What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bạn (you), là (is/are), tuyệt (excellent/wonderful) and nhất (most/first).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Replacing the neutral bạn with anh (for an older male) or chị (for an older female) makes the praise more natural and respectful in social settings, as in anh/chị là tuyệt nhất. If you want to be more formal and emphasize that someone is outstanding or exceptional, you can use Bạn là người xuất sắc nhất. In informal situations, you might use the slang Bạn thật là pro, which uses the English loanword 'pro' to refer to someone who is exceptionally talented or skilled or Bạn thật đỉnh, which uses the word đỉnh (peak or summit) to imply the person is at the top or the best in their field.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the superlative 'the best', the adjective tuyệt is followed by the particle nhất, which means 'most'.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Bạn thật tuyệt vời. Tôi thật sự khâm phục khả năng của bạn.You're really awesome. I truly admire your abilities.
- Trong lòng tôi, bạn là tuyệt nhất.In my heart, you're the best.
- Cảm ơn vì đã giúp tôi, bạn là tuyệt nhất.Thanks for helping me, you're the best.
Example conversation
Nam thanks Hương for helping him with a difficult task.
- NamHương ơi, cảm ơn bạn nhiều nhé.Hương, thank you so much.
- HươngKhông có gì đâu mà, Nam.It's nothing, Nam.
- NamBạn là tuyệt nhất!You're the best!
- HươngBạn làm tôi ngại quá.You're making me blush.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bạn, là, nhất, tuyệt, CC BY-SA 4.0.
