Signification
A polite way to precede a question.
Contexte culturel
People are often more formal and value the use of 'ạ' at the end of sentences. The tone is generally more relaxed, but 'Cho tôi hỏi' remains the standard for politeness. Using this phrase is essential in meetings to show you are not being overly aggressive. Students use this to ask teachers questions in class to show respect.
Smile while saying it
A smile makes the phrase even more effective at building rapport.
Don't over-use it
Using it before every single sentence in a long conversation sounds repetitive.
Signification
A polite way to precede a question.
Smile while saying it
A smile makes the phrase even more effective at building rapport.
Don't over-use it
Using it before every single sentence in a long conversation sounds repetitive.
Match your pronoun
Change 'tôi' to 'em', 'anh', or 'chị' depending on who you are talking to.
The 'ạ' particle
Adding 'ạ' at the end of the sentence makes it even more polite.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
_____, nhà ga ở đâu?
This is the standard polite phrase to start a question.
Which is the most polite way to start a question to a stranger?
Choose the best option.
It is the most standard and respectful way to initiate a conversation.
Complete the dialogue.
Stranger: 'Xin lỗi...' You: '_____'
This is a polite way to respond and offer help.
Match the situation to the correct usage.
You are at a shop and want to know the price.
Using the polite prefix makes the interaction smoother.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercices_____, nhà ga ở đâu?
This is the standard polite phrase to start a question.
Choose the best option.
It is the most standard and respectful way to initiate a conversation.
Stranger: 'Xin lỗi...' You: '_____'
This is a polite way to respond and offer help.
You are at a shop and want to know the price.
Using the polite prefix makes the interaction smoother.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is polite, but it is the standard way to speak to anyone you don't know well. It is not 'stiffly' formal.
Yes, it is perfect for the workplace.
You can just say 'Cho hỏi', which is also acceptable.
It's not necessarily rude, but it can sound a bit blunt or demanding.
Yes, it is very common in professional emails.
Yes, it is gender-neutral.
'Xin hỏi' is slightly more formal and common in writing.
It's better for asking for information. For favors, use 'Tôi có thể nhờ bạn một việc không?'
Vietnamese is a tonal language; the tone of 'hỏi' must be correct to be understood.
No, it's too formal for children.
Yes, it is universally understood and used.
Add 'ạ' at the end of the sentence.
Expressions liées
Xin hỏi
synonymPlease ask
Cho em hỏi
builds onMay I ask (younger to older)
Cho mình hỏi
builds onMay I ask (peer to peer)
Có thể cho tôi hỏi
specialized formCould I possibly ask
