Em đồng ý lấy anh nhé?
[ʔɛm˧˧ ʔɗəwŋ͡m˨˩ ʔi˧˦ ləj˧˦ ʔajŋ̟˧˧ ɲɛ˧˦]word by word
The English phrase "will you marry me?" is translated into Vietnamese as Em đồng ý lấy anh nhé?
This phrase is a question used to propose marriage to a romantic partner.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "You agree to take me, okay?" In this context, the word lấy means "to take" or "to fetch", but it is the standard verb used to express marriage.
Which one should you use?
The default form Em đồng ý lấy anh nhé? is used by a man proposing to a woman. If a woman is proposing to a man, the pronouns must be swapped to use Anh đồng ý lấy em nhé? instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase Em đồng ý lấy anh nhé? assumes the speaker is a man (anh) and the listener is a woman (em). The particle nhé at the end of the sentence softens the question, making it sound like a gentle, sweet suggestion rather than a formal demand.
When do people say it?
A common way to accept a marriage proposal is to respond with Em đồng ý! (I do! / I agree!).
Did you know?
- The word đồng in đồng ý (agree) may share a common ancient root with the Mon word for a shaman who organizes spirit dances.
- Historically, the specific way couples address each other as anh and em is said to have originated in the South Central province of Quảng Nam.
- The pronouns used in the proposal, anh and em, literally mean 'elder brother' and 'younger sibling'.
Examples in context
- Anh hỏi em, em đồng ý lấy anh nhé?I am asking you, will you marry me?
Example conversation
Tuấn is proposing to Hương during a romantic dinner.
- TuấnEm đồng ý lấy anh nhé?Will you marry me?
- HươngEm đồng ý!I do!
- TuấnAnh hạnh phúc quá!I am so happy!
- HươngEm cũng vậy, anh yêu.Me too, my love.
