Signification
Something that is certain and unchangeable.
Contexte culturel
The idiom reflects the 'Nhà Rường' architecture where no glue was used, only sophisticated joinery and nails/pegs. The stability of the house depended on these joints. In Vietnamese business culture, using this phrase can sometimes be more powerful than a written contract, as it invokes the speaker's personal honor. Young people use 'chốt' (to close/finalize) as a modern shorthand for this idiom, but the full idiom is still used for emphasis in 'drama' or 'news' threads. The concept of 'Nhất ngôn cửu đỉnh' (One word as heavy as nine bronze tripods) is the scholarly cousin of this folk idiom.
Use it for Reassurance
If a Vietnamese person seems worried about a deal, use this phrase. It immediately lowers their anxiety because it signals 'honor'.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for everything (like 'I'll buy milk, chắc như đinh đóng cột'), people will think you are insincere or joking.
Signification
Something that is certain and unchangeable.
Use it for Reassurance
If a Vietnamese person seems worried about a deal, use this phrase. It immediately lowers their anxiety because it signals 'honor'.
Don't Overuse
If you use it for everything (like 'I'll buy milk, chắc như đinh đóng cột'), people will think you are insincere or joking.
The 'Face' Factor
Remember that using this idiom puts your 'Face' (reputation) on the line. Only use it if you are 100% committed.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Lời hứa của anh ấy chắc như đinh đóng ___.
The correct word is 'cột' (pillar). Nails in pillars are the symbol of permanence in this idiom.
Which situation is the MOST appropriate for using this idiom?
When should you say 'Chắc như đinh đóng cột'?
This idiom is for high-stakes certainty and promises.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Bạn có chắc là ngày mai sẽ đến giúp mình chuyển nhà không?' B: '___'
This response shows the highest level of commitment requested by the friend.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Match 'Chắc như đinh đóng cột' with its best English equivalent.
'Set in stone' and 'Chắc như đinh đóng cột' both mean something is unchangeable.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesLời hứa của anh ấy chắc như đinh đóng ___.
The correct word is 'cột' (pillar). Nails in pillars are the symbol of permanence in this idiom.
When should you say 'Chắc như đinh đóng cột'?
This idiom is for high-stakes certainty and promises.
A: 'Bạn có chắc là ngày mai sẽ đến giúp mình chuyển nhà không?' B: '___'
This response shows the highest level of commitment requested by the friend.
Match 'Chắc như đinh đóng cột' with its best English equivalent.
'Set in stone' and 'Chắc như đinh đóng cột' both mean something is unchangeable.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! While it has ancient roots, it is used daily in news, business, and casual talk.
Yes, it's great for concluding a professional email where you want to guarantee a deadline.
'Chắc chắn' is 'certain'. This idiom is 'unshakeably certain'. It's about 5 times stronger.
Yes, e.g., 'Anh ta sẽ thất bại, chắc như đinh đóng cột' (He will fail, for sure).
The tones change naturally with the regional accent (North vs. South), but the words remain the same.
People sometimes just say 'Chắc như đinh' in very casual settings.
Usually, we describe their 'words' or 'promises', but you can say 'Anh ấy là người nói như đinh đóng cột'.
Yes, it is neutral-polite. It shows you are a serious person.
In Vietnam, this is considered a major social error. You will lose a lot of trust.
No, 'đinh' specifically means nail. Screws weren't common in ancient Vietnamese carpentry!
Expressions liées
Nói lời giữ lấy lời
similarKeep your word.
Hứa hươu hứa vượn
contrastTo make empty, boastful promises.
Chắc chắn
builds onSure / Certain.
Ván đã đóng thuyền
similarThe boards are already nailed into the boat (The die is cast).
