At the A1 level, 'gần' is primarily used to describe physical locations and simple distances. Students learn it as the opposite of 'xa' (far). It is used in basic sentences like 'Nhà tôi gần trường' (My house is near the school) or 'Siêu thị gần đây' (The supermarket is near here). The focus is on spatial proximity and basic questions about where things are located. Learners also encounter 'gần' as a way to say 'nearly' with numbers, such as 'gần 5 phút' (nearly 5 minutes). The grammar is simple: [Subject] + [gần] + [Location].
At the A2 level, learners expand their use of 'gần' to include temporal proximity and more complex social interactions. They start using 'gần đây' to talk about recent events ('Dạo gần đây bạn thế nào?'). They also begin to use intensifiers like 'rất gần' (very near) or 'khá gần' (quite near). The concept of 'gần đến' (approaching/almost arriving) is introduced, helping students describe their progress during travel or the approach of a holiday like Tet. They also learn to use 'gần' in simple comparisons using 'hơn' (more).
At the B1 level, 'gần' is used in more idiomatic and abstract ways. Students learn the reduplicated form 'gần gũi' to describe close relationships and intimacy. They can use 'gần' to describe statistical approximations in more detail ('Gần một nửa dân số...'). The use of 'gần như' (almost/nearly like) becomes common for describing similarities or nearly completed actions. Learners also become more proficient in giving and following directions that use 'gần' in relation to landmarks, and they can handle the nuances between 'gần' and 'cạnh' (next to).
At the B2 level, speakers use 'gần' with greater precision and in more formal contexts. They understand its use in academic or journalistic writing, such as 'vùng lân cận' (neighboring areas) or 'cận đại' (modern era). They can use 'gần' in complex sentence structures like 'càng... càng...' (the closer... the...). They also recognize the use of 'gần' in professional settings, such as describing project deadlines that are 'cận kề' (imminent). Their pronunciation of the 'huyền' tone is consistent, preventing confusion with words like 'gan' or 'gân'.
At the C1 level, 'gần' is used with stylistic flair and deep cultural understanding. Speakers can use it in literary contexts to describe philosophical or emotional closeness. They understand the historical etymology of the word and its relationship to Chinese characters (近 - jìn). They can use 'gần' in sophisticated idioms and proverbs, such as 'Gần mực thì đen, gần đèn thì rạng' (Near ink one gets black, near light one gets bright), which discusses the influence of one's environment. They can navigate all registers from slang to highly formal speech.
At the C2 level, the speaker has total mastery over 'gần' and all its derivatives. They can use the word to convey subtle irony, poetic imagery, or technical precision. They are aware of regional dialectal variations in the pronunciation and usage of 'gần' across Vietnam. They can discuss the linguistic evolution of the word and its role in the development of Vietnamese syntax. For a C2 speaker, 'gần' is a versatile tool that can be used to manipulate the pace and tone of a narrative or a complex argument with native-level fluency.

gần in 30 Sekunden

  • Gần means 'near' or 'close' in space and time.
  • It can also mean 'nearly' or 'almost' for numbers.
  • The opposite of gần is xa (far).
  • It is used for emotional closeness in the word gần gũi.
The Vietnamese word gần is a fundamental adjective and adverb primarily used to denote proximity in space, time, or quantity. At its most basic level, it translates to 'near' or 'close' in English. However, its application in Vietnamese culture and daily communication is multifaceted, often carrying nuances of accessibility and emotional intimacy. In a spatial sense, gần describes the short distance between two objects or locations. For example, when navigating the bustling streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you will frequently hear locals use this word to reassure someone that a destination is not far. It is the opposite of xa (far).
Spatial Proximity
Used to indicate that the physical distance between point A and point B is minimal. Example: 'Nhà tôi gần công viên' (My house is near the park).

Trường học rất gần đây, bạn có thể đi bộ được.

Translation: The school is very near here, you can walk.
Beyond physical space, gần is essential for discussing time. When an event is approaching, such as a holiday or a deadline, Vietnamese speakers use gần to signify that the moment is close at hand. This temporal usage is vital for planning and social coordination.
Temporal Proximity
Refers to a point in time that is about to occur. Example: 'Gần đến Tết rồi' (It is almost Lunar New Year).
Furthermore, gần functions as a quantifier meaning 'nearly' or 'almost.' If you have almost finished a task or if a number is close to a round figure, this is the word you need.

