bạn trông đẹp quá
The English phrase "you look beautiful" is translated into Vietnamese as bạn trông đẹp quá.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that their current appearance is attractive. The word Trông means look or appear. đẹp gái is used to compliment a woman's looks, whereas đẹp trai is used to compliment a man's looks. You may also use xinh đẹp to describe someone as beautiful or lovely.
Which one should you use?
The form bạn trông đẹp quá uses bạn for "you", which is a neutral/friendly pronoun suitable for peers or friends of the same age. In contrast, a man would more commonly use em trông đẹp quá when complimenting a younger woman or a romantic partner.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word quá at the end of the sentence functions as an intensifier, similar to "so" or "very" in English, to add emphasis to the compliment.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often omit the intensifier quá at the end. While grammatically possible, adding quá or thật makes the compliment sound much more natural and sincere in Vietnamese.
Did you know?
- While đẹp means 'beautiful', the phrase đẹp trai for men literally translates to 'beautiful bone' or 'beautiful frame'.
- In Vietnam, giving a direct compliment about appearance can sometimes be met with a polite denial or a shy shrug to show modesty.
- The word trông has an ancient history documented in Buddhist texts, appearing in compositions involving characters related to 'carriages' and 'dragons'.
Examples in context
- Chị thật đẹp gái.You look beautiful, sis.
- Hôm nay bạn trông đẹp quá!You look beautiful today!
- Trong chiếc váy này, bạn trông đẹp quá.In this dress, you look beautiful.
- Ôi, bạn trông đẹp quá khi cười.Oh, you look beautiful when you smile.
Example conversation
Minh sees Lan dressed up for a party.
- LanChào Minh, mình mặc thế này ổn không?Hi Minh, do I look okay in this?
- MinhỒ, bạn trông đẹp quá!Oh, you look beautiful!
- LanCảm ơn bạn nhiều nhé.Thank you very much.
- MinhKhông có gì, thực sự rất hợp với bạn.You're welcome, it really suits you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bạn, quá, trông, CC BY-SA 4.0.
