chúng tôi
[t͡ɕʊwŋ͡m˧˦ toj˧˧]
In Vietnamese, the phrase for "we" is chúng tôi.
The term chúng tôi is used to refer to a group that includes the speaker and at least one other person, but specifically excludes the person being addressed.
Meaning: generic we (the speaker and at least one other person, regardless of whether it's the person being addressed) (pron)
Which one should you use?
Vietnamese distinguishes between whether the listener is part of the group being discussed. chúng tôi is an exclusive "we," meaning the speaker and others are included, but the person being spoken to is not. In contrast, chúng ta is an inclusive "we" that includes both the speaker and the listener. For informal or intimate settings where the listener is included, you might also use chúng mình.
How does it change in a sentence?
In informal settings among friends or peers, the form chúng mình is a common way to express an inclusive "we".
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Chúng tôi đã ăn.We have eaten.This sentence shows how to use chúng tôi to state that a group has eaten.Tatoeba #8962034 by dotheduyet1999, translation #5401684 by sarefo
- Chúng tôi xấu hổ.We are embarrassed.This sentence shows how to use chúng tôi to express that a group feels embarrassed.Tatoeba #12060069 by mqd, translation #13723900 by an_hien
- Chúng tôi vỗ tay.We applauded.This sentence shows how to use chúng tôi to describe a group applauding.Tatoeba #13333855 by leucammieuvu, translation #8398570 by CK
- Chúng tôi là nhóm người yêu thiên nhiênWe are a group of nature lovers
- Mình đi chơi nhé?Shall we go out for some fun?
- 488 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hùng and Hương are talking about their group's plans.
- HùngChúng tôi sẽ đi xem phim.We are going to see a movie.
- HươngCác bạn đi lúc mấy giờ?What time are you all going?
- HùngChúng tôi đi lúc bảy giờ.We are going at seven o'clock.
- HươngChúc các bạn đi chơi vui nhé.Have a fun time, you guys.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chúng tôi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chúng, chúng tôi, tôi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