Tôi đã đợi gần một tiếng đồng hồ.

Translation: I have waited for nearly an hour.
In social contexts, gần evolves into gần gũi, an adjective describing a close, intimate, or friendly relationship. This highlights the Vietnamese cultural value of community and 'tình làng nghĩa xóm' (neighborhood bonds), where being 'near' is not just about geography but about emotional connection.
Relational Closeness
Describes the intimacy between people. Example: 'Hai chị em rất gần gũi nhau' (The two sisters are very close to each other).

Anh ấy sống gần nhà tôi nên chúng tôi thường gặp nhau.

Understanding gần requires recognizing its role in comparative structures. To say something is 'nearer,' one uses 'gần hơn.' To say 'nearest,' one uses 'gần nhất.' These are essential for giving directions or choosing the most convenient option among many. Finally, the word is used in the common phrase 'gần đây' (recently/lately), which is indispensable for starting conversations about recent life events.

Dạo gần đây bạn thế nào?

Translation: How have you been lately?
In summary, gần is a versatile building block of the Vietnamese language, covering space, time, quantity, and relationships.
Using gần correctly involves understanding its placement in various sentence structures. In its simplest form, it acts as a predicate adjective following a subject.
Basic Predicative Structure
[Subject] + [gần] + [Location]. This is the standard way to describe proximity. Example: 'Bưu điện gần chợ' (The post office is near the market).

Nhà hàng này gần khách sạn của chúng ta.

When you want to emphasize the degree of closeness, you can add intensifiers like 'rất' (very), 'khá' (quite), or 'cực kỳ' (extremely) before gần.

Tiệm cà phê đó rất gần, chỉ mất hai phút đi bộ.

A crucial pattern for learners is the use of 'gần' with 'đến' to mean 'close to' or 'approaching.' This is common for both physical movement and temporal progress.
The 'Gần Đến' Pattern
Used for approaching a destination or a point in time. Example: 'Chúng ta gần đến nơi rồi' (We are almost there).
For comparisons, the word order is [A] + [gần] + [B] + [hơn] + [C]. This translates to 'A is closer to B than C.'

Nhà tôi gần công ty hơn nhà bạn.

Translation: My house is closer to the company than your house.
When gần is used as a quantifier meaning 'nearly,' it precedes the noun or number it modifies. This is extremely common in news reports and statistical discussions.
Quantifier Usage
[gần] + [Number/Amount]. Example: 'Gần 500 người đã tham gia' (Nearly 500 people participated).

Tôi đã làm việc ở đây gần mười năm.

Another advanced structure involves the double use of 'càng' to show correlation: 'Càng gần càng tốt' (The closer the better). This is a useful idiomatic expression for expressing preferences. In negative sentences, you place 'không' before 'gần.' Example: 'Nó không gần lắm' (It's not very near). This is often used politely to warn someone that a walk might be longer than expected.

Địa điểm này không gần trung tâm thành phố.

Finally, consider the phrase 'gần như' which means 'almost' or 'as if.' This is used to describe states that are nearly identical to another state. 'Gần như tất cả' (Almost all). These varied structures show that gần is not just a simple adjective but a versatile tool for precision in Vietnamese.
In Vietnam, gần is ubiquitous, echoing through marketplaces, taxi rides, and family dinners. If you are taking a Grab or a taxi, the driver might ask, 'Có gần đây không?' (Is it near here?) to gauge the route. In the chaotic but organized flow of Vietnamese traffic, proximity is a constant calculation.
In Transportation
Drivers use it to confirm destinations or suggest short-cuts. Example: 'Đi đường này gần hơn' (Going this way is closer/shorter).

Anh tài xế ơi, cho tôi xuống chỗ gần ngã tư.

