ý bạn là sao?
[ʔi˧˦ ʔɓaːn˧˨ʔ laː˨˩ saːw˧˧]word by word
The English phrase "what do you mean?" is translated into Vietnamese as ý bạn là sao?
This phrase is used to ask someone to clarify or explain what they have just said. Depending on your tone of voice, it can range from a genuine request for clarification to a confrontational way of asking "What are you implying?"
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ý (idea/meaning), bạn (you), là (is) and sao (how/what).
Which one should you use?
The form Ý bạn là gì? serves as an informal alternative.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To be more natural and polite when speaking to a man of similar or slightly older age, use Ý anh là sao? Similarly, when speaking to a woman of similar or slightly older age, use Ý chị là sao?
Did you know?
- The word bạn used for 'you' or 'friend' is a Sino-Vietnamese word originating from the character 伴.
- The term ý is often used in Vietnamese to describe a person's hidden intention or 'will' rather than just a literal definition of a word.
Examples in context
- Ý bạn là sao?What do you mean?
- Câu đó ý bạn là sao?What do you mean by that sentence?
- Tôi không hiểu, ý bạn là sao?I don't understand, what do you mean?
