Signification
Knowing something very well.
Contexte culturel
Palmistry (xem bói chỉ tay) is a common cultural practice. People believe the lines on their palm tell their destiny, which adds a layer of 'deep personal knowledge' to the idiom. In many rice-growing cultures, the hand is the primary tool for labor. Familiarity with one's tool (the hand) is synonymous with survival and skill. In the maze-like 'hẻm' (alleys) of Saigon or Hanoi, knowing the shortcuts 'như lòng bàn tay' is a point of pride and a necessary survival skill for shippers and locals. The Vietnamese education system emphasizes rote memorization (học thuộc lòng). This idiom is frequently used by teachers to encourage students to master their lessons.
Use with 'Thuộc'
If you are talking about something you've memorized (like a script or a song), 'thuộc' is the most natural verb to pair with this idiom.
Not for People
Remember: don't use this for your boyfriend, girlfriend, or boss. It sounds weirdly mechanical.
Signification
Knowing something very well.
Use with 'Thuộc'
If you are talking about something you've memorized (like a script or a song), 'thuộc' is the most natural verb to pair with this idiom.
Not for People
Remember: don't use this for your boyfriend, girlfriend, or boss. It sounds weirdly mechanical.
Southern Variation
If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, try using 'Rành như lòng bàn tay' to sound extra local!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Tôi đã sống ở Sài Gòn 10 năm, tôi thuộc đường phố ở đây như ___ ___ ___.
The correct idiom uses 'lòng bàn tay' (palm of the hand).
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Chọn câu đúng:
The idiom is used for memorized knowledge like a poem (bài thơ). It is not typically used for people (A) or unrelated actions (C, D).
Match the situation to the best use of the idiom.
Bạn là một thợ sửa máy tính giỏi. Bạn nói gì?
As a computer expert, you know the components (linh kiện) perfectly.
Complete the dialogue.
An: 'Cậu có cần bản đồ không?' - Bình: 'Không cần đâu, tớ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___.'
Bình doesn't need a map because he knows the way perfectly.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTôi đã sống ở Sài Gòn 10 năm, tôi thuộc đường phố ở đây như ___ ___ ___.
The correct idiom uses 'lòng bàn tay' (palm of the hand).
Chọn câu đúng:
The idiom is used for memorized knowledge like a poem (bài thơ). It is not typically used for people (A) or unrelated actions (C, D).
Bạn là một thợ sửa máy tính giỏi. Bạn nói gì?
As a computer expert, you know the components (linh kiện) perfectly.
An: 'Cậu có cần bản đồ không?' - Bình: 'Không cần đâu, tớ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___.'
Bình doesn't need a map because he knows the way perfectly.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo. While English uses 'back of the hand' (mu bàn tay), Vietnamese strictly uses 'palm' (lòng bàn tay). Using 'mu' will sound like a translation error.
It is neutral. You can use it with your friends, your teacher, or even in a business meeting to show expertise.
'Biết' is general knowledge. 'Thuộc' implies you have it memorized and can repeat it without looking.
Yes, you can say 'Tôi thuộc ngữ pháp tiếng Việt như lòng bàn tay' if you know the grammar perfectly.
You must include 'lòng' (palm). Just saying 'như bàn tay' is incomplete and doesn't make sense as an idiom.
Culturally, the palm is seen as more 'internal' and detailed (with its many lines), representing deeper knowledge.
Yes! 'Tôi xem phim này 10 lần rồi, tôi thuộc cốt truyện như lòng bàn tay.'
Not really, but in casual speech, people might just say 'Thuộc như lòng bàn tay' and drop the subject.
Not necessarily. It only implies familiarity. You can know a dangerous neighborhood 'như lòng bàn tay' without liking it.
It's introduced at A1/A2 because the components are simple, but it's used by all levels up to C2.
Expressions liées
Nằm lòng
synonymTo have something memorized by heart.
Làu làu
similarTo know something fluently/perfectly (usually text).
Mắt nhắm mắt mở
contrastDoing something while half-asleep or carelessly.
Rành rọt
similarTo know or explain something very clearly and in detail.
