nín đi
In Vietnamese, the phrase for "stop crying" is nín đi.
The phrase is used as a command to tell someone to cease weeping or sobbing. Because it is a direct command, it can sound blunt or harsh if you use it with adults or superiors without adding polite particles.
What does it mean word for word?
The word nín specifically refers to the act of stopping a crying fit or ceasing to sob.
Which one should you use?
While nín đi is a command to stop an ongoing crying fit, the phrase đừng khóc serves as a more general instruction or advice not to cry.
How does it change in a sentence?
nín đi is an imperative command.
Did you know?
- While nín is used for crying, the same root appears in nín thở, which means 'to hold one's breath'.
- The particle đi in nín đi literally means 'to go' or 'to walk', but it functions here as an imperative marker to urge an action.
- The use of a 'go' verb to turn a statement into a command is a common pattern across many Southeast Asian languages, a phenomenon known as a Sprachbund.
Examples in context
- Thưa cô, xin đừng khóc nữa. Chúng ta sẽ tìm cách giúp cô vượt qua khó khăn này.Dear teacher, please don't cry anymore. We will find a way to help you overcome this difficulty.
- Bạn ơi, đừng khóc nữa. Mọi việc sẽ ổn thôi.Hey, don't cry anymore. Everything will be fine.
- Anh ơi, dừng khóc đi. Nhìn xung quanh, còn nhiều điều vui vẻ đang chờ đợi mà.Hey, stop crying. Look around, there are still many joyful things waiting for you.
- Nín đi mà.Please stop crying.
- Con nín đi.Stop crying, child.
- Nín đi, không có gì đâu.Stop crying, it is nothing.
Example conversation
Lan is trying to comfort Nam after he tripped.
- LanNín đi Nam, không đau đâu.Stop crying Nam, it doesn't hurt.
- NamEm vẫn thấy đau quá.It still hurts a lot.
- LanNín đi, chị sẽ đưa em đi bác sĩ.Stop crying, I will take you to the doctor.
- NamDạ, em nín rồi.Okay, I have stopped.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nín, đi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
