Signification
Requesting to borrow a writing tool
Contexte culturel
Handing objects with both hands is a sign of respect, especially when returning the borrowed pen to an elder or superior. There is a playful culture of 'bút tặc' (pen thieves) where friends 'forget' to return pens, leading to long-running jokes in schools. In a meeting, if you need to borrow a pen, it's best to ask the person next to you quietly rather than interrupting the speaker. The North uses 'bút', the South uses 'viết'. Using the local term shows you are making an effort to integrate.
Softening the request
Add 'với' at the end to sound more natural. 'Cho tôi mượn cái bút với!'
Pronoun Power
Never use 'tôi' with someone much older than you; it sounds cold. Use 'em' or 'cháu'.
Signification
Requesting to borrow a writing tool
Softening the request
Add 'với' at the end to sound more natural. 'Cho tôi mượn cái bút với!'
Pronoun Power
Never use 'tôi' with someone much older than you; it sounds cold. Use 'em' or 'cháu'.
The 'Two-Hand' Rule
Always return the pen with both hands. It's a small gesture that makes a huge impression.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the request.
Cho tôi ___ cái bút.
'Mượn' means to borrow, which is the correct verb for this context.
Which sentence is the most polite when asking an older person?
Asking an older brother (anh) for a pen:
Using 'em' (younger sibling) and 'ạ' (polite particle) is the correct way to address an older person.
Complete the dialogue at the bank.
A: Xin lỗi, cho tôi mượn cái bút. B: ________
This is the standard polite response when handing someone an object.
Match the phrase to the correct region.
Where would you most likely hear 'Cho mình mượn cây viết'?
'Cây viết' is the Southern Vietnamese term for a pen.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesCho tôi ___ cái bút.
'Mượn' means to borrow, which is the correct verb for this context.
Asking an older brother (anh) for a pen:
Using 'em' (younger sibling) and 'ạ' (polite particle) is the correct way to address an older person.
A: Xin lỗi, cho tôi mượn cái bút. B: ________
This is the standard polite response when handing someone an object.
Where would you most likely hear 'Cho mình mượn cây viết'?
'Cây viết' is the Southern Vietnamese term for a pen.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, you can say 'Cho tôi mượn xe' (borrow a car), but for a house, you would usually 'thuê' (rent) or 'ở nhờ' (stay temporarily).
Both are correct. 'Cái' is more common in the North, 'Cây' is more common in the South.
Say 'Cho tôi xin cái bút' instead of 'mượn'. 'Xin' implies asking for a gift.
Add 'được không' at the end: 'Cho tôi mượn cái bút được không?'
Expressions liées
Cho tôi mượn cái này
similarLet me borrow this.
Cho tôi xin cái bút
specialized formCan I have a pen? (to keep)
Trả lại bút
builds onReturn the pen.
Bút hết mực
contextThe pen is out of ink.
