Signification
Stating that you have work or tasks.
Contexte culturel
People in the North tend to be more indirect. Saying 'Tôi đang bận' might be followed by a long explanation to ensure no offense is taken. Saigonese are often more direct and casual. A simple 'Đang bận rồi!' with a smile is common among peers. Being 'busy' is a sign of status. If a boss says they are busy, it's a signal for you to wait or come back later without questioning. Children are expected to help even if they are 'busy' with homework. Saying 'Con đang bận' to a parent can sometimes be seen as 'lười' (lazy) if not said respectfully.
Add 'nhé'
Adding 'nhé' at the end makes 'Tôi đang bận nhé' sound much friendlier and less like a command.
Avoid 'là'
Never say 'Tôi là bận'. It's the #1 mistake for English speakers.
Signification
Stating that you have work or tasks.
Add 'nhé'
Adding 'nhé' at the end makes 'Tôi đang bận nhé' sound much friendlier and less like a command.
Avoid 'là'
Never say 'Tôi là bận'. It's the #1 mistake for English speakers.
Use 'mất rồi'
To sound like a native, use 'mất rồi' when declining an invite. It shows you wish you weren't busy.
The 'Busy' Status
In Vietnam, saying you are busy is often a polite way to say 'I don't want to go,' and people won't ask why.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct way to say 'I am busy' to your teacher.
How do you say 'I am busy' politely to a teacher?
'Dạ' and 'ạ' are essential for showing respect to a teacher, and 'em' is the correct pronoun for a student.
Fill in the missing word to show the action is happening right now.
Tôi ___ bận làm việc.
'đang' is the continuous marker used to show something is happening currently.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Which phrase fits a 'Busy as a bee' situation?
'Bận túi bụi' is an idiom for being extremely busy.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tối nay đi xem phim không? B: Xin lỗi, mình đang bận ______.
'mất rồi' adds a sense of regret, making the refusal more polite.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHow do you say 'I am busy' politely to a teacher?
'Dạ' and 'ạ' are essential for showing respect to a teacher, and 'em' is the correct pronoun for a student.
Tôi ___ bận làm việc.
'đang' is the continuous marker used to show something is happening currently.
Which phrase fits a 'Busy as a bee' situation?
'Bận túi bụi' is an idiom for being extremely busy.
A: Tối nay đi xem phim không? B: Xin lỗi, mình đang bận ______.
'mất rồi' adds a sense of regret, making the refusal more polite.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's neutral. But to elders, you must add 'Dạ' and 'ạ'.
Only to very close friends. Otherwise, it's too short and blunt.
'Bận' is for a specific moment; 'bận rộn' is for a general lifestyle or period.
Use 'Tôi đang rất bận' or 'Tôi đang bận quá'.
Yes, 'Máy bận' means the line is busy.
Not always, but 'đang' makes it clear you are busy *right now*.
Say 'Bạn có bận không?' or 'Đang bận hả?'.
It's an idiom meaning 'extremely busy' or 'busy as a bee'.
In textbooks, yes. In real life, use 'mình' for friends or 'em' for elders.
Say 'Tôi đang bận chăm con'.
Expressions liées
Rảnh rỗi
contrastFree/Leisurely
Bận rộn
similarBustling/Busy
Kẹt
synonymStuck
Việc ngập đầu
specialized formWork over the head
Hết bận
builds onFinished being busy
