ông
[ʔəwŋ͡m˧˧]
In Vietnamese, the English phrase "sir" is translated as ông.
ông is used to address any male, particularly when his name or proper address is unknown. It is specifically used to address an older gentleman or someone of higher social status.
Meaning: address to any male, especially if his name or proper address is unknown (noun)
Which one should you use?
While ông can mean "sir", it also literally means "grandfather" or "old man", so its use depends heavily on the perceived age and social status of the person being addressed. If the man being addressed is younger or middle-aged rather than elderly, you should use anh instead to avoid sounding like you are calling him an old man.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using ông to address someone as "sir" in a formal or respectful manner, it is common to precede the sentence or the address with the polite particle thưa.
Did you know?
- In Vietnamese, the word ông is used not only for people but also to address certain deities and spirits, such as Ông Địa, the earth god.
- Using ông to refer to oneself in the third person is a way for an older man to speak with authority or affection to children.
- Vietnamese utilizes a complex system of kinship terms for strangers, meaning ông is used more as a family relation than a generic title like 'sir'.
Examples in context
- Thưa ông, ông không thể qua được.You may not pass, sir.This sentence shows how to use ông when telling someone they cannot pass.Tatoeba #1573870 by trieuho, translation #1110514 by Scott
- Ông có thể vui lòng nhanh lên được không, thưa ông?Could you please hurry up, sir?This sentence demonstrates a polite request using ông.Tatoeba #11265059 by chaule3, translation #8069307 by Hybrid
- Chào ông, ông khỏe không?Hello sir, how are you?
Example conversation
Hương is working at a reception desk and Nam walks in.
- NamXin chào, tôi có hẹn lúc mười giờ.Hello, I have an appointment at ten o'clock.
- HươngVâng thưa ông, mời ông ngồi chờ một chút.Yes sir, please have a seat and wait a moment.
- NamCảm ơn cô.Thank you.
- HươngKhông có chi, thưa ông.You are welcome, sir.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sir” translations and entries ông, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
