Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “that” in Vietnamese! In this guide, we will cover both formal and informal ways to express this keyword, highlighting any necessary regional variations. Throughout the guide, we will provide numerous tips, examples, and explanations to help you grasp the intricacies of saying “that” in Vietnamese.
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Formal Ways to Say “That” in Vietnamese
When you want to express “that” formally in Vietnamese, there are a few options depending on the context. Let’s explore them below:
1. “Đó” – Demonstrative Pronoun
One of the most common ways to express “that” in Vietnamese is by using the demonstrative pronoun “đó.” This word is used to identify something distant in space or time. Here are a few examples to illustrate its usage:
Example 1: Tôi thích quyển sách đó. (I like that book.)
Example 2: Bạn có thấy căn nhà đó không? (Do you see that house?)
As you can see, “đó” is quite versatile and can be used in various contexts to refer to something specific in conversation.
2. “Cái” – General Demonstrative
Another formal way to say “that” in Vietnamese is by using the word “cái.” This term serves as a general demonstrative and can be used when referring to objects or non-specific things:
Example 3: Đó là cái gì? (What is that?)
Example 4: Bạn có thấy cái đám mây kia không? (Do you see that cloud?)
Note that “cái” is often used in combination with other words, such as “cái này” (this), “cái kia” (that over there), or “cái đó” (that).
Informal Ways to Say “That” in Vietnamese
In informal settings, Vietnamese speakers often use shortened, colloquial forms to express “that.” Below are some common ways to say “that” informally:
1. “Này” – Informal Demonstrative
The word “này” is commonly used in Vietnamese to replace “that” in a more casual or colloquial manner. It is frequently seen in conversational speech:
Example 5: Đưa tôi quyển sách này. (Give me this book.)
Example 6: Anh ấy là ai đấy? (Who is that guy?)
“Này” can add a level of familiarity to your speech, promoting a friendly and warm tone in your conversations.
2. Omitting “That”
In certain situations, Vietnamese speakers might omit the word “that” altogether and rely on context to convey the intended meaning. This is particularly common when discussing familiar topics with friends or family:
Example 7: Đi học rồi! (I’m going to school!) – In this example, “rồi” (already) implies the speaker is referring to an upcoming action, replacing the need for “that.”
Example 8: Đứng đó! (Stand there!) – Here, “đó” is used to indicate the desired position, allowing “that” to be dropped.
While this colloquial practice can save you some words, it requires familiarity with the context and might be challenging for non-native speakers.
Regional Variations
When it comes to regional variations, Vietnamese dialects can have distinct ways of expressing “that.” However, since this guide focuses on the standard Vietnamese language, we will not extensively cover these variations. It is worth mentioning that some regions might have unique local expressions, and if you are specifically interested in regional dialects, further research is encouraged.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “that” in Vietnamese. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and examples for both formal and informal situations. Remember to practice these phrases in context to truly master their usage. Whether you prefer the formal “đó” or the informal “này,” your knowledge of these expressions will undoubtedly make your Vietnamese conversations smoother and more engaging. Enjoy your language learning journey!
