cũng
[kʊwŋ͡m˦ˀ˥]
The Vietnamese word for 'too' (in the sense of 'likewise') is cũng.
The word cũng is used to express that something is also the case or that someone is doing something likewise. It is also related to the term quá nhiều, which means 'too much' and quá ít, which means 'too little'.
Meaning: (focus) likewise (adv)
How does it change in a sentence?
When using cũng, you must place it before the verb or adjective it modifies. In contrast, the word quá generally follows the adjective or verb it modifies.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly place cũng at the end of the sentence, following the pattern of the English word 'too'. Instead, you must place it before the verb or adjective.
Did you know?
- While cũng means 'too' or 'also', pairing it with được to form cũng được is a common way to politely decline an offer or accept a mediocre option.
- The word cũng was recorded in a 1651 Portuguese-Vietnamese dictionary as cu᷃̃, showing that the word's core sound has remained stable for nearly four centuries.
- In certain contexts, cũng can be used to emphasize a surprising coincidence, acting more like 'even' than 'too'.
Examples in context
- Tôi cũng ở đây.I'm here, too.Tatoeba #13666243 by leucammieuvu, translation #4397633 by CK
- Tôi cũng đã khóc.I cried, too.Tatoeba #13341009 by leucammieuvu, translation #4497098 by CK
- Bạn cũng thua rồi.You're a loser, too.Tatoeba #3468153 by tucm, translation #2547977 by CK
- Buổi hội thảo kéo dài quá.The seminar lasted too long.
- Bộ phim này hay cực.This movie is extremely good.
- 42 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hùng and Lan are discussing their weekend plans at a cafe.
- HùngAnh muốn đi xem phim.I want to go see a movie.
- LanEm cũng muốn xem phim.I also want to see a movie.
- HùngVậy chúng ta đi nhé?So, shall we go?
- LanVâng, đi thôi anh.Yes, let's go.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “too” translations and entries cũng, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cũng, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
