out of childish spite to get attention.
Examples in context
- Nói gì đi kìa.Say something.This sentence is useful for expressing the command to say something using nói.Tatoeba #13338383 by leucammieuvu, translation #2111560 by CK
- Đừng nói gì cả.Say nothing.This sentence is useful for expressing the command to say nothing using nói.Tatoeba #13338381 by leucammieuvu, translation #2111562 by CK
- Tôi muốn nói có.I'd like to say yes.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to say yes using nói.Tatoeba #10269091 by Alex_do, translation #8264188 by CK
- Nói điều này rất quan trọng.Saying this is very important.
- Anh ta nói rất thoải mái với khách hàng.He speaks very comfortably with customers.
- Phát biểu của ông ấy đã gây tiếng vang lớn trong cuộc họp.His statement made a big impact at the meeting.
- Cậu có muốn nói chuyện với tôi không?Do you want to talk to me?
- Chúng ta nên ngồi lại và nói chuyện với nhau.We should sit down and talk to each other.
- Cho tôi nói nhanh một chút về cuộc họp ngày mai.Let me quickly talk about tomorrow's meeting.
- Cậu nói nhanh lên, tôi đang chờ!Speak up quickly, I'm waiting!
- Anh ta lẩm bẩm một điều gì đó, nhưng tôi không rõ lắm.He mumbled something, but I couldn't understand it clearly.
- Cô ấy lẩm bẩm câu trả lời làm mọi người bất ngờ.She muttered an answer that surprised everyone.
- 115 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Tuấn and Hương are talking in a coffee shop.
- TuấnHương, em muốn nói gì với anh không?Huong, do you want to say anything to me?
- HươngEm chỉ muốn nói là em rất vui.I just want to say that I am very happy.
- TuấnAnh cũng muốn nói điều tương tự.I also want to say the same thing.
- HươngVậy thì mình cùng uống cà phê nhé.Then let's drink coffee together.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry nói, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
