Signification
Asking for the identity of an object.
Contexte culturel
People often use 'thế' instead of 'đây' in casual speech. The tone is often softer and more melodic. Always add 'ạ' when speaking to a boss or client. It is perfectly acceptable to point at food to ask what it is.
Use your hands
Vietnamese is a visual language. Pointing while asking 'Cái gì đây?' is perfectly polite.
Don't point at people
Never use 'Cái gì đây?' for a person. It is dehumanizing. Use 'Ai đây?' instead.
Signification
Asking for the identity of an object.
Use your hands
Vietnamese is a visual language. Pointing while asking 'Cái gì đây?' is perfectly polite.
Don't point at people
Never use 'Cái gì đây?' for a person. It is dehumanizing. Use 'Ai đây?' instead.
Add 'ạ'
If you are in a shop or talking to an elder, add 'ạ' at the end to be respectful.
Be curious
Vietnamese people love to explain their culture. Don't be afraid to ask!
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct demonstrative.
Tôi thấy một cái hộp ở đây. Cái gì _____?
'Đây' is used for objects near the speaker.
Which phrase is most appropriate for a formal setting?
How to ask 'What is this?' politely?
Adding 'ạ' makes the sentence polite and formal.
Match the question to the correct context.
Match: 1. Cái gì đây? 2. Ai đây?
'Cái' is for objects, 'Ai' is for people.
Complete the dialogue.
A: (Points at a book) ____? B: Đó là sách tiếng Việt.
The speaker is asking to identify an object.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTôi thấy một cái hộp ở đây. Cái gì _____?
'Đây' is used for objects near the speaker.
How to ask 'What is this?' politely?
Adding 'ạ' makes the sentence polite and formal.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
'Cái' is for objects, 'Ai' is for people.
A: (Points at a book) ____? B: Đó là sách tiếng Việt.
The speaker is asking to identify an object.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, use 'Ai đây?' for people.
In Vietnam, pointing at objects is fine, but avoid pointing at people.
'Đây' is here (near), 'đó' is there (far).
Add 'ạ' at the end.
Yes, but be professional and maybe add 'ạ'.
Yes, but 'Cái gì đây' is more specific to location.
'Cái' is a classifier for inanimate objects.
Yes, it's great for food stalls.
It is neutral.
'Cái' is the safest bet for most objects.
Usually for physical objects, but can be used for concepts in context.
Yes, but usually with a question mark.
Expressions liées
Cái gì đó
similarWhat is that?
Đây là cái gì
builds onThis is what?
Ai đây
contrastWho is this?
Cái này là gì
synonymWhat is this?