Translation: Driver, let me off near the intersection.
At the traditional wet markets (chợ), you will hear vendors shouting about the freshness of their goods, often saying they were sourced from 'vùng gần đây' (nearby areas) to imply quality and lack of preservatives. Shoppers also use gần to ask for items located within their reach.
At the Market
Used to describe the origin of produce or the location of a stall. Example: 'Cửa hàng thịt ở gần lối vào' (The meat shop is near the entrance).
In social settings, the phrase 'Dạo gần đây' is the standard 'How have you been?' opener. You'll hear this at cafes where friends gather. It signals an interest in the immediate past.

Dạo gần đây công việc của anh thế nào?

In family life, parents might tell children to 'lại gần đây' (come closer) to show affection or to give instructions. The concept of 'gần' is also embedded in the traditional architecture of 'nhà ống' (tube houses), where families live in close quarters, necessitating a high degree of social 'gần gũi' (closeness).
Family and Social Bonds
Used to foster intimacy or direct movement within the home. Example: 'Con lại gần đây mẹ bảo' (Come closer, let me tell you something).
On the news or radio, gần is used for statistics: 'Gần 90% dân số...' (Nearly 90% of the population...). It provides a sense of scale without needing absolute precision. In weather reports, you might hear 'gần sáng' (near dawn) to describe when a storm might hit.

Trời gần sáng rồi, chúng ta nên đi thôi.

Whether it's the physical proximity of a destination, the temporal approach of a holiday like Tet, or the emotional closeness of a friend, 'gần' is a word that connects the Vietnamese people to their environment and to each other.
For English speakers learning Vietnamese, gần seems straightforward, but there are several subtle traps. The most common mistake is confusing gần with sắp. While both can mean 'almost' or 'soon,' they are used differently.
Gần vs. Sắp
'Gần' is used for state or distance (nearly/close), while 'sắp' is an aspect marker for immediate future action (about to). Correct: 'Trời gần tối' (It's nearly dark). Correct: 'Trời sắp mưa' (It's about to rain).

Sai: Tôi gần đi ngủ. (Incorrect: I am nearly go to sleep).

Correct: Tôi sắp đi ngủ.
Another error involves the word order when using 'gần' with 'đây'. Beginners often say 'gần đây nhà tôi' instead of 'nhà tôi ở gần đây'. In Vietnamese, the location usually comes after the subject and the verb 'ở' (to be at).
Word Order with 'Ở'
Always remember the 'Subject + ở + gần + Location' pattern. Example: 'Tôi ở gần trường' (I live near the school).
Misusing 'gần' for 'approximately' is another pitfall. While 'gần' works for 'nearly' (less than), it doesn't work for 'about/around' (could be more or less). For 'about,' use 'khoảng.'

Nếu bạn muốn nói 'khoảng 5 phút', đừng dùng gần trừ khi bạn chắc chắn nó ít hơn 5 phút.

Pronunciation is also a major hurdle. The low falling tone (huyền) is often missed, causing the word to sound like 'gan' (liver) or 'gân' (tendon). This can lead to humorous or confusing situations in a restaurant or doctor's office.
Tone Confusion
Gần (near - low falling) vs. Gan (liver - flat) vs. Gân (tendon - flat). Precision in tone is as important as the consonants.
Lastly, learners often struggle with the difference between 'gần' and 'cạnh.' 'Cạnh' means 'next to' or 'beside,' implying zero distance or being side-by-side. 'Gần' just means in the vicinity. If someone is sitting 'gần' you, they might be across the room; if they are 'cạnh' you, they are in the next seat.

Nhà tôi gần nhà anh ấy (We live in the same area). Nhà tôi cạnh nhà anh ấy (We are next-door neighbors).

Avoiding these mistakes will make your Vietnamese sound much more natural and precise.
To enrich your Vietnamese vocabulary, it's important to know words related to gần that offer more specific meanings. While gần is a general term for 'near,' other words describe specific types of proximity.
Sát / Sát vách
'Sát' means 'right next to' or 'touching.' 'Sát vách' literally means 'sharing a wall,' used for very close neighbors. Example: 'Nhà tôi sát vách nhà cô ấy.'

Hãy đỗ xe sát vào lề đường.

