bạn đẹp quá
[ʔɓaːn˧˨ʔ ʔɗɛp̚˧˨ʔ kwaː˧˦]word by word
The English phrase "you're pretty" is translated into Vietnamese as bạn đẹp quá.
This phrase is a compliment used to tell someone that they are physically attractive. While bạn is a standard way to say "you", the word used for "you" in Vietnamese changes based on the age and gender of the person you are speaking to.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bạn (you), đẹp (beautiful/pretty) and quá (very/too/so).
Which one should you use?
While bạn đẹp quá is a standard form, you can use different pronouns for "you" to sound more natural: use em đẹp quá when speaking to a woman younger than you and use chị đẹp quá when speaking to a woman older than you. You may also use the comparative phrase Bạn đẹp như thiên thần to say someone is "as beautiful as an angel".
How does it change in a sentence?
To add emphasis, the word quá is placed after the adjective, similar to saying "so pretty" or "very pretty" in English.
When do people say it?
In Vietnamese culture, it is common for individuals to deflect or downplay praise when receiving compliments.
Did you know?
- Because Vietnamese is a tonal language, changing the tone of đẹp can completely change the word's meaning, turning a compliment into a word for 'filling' or 'full'.
- While bạn đẹp quá is a compliment, using the word đẹp for a man can sometimes be perceived as describing him as 'pretty' or 'effeminate' rather than 'handsome'.
- The word bạn used here to mean 'friend' or 'you' actually shares a historical root with the Chinese character for 'to rebel', 叛, even though they are pronounced the same in Vietnamese.
Examples in context
- Hôm nay bạn trông xinh đẹp.Today you look beautiful.
- Bạn thật đẹp trong chiếc áo đó.You are truly beautiful in that outfit.
- Bạn đẹp như thiên thần trong bức ảnh này.You're as beautiful as an angel in this photo.
- Hôm nay bạn đẹp quá!You are so pretty today!
- Trong bộ váy này, bạn đẹp quá.In this dress, you are so beautiful.
- Ôi, bạn đẹp quá!Oh, you are so pretty!
Example conversation
Minh and Chi meet for a date.
- MinhChào Chi, bạn đẹp quá!Hello Chi, you're pretty!
- ChiCảm ơn bạn, Minh.Thank you, Minh.
- MinhChi thích chiếc váy này không?Do you like this dress, Chi?
- ChiMình rất thích nó.I like it very much.
