tuổi của bạn
[tuəj˧˩ kuə˧˩ ʔɓaːn˧˨ʔ]word by word
The English phrase "your age" is translated into Vietnamese as tuổi của bạn.
This phrase refers to the number of years a person has lived.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tuổi (age/years of age), của (of) and bạn (you/friend).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form tuổi của bạn is neutral or slightly formal, making it suitable for use with acquaintances or peers. In casual conversation with someone younger or of a similar age, bạn is often replaced with em to sound more natural and friendly, resulting in tuổi của em.
Did you know?
- The word tuổi can also refer to the zodiac animal assigned to a birth year, meaning a person might say their 'age' is 'the Monkey' or 'the Dragon'.
- In Vietnamese culture, asking for someone's age is often more about establishing a social hierarchy than gathering a number, as it determines which pronoun to use for 'you'.
- The word bạn has a double history in Vietnamese, stemming from two different Chinese characters: one meaning 'companion' 伴 and another meaning 'rebel' 叛.
Examples in context
- Tôi năm nay hai mươi lăm tuổi.I am 25 years old.
- Tôi không biết tuổi của bạn.I don't know your age.
- Họ hỏi về tuổi của bạn.They asked about your age.
Example conversation
Two acquaintances are filling out a registration form.
- LanBạn có thể viết tuổi của bạn vào đây không?Can you write your age here?
- HùngĐược, tôi sẽ viết ngay.Sure, I will write it right now.
- LanCảm ơn Hùng nhé.Thank you, Hung.
- HùngKhông có gì đâu Lan.You're welcome, Lan.
