Language/Vietnamese/Vocabulary/Idiomatic-Expressions
Hi Vietnamese learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will focus on Vietnamese idiomatic expressions. As you know, Vietnamese is a language full of idioms and expressions. Using idiomatic expressions in conversation will make you sound more natural and fluent. However, understanding and using idiomatic expressions can be tricky because their meanings are not always literal. Don't worry, after this lesson, you will be able to use them in the right context. So let's get started!
Don't miss the chance to check out these pages as you wrap up this lesson: At the Post Office & Days of the Week.
Idiomatic expressions[edit | edit source]
Idiomatic expressions are figurative phrases or sayings that have a different meaning from the literal meaning of the words. Vietnamese idiomatic expressions are preserved in Vietnamese culture and history. They reflect Vietnamese people's way of thinking, values, and beliefs.
Here are some commonly used Vietnamese idiomatic expressions with their English translations and explanations.
Head and tail[edit | edit source]
Head and tail, or đầu đuôi in Vietnamese, is a pair of words that form a set phrase. It means from the beginning to the end, thoroughly, or overall.
| Vietnamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Đầu đuôi | /dəw/, /ɗuəi/ | Head and tail |
- Person 1: Anh ấy viết báo cáo đầu đuôi trong vòng 2 giờ.
- Person 2: He wrote the report from the beginning to the end within 2 hours.
Scratching each other's back[edit | edit source]
Scratching each other's back, or cà nhàu in Vietnamese, is a metaphor for mutual or reciprocal help, trading favors, or scratching each other's itch.
| Vietnamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Cà nhàu | /ka/, /ɲaw/ | Scratching each other's back |
- Person 1: Bạn và tôi nên giúp đỡ lẫn nhau trong công việc này.
- Person 2: You and I should scratch each other's back in this work.
Eating with tears[edit | edit source]
Eating with tears, or ăn miếng trả miếng in Vietnamese, is a metaphor for revenge, retaliation, or getting even. It means to repay someone for a bad deed or ill-treatment.
| Vietnamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ăn miếng trả miếng | /ʔan/, /miəŋ/, /tra/, /miəŋ/ | Eating with tears |
- Person 1: Anh ta bắt nạt tôi trong thời gian học đại học.
- Person 2: He bullied me during college time.
- Person 1: Nếu có dịp, tôi sẽ ăn miếng trả miếng với anh ta.
- Person 2: If I have a chance, I'll get my revenge on him.
Hitting bamboo shoots to find a snake[edit | edit source]
Hitting bamboo shoots to find a snake, or đánh rắm ép tắc in Vietnamese, is a metaphor for beating around the bush or making something unnecessary complicated. It is used to express a situation where someone is looking for something that is already evident or doing something superfluous.
| Vietnamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Đánh rắm ép tắc | /ɗan/, /zam/, /ɛp/, /tak/ | Hitting bamboo shoots to find a snake |
- Person 1: Bạn định làm gì để giải quyết vấn đề này?
- Person 2: What are you going to do to solve this issue?
- Person 1: Tôi muốn gặp gỡ cùng mọi bên liên quan, đàm phán và thảo luận rồi đưa ra quyết định chính xác.
- Person 2: I want to meet with all parties involved, negotiate and discuss, then make a precise decision.
- Person 1: Đánh rắm ép tắc! Điều đó không cần thiết cả!
- Person 2: Hitting bamboo shoots to find a snake! It's unnecessary!
Picking fruits from the lower branches[edit | edit source]
Picking fruits from the lower branches, or hái trái sơ qua rồi hái trái chín in Vietnamese, is a metaphor for being satisfied with small achievements and being complacent. It describes a situation when someone is content with what is readily available and does not strive to achieve more.
| Vietnamese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Hái trái sơ qua rồi hái trái chín | /haɪ/, /traɪ/, /sɔ/, /kwa/, /rɔj/, /haɪ/, /traɪ/, /cin/ | Picking fruits from the lower branches |
- Person 1: Bạn cố gắng nhiều hơn trong công việc nhé!
- Person 2: You need to try harder at work!
- Person 1: Tôi đã có việc làm ổn định, lương cao, đây là đủ cho tôi rồi.
- Person 2: I already have a stable job with a high salary, that's enough for me.
- Person 1: Đừng hái trái sơ qua rồi hái trái chín như thế. Bạn cần phấn đấu hơn nữa để làm tốt hơn đi.
- Person 2: Don't be satisfied with small achievements like that. You need to strive more to do better.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
That's it for this lesson on Vietnamese idiomatic expressions! Understanding and using idiomatic expressions in Vietnamese can make your communication more effective and natural. If you want to learn more Vietnamese idiomatic expressions or other types of vocabulary, check out the Vocabulary section on Polyglot Club. Remember to find native speakers and ask them any questions you have about Vietnamese language and culture. 😄✌️
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
With this lesson finished, you may want to explore these additional pages: Giving Directions & Vietnamese Food.
Videos[edit | edit source]
Vietnamese Slang and Idioms: 5 common expressions in ...[edit | edit source]
Vietnamese Slang and Idioms: Drinking beer in Vietnam - YouTube[edit | edit source]
Vietnamese Slang and Idioms: How to exaggerate your feelings in ...[edit | edit source]
Vietnamese Slang and Idioms: How to say "stand someone up" or ...[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Vietnamese Language, Associate in Arts Degree < Golden West ...
- (PDF) A Study of Figurative Language in Vietnamese Folklore ...
- Vietnamese (VIET) < Golden West College