hiểu
[hiəw˧˩]
The English verb 'understand' is translated into Vietnamese as hiểu.
The primary way to express grasping the meaning of something is using hiểu. For example, use hiểu ý to indicate that you understand someone's intention or the underlying meaning behind what they are saying or doing. If you want to emphasize that you understand a subject deeply or have a clear grasp of it, use hiểu rõ.
Meaning: to grasp the meaning of (verb)
Which one should you use?
While hiểu is the standard term, other words can be used depending on the nuance. Nắm implies grasping or understanding knowledge, while the informal term rành is used to suggest being very familiar with or having a good grasp of a topic.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the ability or the successful achievement of understanding something, you can add được after the verb to form hiểu được, which means 'to be able to understand'. To create a negative statement, place không before the verb to form không hiểu, meaning 'do not understand'.
Did you know?
- The word hiểu is a Sino-Vietnamese loanword derived from the Chinese character 曉, which originally referred to the break of dawn.
- In Vietnamese, you might use the word thấu to express a level of understanding that is almost spiritual or empathetic, as if you have 'pierced through' to the very core of a person's soul.
- While hiểu is for cognitive grasp, the word ngộ is used to describe a sudden, profound realization, similar to the 'enlightenment' experienced by a monk or a scientist in a moment of discovery.
Examples in context
- À, tôi hiểu rồi.Ah, I understand.This sentence shows how to use hiểu to express realization.Tatoeba #13339849 by leucammieuvu, translation #10904833 by CM
- Họ hiểu chúng ta.They understand us.This sentence demonstrates the use of hiểu with a subject and object.Tatoeba #13599410 by leucammieuvu, translation #4502727 by CK
- Nó khó để mà hiểu.It is hard to understand.This sentence shows how to describe the difficulty of the act of using hiểu.Tatoeba #3543984 by trieuho, translation #3542837 by vvv123
- Tôi hiểu bạn.I understand you.
- Tôi nắm bài giảng.I understand the lecture.
- Anh nắm bắt câu chuyện của tôi.You get my story.
- Anh biết tại sao không?Do you understand why?
- Cậu hiểu rõ điều tôi muốn nói.You understand clearly what I mean.
- 113 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minh is explaining a project to Hương.
- MinhHương có hiểu ý tôi không?Do you understand what I mean, Hương?
- HươngTôi không hiểu phần này lắm.I don't quite understand this part.
- MinhĐể tôi giải thích lại cho bạn.Let me explain it to you again.
- HươngÀ, giờ thì tôi hiểu rồi!Ah, now I understand!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “understand” translations and entries hiểu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hiểu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
