What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of chào mừng (to welcome), bạn (you/friend) and trở lại (to return/come back).
Which one should you use?
While chào mừng bạn trở lại is a standard way to express the sentiment, mừng bạn đã trở lại is a slightly more casual and warm way to express the sentiment of being glad someone has returned. For a more expressive informal greeting, you can use Đã lâu không gặp, vui thấy bạn trở lại!, which means 'It has been a while since we last met. Glad to see you back!'
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a formal way to say 'Welcome back!', you can use Chào mừng anh/chị đã trở lại!
How does it change in a sentence?
In Vietnamese, the word bạn (you) is often replaced with specific kinship terms like anh (older brother/male) or chị (older sister/female) to be more natural and polite. For example, you might say chào mừng anh trở lại to welcome back an older male.
Did you know?
- The word chào historically refers to the act of attending an emperor's audience or meeting a senior person. This gives the modern expression of 'welcoming' a subtle, formal undertone rooted in imperial court etiquette.
Examples in context
- Chào mừng bạn trở lại thành phố này.Welcome back to this city.
- Chào mừng bạn trở lại với đội.Welcome back to the team.
- Chào mừng bạn trở lại sau chuyến đi.Welcome back after your trip.
Example conversation
Lan returns to the office after a long vacation.
- NamChào mừng bạn trở lại, Lan!Welcome back, Lan!
- LanCảm ơn bạn, Nam.Thank you, Nam.
- NamKỳ nghỉ của bạn thế nào?How was your vacation?
- LanNó rất tuyệt vời.It was wonderful.
