Language/Vietnamese/Grammar/Modal-Verbs

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Vietnamese → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Verbs and Verb Tenses → Modal Verbs

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore modal verbs in Vietnamese. Modal verbs are an important aspect of grammar as they express various degrees of possibility, necessity, and permission. By learning modal verbs, you will be able to convey your intentions, obligations, and desires effectively in Vietnamese conversations. So, let's dive into the world of modal verbs and enhance your language skills!

Understanding Modal Verbs

Modal verbs, also known as "động từ khiếm khuyết" in Vietnamese, are special verbs that are used to modify or add meaning to other verbs in a sentence. They express various attitudes, such as possibility, necessity, ability, permission, and obligation. In English, common modal verbs include "can," "could," "may," "might," "must," "shall," "should," "will," "would," and "ought to."

In Vietnamese, there are several modal verbs that serve similar functions. Let's explore them one by one.

Có Thể

The modal verb "có thể" expresses the possibility or ability to do something. It is equivalent to the English modal verbs "can" and "could." Here are some examples:

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Tôi có thể nói tiếng Việt.	Toy kuh teh noi tieng vyet.	I can speak Vietnamese.
Anh ấy không thể đến hôm nay.	Ahn ay kohng teh den hohm nay.	He can't come today.

Cần

The modal verb "cần" expresses necessity or need. It is equivalent to the English modal verb "must" or "need to." Here are some examples:

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Chúng ta cần học tiếng Việt.	Choong tah kuhn hohk tieng vyet.	We need to learn Vietnamese.
Bạn cần làm bài tập.	Buhn kuhn lam bahi tahp.	You must do the homework.

Được

The modal verb "được" expresses permission or the ability to do something. It is equivalent to the English modal verbs "can," "could," or "may." Here are some examples:

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Tôi có được ở đây không?	Toy koh duoc uh day kohng?	Can I stay here?
Em có được đi chơi không?	Em koh duoc dee choi kohng?	Can you go out and play?

Phải

The modal verb "phải" expresses obligation or necessity. It is equivalent to the English modal verb "must" or "have to." Here are some examples:

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Bạn phải đi làm.	Buhn fai dee lam.	You must go to work.
Chúng ta phải học tiếng Việt.	Choong tah fai hohk tieng vyet.	We have to learn Vietnamese.

Nên

The modal verb "nên" expresses advice, recommendation, or the preferable course of action. It is equivalent to the English modal verb "should." Here are some examples:

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Bạn nên đi sớm.	Buhn nuhn dee sohm.	You should go early.
Chúng ta nên học tiếng Việt.	Choong tah nuhn hohk tieng vyet.	We should learn Vietnamese.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have now gained a deeper understanding of modal verbs in Vietnamese. Modal verbs are essential in expressing various attitudes and intentions in conversations. By incorporating modal verbs into your language skills, you will be able to communicate more effectively and precisely. Remember to practice using modal verbs in different contexts to solidify your understanding. Keep up the good work and continue your journey to mastering Vietnamese!

Table of Contents - Vietnamese Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Greetings and Introductions

• Hello and Goodbye
• Introducing Yourself

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Vietnamese Culture Basics

• Vietnamese Values
• Social Etiquette
• Cuisine and Dining

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Numbers and Counting

• Counting 1-10
• Counting 11-20
• Counting 21 and Beyond

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Nouns and Pronouns

• Nouns and Gender
• Pronouns and Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

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Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

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Holidays and Celebrations

• Tet
• Mid-Autumn Festival

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Verbs and Verb Tenses

• Present Tense Verbs
• Past Tense Verbs
• Future Tense Verbs
• Modal Verbs

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Food and Drink

• Vietnamese Food
• Drinks and Beverages
• Food Ordering

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Arts and Entertainment

• Traditional Music
• Movie and Television

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives
• Adverbs

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Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Giving Directions

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Traditional Clothing

• Ao Dai
• Other Traditional Clothing

Sources

• Vietnamese Grammar: Verbs and Verb Tenses: Modal Verbs
• (PDF) Final Modals, Adverbs and Antisymmetry in Vietnamese
• Vietnamese grammar - Wikipedia

Other Lessons

• Conditional Mood
• Present Tense Verbs
• Ask Questions
• Plurals
• Future Tense
• Articles
• Gender
• Questions
• Give your Opinion

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