học
[hawk͡p̚˧˨ʔ]
To study in Vietnamese is học.
The verb học is used both for the act of studying a specific subject (e.g., học tiếng Anh – to study English) and for the general act of learning/studying.
Meaning: to acquire knowledge (verb)
Which one should you use?
While học means to study or learn, it is often used interchangeably with học tập to describe the broader process of studying or schooling.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the continuous aspect (the act of studying right now), add đang before học.
Did you know?
- In some historical linguistic contexts, the word học shares a phonetic ancestor with the word for a specific type of bird, the Eurasian bullfinch.
- In a traditional Vietnamese classroom, the relationship between the teacher and the student is defined by the act of học, which carries a connotation of deep respect and filial-like piety.
- In many Asian cultures, including Vietnam, the concept of 'studying' carries a much heavier social weight and moral expectation than the casual English 'learning'.
Examples in context
- Tôi cần phải học.I need to study.This sentence uses học to express a necessity to study.Tatoeba #13896729 by leucammieuvu, translation #400128 by CK
- Tôi học tiếng Pháp.I study French.This sentence uses học to show the study of a specific language.Tatoeba #13340453 by leucammieuvu, translation #4015809 by CK
- tôi thích học ở phápI'd like to study in Paris.This sentence uses học to express a desire to study in a location.Tatoeba #12557797 by thanhcona40, translation #1761 by brauliobezerra
- Tôi đang nghiên cứu về lịch sử Việt Nam.I am studying/researching Vietnamese history.
- Hãy tập trung vào việc học để đạt kết quả tốt.Focus on studying to achieve good results.
- Sáng nay tôi dành thời gian cho học hành.This morning, I dedicated time to studying.
- Tôi đang ôn tập kiến thức trước kỳ thi.I am reviewing the material before the exam.
- Bạn đi học lúc mấy giờ?What time do you go to school?
- 54 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lan and Minh are talking about their weekend plans.
- LanCuối tuần này Lan làm gì?What are you doing this weekend, Lan?
- MinhMình phải học cho kỳ thi tới.I have to study for the upcoming exam.
- LanMinh cũng muốn học cùng Lan.Minh also wants to study with you.
- MinhVậy chúng ta cùng học nhé!Then let's study together!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “study” translations and entries học, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries học, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
