xe lửa
[sɛ˧˧ lɨə˧˩]
In Vietnamese, the English phrase 'train' (referring to a line of connected cars or carriages) is translated as xe lửa. Wiktionary also lists tàu lửa.
Meaning: line of connected cars or carriages (noun)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| xe lửa | [sɛ˧˧ lɨə˧˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [sɛ˧˧ lɨə˧˨] (Huế, narrow) |
| tàu lửa | [taw˨˩ lɨə˧˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [taw˦˩ lɨə˧˨] (Huế, narrow) |
The words xe lửa and tàu lửa are used to describe a train. tàu hỏa is also used in formal situations. Specific types of trains include Tàu hỏa du lịch (tourist train), Tàu hỏa chở hàng (freight train) and Tàu hỏa tốc hành (high-speed train). To talk about the train station, use the term nhà ga.
What does it mean word for word?
The term xe lửa is a compound of xe (vehicle) and lửa (fire), literally meaning 'fire vehicle' due to the historical use of steam engines.
Related words
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the word for a train vehicle when you mean 'to train' in the sense of improving one's physical fitness. Instead, use the verb tập.
Did you know?
- The word tàu lửa translates literally to 'fire ship', combining the word for 'ship' with 'fire'.
- The term xe lửa is a direct translation of the Chinese words 火車, which also literally mean 'fire vehicle'.
Examples in context
- Nó đã lỡ chuyến xe lửa 8:30.He failed to catch the 8:30 train.This sentence shows how to express missing a specific train schedule using xe lửa.Tatoeba #3109164 by trieuho, translation #288656 by CK
- Tom bỏ quên dù của nó trên xe lửa.Tom left his umbrella on the train.This sentence illustrates leaving an object on the xe lửa.Tatoeba #1558412 by trieuho, translation #1093307 by CK
- Làm thế nào tôi có thể đi đến ga xe lửa?How do I get to the train station?This sentence is useful for asking for directions to the train station using xe lửa.Tatoeba #3681272 by tucm, translation #1655633 by gleki
- Bạn đi bằng đường sắt đến thành phố nào?Which city are you going to by train?
- Chuyến xe lửa chuẩn bị rời gaThe train is about to depart from the station
- Hôm nay bạn đi bằng tàu hỏa hay xe buýt?Are you going by train or bus today?
- Đối tác của tôi sắp tới từ Huế bằng tàu hỏaMy partner is coming from Hue by train
- Xin lỗi, cho tôi hỏi nhà ga ở đâu?Excuse me, where is the train station?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minh and Mai are standing at a station platform.
- MinhChuyến xe lửa sắp đến rồi.The train is about to arrive.
- MaiTôi nhìn thấy xe lửa ở đằng xa.I see the train in the distance.
- MinhChúng ta hãy chuẩn bị lên xe lửa nhé.Let's get ready to board the train.
- MaiAnh hãy cầm giúp em túi này.Please hold this bag for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “train” translations and entries xe lửa, tàu lửa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lửa, tàu, tàu lửa, xe, xe lửa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
