dùng
[zʊwŋ͡m˨˩]
The English verb 'use' can be translated into Vietnamese using several forms, most commonly dùng. Wiktionary also lists xài and sử dụng.
Meaning: employ, apply (verb)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| dùng | [zʊwŋ͡m˨˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [jʊwŋ͡m˦˩] (Huế, narrow) |
| xài | [saːj˨˩] (Hà Nội, narrow) [saːj˦˩] (Huế, narrow) |
| sử dụng | [sɨ˧˩ zʊwŋ͡m˧˨ʔ] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ʂɨ˧˨ jʊwŋ͡m˨˩ʔ] (Huế, narrow) |
The primary way to express the act of employing or applying something is with dùng. In more specific contexts, you might encounter related terms such as sự dùng to describe the act of using or ích to describe usefulness. Other formal terms include áp dụng for the application or implementation of something, and khắc phục which refers specifically to solving or overcoming a problem.
Which one should you use?
While dùng is the most versatile and common choice for both general writing and daily conversation, xài is a more colloquial and informal alternative. For technical, official or written contexts, the formal version sử dụng is preferred.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
sử dụng is a formal term. xài is informal and colloquial.
Related words
Did you know?
- The colloquial word xài might have a surprising connection to the Cantonese word 使 (sai2), which also means 'to use'.
- In Southern Vietnam, xài is used much more frequently in daily life than in the North. A speaker from Hanoi might prefer dùng even in casual settings where a Saigonese speaker would always use xài.
- The word xài is frequently used to mean 'spending money' rather than just using an object. In this context, it functions more like the English phrase 'to spend' than 'to use'.
Examples in context
- Cái này dễ dùng.It's easy to use.This sentence shows how to describe something that is easy to use with dùng.Tatoeba #13173240 by leucammieuvu, translation #12281012 by CK
- Dùng cái này đi.Use this.This sentence provides an imperative instruction to use something using dùng.Tatoeba #13338513 by leucammieuvu, translation #1954278 by CK
- Tôi dùng Google Dịch.I use Google Translate.This sentence demonstrates using dùng in the context of employing a tool like Google Translate.Tatoeba #13619360 by leucammieuvu, translation #13616748 by araneo
- Tôi sử dụng một máy tính.I use a computer
- Chúng tôi áp dụng phương pháp này.We apply this method
- Tôi dùng cây bút này.I use this pen
- Tôi có thể dùng điện thoại của bạn không?Can I use your phone?
- 84 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Minh and Huong are in the kitchen preparing a meal.
- MinhHương ơi, mình dùng dầu nào?Huong, which oil should we use?
- HươngAnh dùng chai dầu olive nhé.Use the olive oil bottle.
- MinhĐược, tôi sẽ dùng cái này.Okay, I will use this one.
- HươngNhớ dùng ít thôi anh nhé.Remember to use just a little bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “use” translations and entries dùng, xài, sử dụng, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dùng, dụng, sử, sử dụng, xài, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
