xe van
[sɛ˧˧ vaːn˧˧]
The English word "van" is translated into Vietnamese as xe van or xe ô tô khách.
Meaning: a covered vehicle (noun)
Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| xe van | [sɛ˧˧ vaːn˧˧] (Hà Nội, narrow) [sɛ˧˧ vaːŋ˧˧] (Huế, narrow) |
| xe ô tô khách | [sɛ˧˧ ʔo˧˧ to˧˧ xajk̟̚˧˦] (Hà Nội, word by word, narrow) |
Both terms refer to a covered vehicle. xe ô tô khách is a more descriptive term for vehicles designed to carry passengers, such as shuttle vans or small buses.
What does it mean word for word?
The component xe means vehicle or car and is a required prefix for most types of motorized transport in Vietnamese.
Which one should you use?
xe ô tô khách is a more descriptive term specifically used for passenger-carrying vehicles like shuttle vans or small buses.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
xe van is considered informal, whereas xe ô tô khách is a more formal or descriptive way to refer to the vehicle.
Did you know?
- The term 'khách' used in 'xe ô tô khách' literally means 'guest', turning the phrase into something closer to 'guest car' than 'passenger van'.
- While 'xe van' uses the English word, it is actually a linguistic hybrid where the 'van' part may have been influenced by the French word 'valse' or 'valve'.
- In Vietnam, the term xe khách often refers to long-distance sleeper buses that function like large vans.
Examples in context
- Tôi mới mua một chiếc xe van.I just bought a van.
- Chiếc xe van này rất rộng.This van is very spacious.
- Họ đang lái xe van đến đây.They are driving the van here.
Example conversation
Minh and Mai are planning a trip to the beach.
- MinhChúng ta nên đi bằng xe van.We should go by van.
- MaiXe van có đủ chỗ cho mọi người không?Does the van have enough room for everyone?
- MinhCó, xe van này chở được bảy người.Yes, this van can carry seven people.
- MaiVậy thì thuê xe van đi Minh.Then let's rent a van, Minh.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “van” translations and entries xe van, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (xe, ô, tô, khách) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries khách, van, xe, xe van, ô, CC BY-SA 4.0.
