Signification
Asking someone to wait briefly.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Giờ dây thun' (Rubber Time) means that 'một lát' can be flexible. It's a social lubricant to avoid pressure. People tend to use 'Chờ' more often and may include more formal address terms even in casual settings. The word 'xíu' is often preferred over 'lát' for a more friendly, casual vibe. In professional settings, 'Chờ một lát' is often replaced by 'Vui lòng đợi' to show high respect to clients.
Add 'nhé'
Always add 'nhé' at the end when talking to friends to sound warmer and less like a boss.
Don't over-wait
If you say 'chờ một lát', try to return within 5 minutes or send a follow-up message.
Signification
Asking someone to wait briefly.
Add 'nhé'
Always add 'nhé' at the end when talking to friends to sound warmer and less like a boss.
Don't over-wait
If you say 'chờ một lát', try to return within 5 minutes or send a follow-up message.
The 'Dạ' Rule
Starting with 'Dạ' instantly makes you sound like a fluent, respectful speaker, even if your grammar isn't perfect.
Body Language
A small nod or a hand gesture (palm out) often accompanies this phrase in busy environments.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct word to make a polite request to a friend.
Chờ một ____ nhé.
'Lát' is the correct unit of time for a short moment.
Which sentence is the most polite when talking to an older person?
Choose the best option:
The addition of 'Dạ' and 'ạ' makes it respectful for elders.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are on the phone and someone knocks on your door.
You need to ask the person on the phone to wait while you check the door.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Anh có rảnh không? B: Có, nhưng ____ một lát, tôi đang ăn.
'Chờ' (wait) fits the context of being busy for a moment.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Lát vs. Lúc
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesChờ một ____ nhé.
'Lát' is the correct unit of time for a short moment.
Choose the best option:
The addition of 'Dạ' and 'ạ' makes it respectful for elders.
Situation: You are on the phone and someone knocks on your door.
You need to ask the person on the phone to wait while you check the door.
A: Anh có rảnh không? B: Có, nhưng ____ một lát, tôi đang ăn.
'Chờ' (wait) fits the context of being busy for a moment.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's very common and neutral. It only becomes rude if you use it with an elder without honorifics.
'Lát' is a slice of time, 'chút' is a drop. 'Chút' is often perceived as shorter, but they are mostly interchangeable.
Yes, but 'Vui lòng chờ phản hồi của chúng tôi' (Please wait for our reply) is more professional.
Add 'tôi' or 'mình' after the verb: 'Chờ tôi một lát'.
Yes, Southern speakers use 'Đợi' and 'Xíu' more frequently than Northern speakers.
You can still say 'một lát', but 'khoảng mười phút' is better for clarity.
Yes, 'Chờ một giây' (Wait a second) is used, but it's less common than 'một lát'.
Yes, it is a classifier/noun for a slice or a short period of time.
You can say 'Được' (Okay) or 'Vâng' (Yes/Polite).
'Đợi tí' or 'Đợi xíu nha' are the most common casual/slang versions.
Expressions liées
Chờ một chút
synonymWait a little bit
Đợi em với
similarWait for me too
Khoan đã
contrastHold on / Stop for a second
Trong giây lát
specialized formIn a split second
