bàn
[ʔɓaːn˨˩]
The English word 'table' is translated into Vietnamese as bàn.
bàn is used to refer to an item of furniture. Depending on the context, it can also function as a verb meaning 'to discuss' or 'to deliberate', such as in the phrase 'bàn công việc' (to discuss work).
Meaning: item of furniture (noun)
Which one should you use?
While bàn is the general term for a table, you can use more specific phrases to identify its purpose: bàn ăn refers specifically to a dining table and bàn làm việc refers to a desk or a work table.
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, such as 'bàn thắng', the word 'bàn' refers to a 'goal' in football, showing how the concept of a 'set' or 'round' can shift meaning entirely.
- In traditional Vietnamese households, the placement and size of the bàn thờ (altar table) is governed by strict spiritual rules regarding orientation and height.
- The word bàn actually shares an ancient root with the Chinese character for a 'plate' or 'tray', 盤, suggesting the word originally described a flat surface for holding things.
Examples in context
- Bạc ở trên bànThe silver is on the table.This sentence shows how to indicate an object's location on a bàn.Tatoeba #6546579 by duythanh, translation #2178281 by CM
- Lấy đèn từ bàn.Remove the lamp from the table.This sentence shows how to describe removing an object from a bàn.Tatoeba #10291519 by Alex_do, translation #2959199 by sharptoothed
- Có gì ở trên bàn?What's on the table?This sentence is useful for asking about the contents of a bàn.Tatoeba #13896442 by leucammieuvu, translation #6357348 by CK
- Bàn ănDining table
- Bàn làm việcWork table
- Bàn tràCoffee table
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minh and Chi are in a cafe choosing a seat.
- MinhChi ơi, ngồi ở bàn kia đi.Chi, let's sit at that table over there.
- ChiCái bàn đó có vẻ sạch hơn.That table looks cleaner.
- MinhĐúng rồi, để anh lấy ghế.Right, let me get the chairs.
- ChiCảm ơn anh, Minh.Thank you, Minh.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “table” translations and entries bàn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bàn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
