dạ
[zaː˧˨ʔ]
The Vietnamese phrase for saying yes politely is dạ.
The word dạ is used as a polite particle to acknowledge a speaker or to answer a question, serving a function broader than a literal 'yes'.
Which one should you use?
The word dạ is commonly used in Southern Vietnamese, whereas vâng is the standard polite way to say 'yes' in Northern Vietnamese. In contrast, the word ừ is an informal way to say 'yeah' or 'okay' used with peers or subordinates, but it would be considered rude if used with elders.
Is it said differently in some regions?
dạ is a common polite form in Southern Vietnamese.
How does it change in a sentence?
In many contexts, dạ is placed at the beginning of a sentence to show respect to the listener.
Did you know?
- The term dạ is etymologically derived from an Old Chinese word meaning 'belly' or 'stomach'.
- Because it is so polite, using dạ to answer a question from someone much younger than you can actually sound sarcastic or mockingly formal.
- In Vietnamese culture, a slight bow of the head often accompanies the word dạ when addressing a grandparent or teacher to physically signal the respect the word implies.
Examples in context
- Dạ, con hiểu rồi.Yes, I understand.
- Dạ, cháu chào bác.Yes, hello uncle.
- Dạ, em biết rồi ạ.Yes, I know already.
Example conversation
A younger woman is answering a question from an older man at a family gathering.
- NamLan ơi, con có muốn ăn thêm không?Lan, do you want to eat more?
- LanDạ, con không muốn đâu ạ.Yes, I do not want any, thank you.
- NamVậy thì để chú lấy cho người khác.Then let me get it for someone else.
- LanDạ, cảm ơn chú.Yes, thank you, uncle.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry dạ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dạ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
