Signification
Describing something very deep or profound knowledge.
Contexte culturel
The sea is a sacred symbol in Vietnam, often associated with the 'Mother' figure (Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ legend). 'Sâu như biển' is thus frequently used to describe maternal love. In Confucian societies, the 'depth' of one's debt to parents and teachers is considered unpayable. This idiom provides a linguistic tool for that cultural reality. Similar sea-based metaphors exist across the region (Indonesia, Philippines), reflecting a shared reliance on the ocean for survival and spiritual meaning. Young Vietnamese people use 'sâu' (deep) as a standalone adjective to describe 'deep' or 'edgy' social media posts, a shortened version of the traditional concept.
Use for compliments
This is one of the safest and most appreciated compliments you can give to an elder or a teacher in Vietnam.
Don't use for physical depth
If you say a swimming pool is 'sâu như biển,' people will think you are being very sarcastic or don't know the language well.
Signification
Describing something very deep or profound knowledge.
Use for compliments
This is one of the safest and most appreciated compliments you can give to an elder or a teacher in Vietnam.
Don't use for physical depth
If you say a swimming pool is 'sâu như biển,' people will think you are being very sarcastic or don't know the language well.
Pair with 'Núi'
If you want to sound like a pro, use 'Công cha như núi, nghĩa mẹ như biển' in a formal speech.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Tình thương của mẹ dành cho con ___ như biển.
The idiom is 'sâu như biển' (deep as the sea).
Which context is MOST appropriate for 'sâu như biển'?
Bạn nên dùng 'sâu như biển' khi nào?
The idiom is used for abstract depth like knowledge or emotion.
Match the noun with the appropriate adjective/comparison.
Match the following:
Knowledge is paired with 'sâu như biển' to show its profound nature.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Cảm ơn bạn đã giúp mình lúc khó khăn. B: Không có gì đâu, tình bạn của chúng ta ___.
'Sâu như biển' is a common way to describe the depth of a relationship.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTình thương của mẹ dành cho con ___ như biển.
The idiom is 'sâu như biển' (deep as the sea).
Bạn nên dùng 'sâu như biển' khi nào?
The idiom is used for abstract depth like knowledge or emotion.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Knowledge is paired with 'sâu như biển' to show its profound nature.
A: Cảm ơn bạn đã giúp mình lúc khó khăn. B: Không có gì đâu, tình bạn của chúng ta ___.
'Sâu như biển' is a common way to describe the depth of a relationship.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, for a deep voice, use 'giọng trầm.' 'Sâu như biển' is for abstract depth.
Yes, 'bể' is just a more poetic/regional word for 'biển.'
Not at all! It's still used in songs, books, and formal speeches every day.
No, for deep sleep, use 'ngủ sâu' or 'ngủ say.'
Yes, but it might sound a bit dramatic unless you are talking about something serious.
You say 'Sâu hơn cả biển.'
Yes, you can say 'Vấn đề này sâu như biển' to mean it's very complex.
The opposite is 'Nông cạn' (shallow) or 'Cạn như lòng đĩa' (shallow as a plate).
'Biển' is the idiomatic standard. 'Sâu như đại dương' is understandable but less common.
Yes, to describe market potential or the depth of a strategy.
Expressions liées
Sâu sắc
similarProfound/Deep (adjective)
Bao la như biển cả
similarVast as the great sea
Nông cạn
contrastShallow
Cao như núi
builds onHigh as a mountain
