Signification
Operating a vehicle.
Contexte culturel
Driving a car is often seen as a sign of middle-class success. Most people drive motorbikes, so 'lái xe' usually implies a car unless specified. The 'horn culture' is a part of driving. Drivers use the horn to say 'I am here' rather than 'Get out of my way'. Professional drivers are often called 'Bác tài' (Uncle Driver) as a sign of respect and friendliness. Vietnam has strict zero-tolerance laws for drinking and driving, which has changed the social meaning of 'lái xe' at parties.
Use 'lái' for cars
To sound most natural, reserve 'lái' for cars and trucks. For motorbikes, 'đi' is your best friend.
Don't 'lái' a bike
Native speakers will find it funny if you say you are 'lái' a bicycle. Stick to 'đạp xe'.
Signification
Operating a vehicle.
Use 'lái' for cars
To sound most natural, reserve 'lái' for cars and trucks. For motorbikes, 'đi' is your best friend.
Don't 'lái' a bike
Native speakers will find it funny if you say you are 'lái' a bicycle. Stick to 'đạp xe'.
The 'Bác Tài' trick
If you want to be extra polite to a driver, call them 'Bác tài' instead of just 'Anh' or 'Chú'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct verb.
Tôi đang học ___ xe ô tô.
For learning to operate a car, 'lái' is the correct verb.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I drive a bicycle' correctly in Vietnamese?
Bicycles require the verb 'đạp' (pedal).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Anh làm nghề gì? B: Tôi là ___ xe tải.
'Lái xe' acts as the noun phrase for 'driver' here.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are on the phone and currently behind the wheel.
'Lái xe' specifically indicates you are the one driving.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Verbs for Different Vehicles
Lái
- • Ô tô
- • Xe tải
- • Xe buýt
Đạp
- • Xe đạp
- • Xích lô
Đi / Chạy
- • Xe máy
- • Xe đạp điện
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTôi đang học ___ xe ô tô.
For learning to operate a car, 'lái' is the correct verb.
How do you say 'I drive a bicycle' correctly in Vietnamese?
Bicycles require the verb 'đạp' (pedal).
A: Anh làm nghề gì? B: Tôi là ___ xe tải.
'Lái xe' acts as the noun phrase for 'driver' here.
You are on the phone and currently behind the wheel.
'Lái xe' specifically indicates you are the one driving.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is grammatically correct, but it sounds formal. Most people say 'đi xe máy' or 'chạy xe'.
It is 'bằng lái xe' or 'giấy phép lái xe'.
You can say 'Tôi là khách' or simply use the verb 'đi' (e.g., 'Tôi đi taxi').
Yes! 'Lái máy bay' (fly a plane) and 'lái tàu' (steer a boat/train) are standard.
It is 'lái xe khi say rượu' or 'vi phạm nồng độ cồn'.
It can mean 'to steer' a conversation or 'to pun' (nói lái).
'Lái xe' is usually the verb (to drive), while 'tài xế' is the noun (the driver).
You say 'lái xe nhanh lên' or 'chạy nhanh lên'.
In the South, 'chạy xe' is often used where Northerners might say 'lái xe'.
You say 'Tôi đang học lái xe'.
Expressions liées
Bằng lái xe
specialized formDriver's license
Tài xế
synonymDriver (profession)
Cầm lái
similarTo be at the wheel
Chạy xe
similarTo drive/ride (informal)
