bạn là ai?
[ʔɓaːn˧˨ʔ laː˨˩ ʔaːj˧˧]word by word
The English phrase "who are you?" is translated into Vietnamese as bạn là ai?
bạn là ai? is used to ask for a person's identity. It is a neutral way to address people of equal social status, such as peers or friends.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bạn (you), là (to be) and ai (who).
Which one should you use?
While bạn là ai? is a standard neutral form, you can make the phrase more specific or polite by replacing bạn with a kinship term. For example, anh là ai? uses the term for an older brother or man to adjust the level of respect or specificity based on the person's age and gender.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use bạn for everyone. However, using bạn to address an elder or a stranger can sound impolite or overly casual.
Did you know?
- While 'who are you?' is a simple question, in Vietnam your identity is often defined by your relationship to the listener rather than your name.
- Depending on the context, the word bạn can derive from different Chinese characters, including one meaning 'companion' and another meaning 'to rebel'.
- In many Vietnamese contexts, asking 'who are you?' by using bạn can actually sound like a challenge or a confrontation rather than a simple inquiry.
Examples in context
- Bạn là ai?Who are you?
- Tôi không biết, bạn là ai?I don't know, who are you?
Example conversation
Chi meets a new student at school.
- ChiChào bạn, bạn là ai?Hello, who are you?
- TuấnChào bạn, mình là Tuấn.Hello, I am Tuan.
- ChiRất vui được gặp Tuấn.Nice to meet you, Tuan.
- TuấnMình cũng rất vui.I am happy too.
