kết thúc
[ket̚˧˦ tʰʊwk͡p̚˧˦]
kết thúc is the Vietnamese way to say 'the end' when referring to the end of a story or film.
Meaning: end of a story or film (phrase)
Which one should you use?
While kết thúc and Hết are used for formal conclusions, Chấm hết is an informal idiomatic expression used to indicate the conclusion of a show, performance or an anecdote.
Did you know?
- The component thúc in the formal phrase carries a hidden sense of 'urgency' or 'pushing' in its original Chinese roots, suggesting that an ending is something that is brought forward or completed with a final push.
- In casual conversation, chấm hết literally means 'period, full stop'. It is used to shut down a conversation decisively, similar to saying 'end of story' in English.
- The word kết in kết thúc is also used to describe a 'conclusion' or 'ending' of a movie, but it can also mean to 'tie' or 'knot' something together.
Examples in context
- Đây là kết thúc câu chuyện.This is the end of the story.
- Chương trình đã hết.The program is over.
- Bộ phim đã kết thúc.The movie has ended.
- Câu chuyện kết thúc thật buồn.The story ends very sadly.
- Tôi không thích cách kết thúc này.I don't like this ending.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a movie they just finished watching.
- NamBộ phim đã kết thúc rồi.The movie has ended already.
- MaiCái kết thật bất ngờ.The end was very surprising.
- NamAnh thấy nó rất hay.I thought it was very good.
- MaiEm cũng thấy vậy.I think so too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kết thúc, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kết, kết thúc, thúc, CC BY-SA 4.0.