Translation: Please park the car right against the curb.
Another alternative is kế bên or bên cạnh, which specifically mean 'beside' or 'next to.' These are more directional than the general 'gần.'
Kế bên / Bên cạnh
Used when something is to the left or right of another object. Example: 'Ngồi bên cạnh tôi' (Sit next to me).
For formal or academic contexts, you might encounter lân cận (neighboring/vicinity) or cận (near - often used in compound words).
Lân cận
A formal term for 'nearby areas.' Example: 'Hà Nội và các vùng lân cận' (Hanoi and neighboring regions).

Thị trường bất động sản ở các vùng lân cận đang phát triển.

When discussing relationships, thân (close/dear) is often used instead of gần. While 'gần gũi' describes the feeling of intimacy, 'bạn thân' is the specific term for 'close friend.'
Thân / Thân thiết
Focuses on the depth of the bond. Example: 'Chúng tôi là bạn thân' (We are close friends).
Finally, for time, sắp is the best alternative for 'soon' or 'about to.' If you want to say something is 'imminent,' you can use 'cận kề.'

Ngày thi đã cận kề, hãy tập trung học bài.

Translation: The exam day is imminent, please focus on studying.
By mastering these alternatives, you can transition from a basic A1 level to a more nuanced and professional use of the Vietnamese language, choosing the exact word for the exact situation.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Nhà tôi gần trường.

My house is near the school.

Basic Subject + Adjective + Noun structure.

2

Chợ gần đây không?

Is the market near here?

Question form using 'không' at the end.

3

Tôi ở gần công viên.

I live near the park.

Using 'ở' (to be at/live at) with 'gần'.

4

Gần 10 giờ rồi.

It's nearly 10 o'clock.

'Gần' used as 'nearly' with time.

5

Cái ghế này gần bàn.

This chair is near the table.

Describing the position of objects.

6

Đi bộ rất gần.

Walking is very close (it's a short walk).

Using 'rất' as an intensifier.

7

Bạn có gần tôi không?

Are you near me?

Direct question about proximity.

8

Gần xong rồi!

Almost finished!

'Gần' used to indicate nearly completed action.

1

Dạo gần đây tôi bận.

Lately, I have been busy.

'Dạo gần đây' is a common phrase for 'recently'.

2

Chúng ta gần đến nơi chưa?

Are we almost there yet?

'Gần đến' means 'approaching' or 'almost arrived'.

3

Gần đến Tết, ai cũng vui.

Near Tet, everyone is happy.

Temporal use of 'gần'.

4

Nhà anh ấy gần hồ hơn nhà tôi.

His house is closer to the lake than mine.

Comparative structure using 'hơn'.

5

Tôi đã đợi gần nửa tiếng.

I have waited for nearly half an hour.

'Gần' used to quantify time duration.

6

Khách sạn này khá gần trung tâm.

This hotel is quite near the center.

Using 'khá' (quite) to modify 'gần'.

7

Cửa hàng này gần nhà bạn nhất.

This store is the closest to your house.

Superlative form using 'nhất'.

8

Trời gần tối rồi, về thôi.

It's nearly dark, let's go home.

Using 'gần' to describe a changing state.

1

Hai người họ rất gần gũi nhau.

The two of them are very close to each other.

'Gần gũi' describes emotional intimacy.

2

Công việc gần như đã hoàn tất.

The work is almost completely finished.

'Gần như' means 'nearly' or 'almost'.

3

Tôi muốn sống ở một nơi gần thiên nhiên.

I want to live in a place close to nature.

Abstract use of proximity.

4

Gần một nửa số học sinh đi học muộn.

Nearly half of the students were late for school.

'Gần' used with fractions/quantities.

5

Mối quan hệ này không còn gần gũi như trước.

This relationship is no longer as close as before.

Negative comparison of intimacy.

6

Bạn nên chọn trường nào gần nhà cho tiện.

You should choose a school near home for convenience.

Using 'gần' to justify a choice.

7

Anh ấy gần như không bao giờ đi muộn.

He almost never goes late.

'Gần như không bao giờ' means 'almost never'.

8

Hãy tìm một tiệm thuốc gần đây nhất.

Please find the nearest pharmacy.

Superlative 'gần đây nhất'.

1

Kỳ thi đang đến gần, chúng ta cần ôn tập.

