Signification
Choose words carefully to please others.
Contexte culturel
This proverb is the 'Golden Rule' of Vietnamese social life. It reflects the 'Trọng tình' (valuing feelings/relationships) over 'Trọng lý' (valuing logic/law) aspect of the culture. In the North, especially Hanoi, speech is often more indirect and sophisticated. This proverb is taken very seriously as a measure of one's 'Thanh lịch' (elegance). Southerners are generally more direct, but they still value the 'sweetness' (ngọt ngào) of speech mentioned in this proverb, especially in hospitality. In Vietnamese business, building a 'tình cảm' (emotional bond) is often more important than the contract itself. This proverb is the tool used to build that bond.
The First Half is Enough
In casual conversation, just saying 'Lời nói chẳng mất tiền mua mà...' is a very sophisticated way to remind someone to be nice without sounding like you're lecturing them.
Don't be 'Thảo mai'
While the proverb encourages kind words, being *too* sweet can make you look 'thảo mai' (fake/insincere). Balance kindness with sincerity.
Signification
Choose words carefully to please others.
The First Half is Enough
In casual conversation, just saying 'Lời nói chẳng mất tiền mua mà...' is a very sophisticated way to remind someone to be nice without sounding like you're lecturing them.
Don't be 'Thảo mai'
While the proverb encourages kind words, being *too* sweet can make you look 'thảo mai' (fake/insincere). Balance kindness with sincerity.
The Power of 'Dạ/Vâng'
The easiest way to apply this proverb as a learner is to use 'Dạ' at the beginning of your sentences. It's a free word that immediately 'pleases' the listener.
Teste-toi
Complete the proverb.
Lời nói chẳng mất tiền ______, lựa lời mà nói cho vừa lòng nhau.
The full proverb is 'Lời nói chẳng mất tiền mua...'
Which situation best fits this proverb?
You are at a market and the seller is being a bit grumpy. You want to stay polite to get a good price.
This proverb encourages using kind words to improve social interactions and get better results.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'Tại sao tôi phải nói lời cảm ơn với anh ta?' Speaker B: '________'
Speaker B is reminding Speaker A that politeness is free and beneficial.
What is the main message of this proverb?
Thông điệp chính của câu 'Lời nói chẳng mất tiền mua' là gì?
The proverb promotes skillful and polite communication.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesLời nói chẳng mất tiền ______, lựa lời mà nói cho vừa lòng nhau.
The full proverb is 'Lời nói chẳng mất tiền mua...'
You are at a market and the seller is being a bit grumpy. You want to stay polite to get a good price.
This proverb encourages using kind words to improve social interactions and get better results.
Speaker A: 'Tại sao tôi phải nói lời cảm ơn với anh ta?' Speaker B: '________'
Speaker B is reminding Speaker A that politeness is free and beneficial.
Thông điệp chính của câu 'Lời nói chẳng mất tiền mua' là gì?
The proverb promotes skillful and polite communication.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsAbsolutely. It is taught in schools and used daily in offices and homes to promote civility.
Yes, but 'chẳng' is more poetic and common in proverbs. 'Không' is for everyday facts.
You can use it *about* the importance of communication, but don't tell your boss 'Lời nói chẳng mất tiền mua' if they are shouting at you—it might seem disrespectful!
It means to 'filter' or 'select' words. It's the opposite of saying the first thing that comes to your mind.
Yes, 'Lời nói chẳng mất tiền mua' is the most common short version.
Expressions liées
Học ăn, học nói, học gói, học mở
builds onLearn how to eat, speak, wrap, and unwrap.
Im lặng là vàng
contrastSilence is golden.
Nói ngọt lọt đến xương
similarSweet words penetrate to the bone.
Thẳng như ruột ngựa
contrastStraight like a horse's intestine (Bluntly honest).
