mạnh
[majŋ̟˧˨ʔ]
The Vietnamese word for strong is mạnh.
mạnh is used to describe something capable of producing great physical force.
Meaning: capable of producing great physical force (adj)
Which one should you use?
While mạnh can describe physical force, mạnh mẽ is the preferred form when describing a person's character, spirit or a strong-willed nature. Additionally, Mạnh bạo conveys strength with a slight sense of aggression or toughness.
Did you know?
- To describe a 'strong' accent or a 'strong' opinion, Vietnamese often uses nặng, which literally means 'heavy'.
- The word mạnh is actually a non-Sino-Vietnamese reading of the Chinese character 猛, which means 'strong' or 'fierce'.
- To describe 'strong' coffee or a concentrated flavor, Vietnamese uses the word đậm, which refers to depth or richness rather than force.
Examples in context
- Hôm đó có gió mạnh.There was a strong wind that day.This sentence shows how to use mạnh to describe the strength of wind.Tatoeba #1584392 by trieuho, translation #67878 by CK
- Cô ta có cá tính mạnh.She has a strong personality.This sentence illustrates the use of mạnh to describe a personality.Tatoeba #3680946 by tucm, translation #313508 by CK
- Bạn là một người mạnh mẽ.You are strong-minded.This sentence demonstrates the use of mạnh mẽ to describe someone's character.Tatoeba #9765736 by dotheduyet1999, translation #16319 by CK
- Một anh chàng mạnh mẽ và kiên cường.A strong and resilient young man.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lan and Minh are moving furniture in a house.
- LanCái bàn này nặng quá, Minh giúp em với!This table is too heavy, Minh help me!
- MinhĐể anh, anh đủ mạnh để bê nó.Let me, I am strong enough to carry it.
- LanAnh khỏe thật đấy!You are really strong!
- MinhVì anh tập gym hàng ngày mà.Because I go to the gym every day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “strong” translations and entries mạnh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mạnh, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