The exam is approaching, we need to review.

'Đang đến gần' indicates an ongoing approach.

2

Hà Nội và các vùng lân cận có mưa lớn.

Hanoi and neighboring areas have heavy rain.

'Vùng lân cận' is a formal term for nearby areas.

3

Càng gần ngày đi, tôi càng thấy hồi hộp.

The closer to the departure date, the more nervous I feel.

Correlative structure 'Càng... càng...'.

4

Sự thật gần như đã được phơi bày.

The truth has almost been revealed.

Passive-like structure with 'gần như'.

5

Hai ngôn ngữ này có nhiều điểm gần giống nhau.

These two languages have many points that are nearly identical.

'Gần giống' means 'nearly identical'.

6

Anh ấy sống ở khu vực lân cận thành phố.

He lives in the area neighboring the city.

Formal use of 'lân cận'.

7

Mọi thứ gần như nằm ngoài tầm kiểm soát.

Everything is almost out of control.

Describing a state of near-chaos.

8

Dự án đã đi đến giai đoạn gần cuối.

The project has reached the near-final stage.

Describing stages of a process.

1

Gần mực thì đen, gần đèn thì rạng.

Near ink one gets black, near light one gets bright.

A famous Vietnamese proverb about influence.

2

Khoảng cách địa lý không làm họ bớt gần gũi.

Geographical distance does not make them less close.

Contrasting physical and emotional proximity.

3

Tác phẩm này mang lại cảm giác gần gũi với độc giả.

This work brings a sense of closeness to the readers.

Describing the emotional impact of art.

4

Ông ấy là một người rất gần dân.

He is a person who is very close to the people.

Political/social register of 'gần'.

5

Sự nguy hiểm đang cận kề mà họ không biết.

Danger is imminent, yet they do not know.

'Cận kề' is a literary term for 'very near'.

6

Chúng ta cần một giải pháp gần thực tế hơn.

We need a more realistic solution.

'Gần thực tế' means 'close to reality/practical'.

7

Lời giải thích của anh ấy gần như là một lời xin lỗi.

His explanation was almost like an apology.

Using 'gần như' for subtle comparison.

8

Văn hóa hai nước có những nét tương đồng gần gũi.

The cultures of the two countries have close similarities.

Academic register for cultural comparison.

1

Sự tiệm cận của hai luồng tư tưởng này là điều tất yếu.

The convergence (approaching closeness) of these two schools of thought is inevitable.

'Tiệm cận' is a mathematical/philosophical term for 'approaching'.

2

Họ sống trong một cộng đồng gắn kết và gần gũi về tâm hồn.

They live in a community that is cohesive and spiritually close.

High-level description of social fabric.

3

Cái chết đã cận kề nhưng ông vẫn giữ thái độ bình thản.

Death was imminent, yet he remained calm.

Literary use of 'cận kề' for life/death.

4

Phân tích này gần như chạm đến bản chất của vấn đề.

This analysis almost touches the essence of the problem.

Metaphorical use of physical proximity.

5

Ngôn từ của bà ấy luôn mang hơi thở gần gũi với cuộc sống đời thường.

Her words always carry a breath of closeness to everyday life.

Poetic register describing style.

6

Việc quy hoạch cần tính đến các khu vực phụ cận.

Planning needs to take into account the adjacent areas.

'Phụ cận' is a technical term for 'surrounding/adjacent'.

7

Khoảng cách giữa thiên tài và kẻ điên đôi khi rất gần.

The distance between genius and madman is sometimes very close.

Philosophical observation.

8

Mọi nỗ lực của chúng ta đã gần như đạt đến ngưỡng tối ưu.

All our efforts have almost reached the optimal threshold.

Technical/scientific register.

Synonyme

Cạnh Sát Lân cận Kế bên Cận Gần gũi Tiệm cận Phụ cận

Gegenteile

Xa Xa xôi Cách biệt Xa lạ

Häufige Kollokationen

Gần đây
Gần như
Gần gũi
Gần đến
Rất gần
Càng gần càng tốt
Gần xong
Vùng lân cận
Gần gũi thiên nhiên
Gần hết
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