Signification
Used when one lacks information.
Contexte culturel
People in the North tend to use 'ạ' more strictly at the end of sentences to show politeness, especially with 'Tôi không biết ạ'. In the South, 'không' is often pronounced and sometimes written as 'hổng' in casual speech, making it 'Tui hổng biết'. Directly saying 'I don't know' can sometimes be seen as a lack of initiative. It's often better to say 'I will check and get back to you'. Young people use 'Bó tay' (tied hands) or 'Chịu' much more frequently than the standard phrase when talking to peers.
Add 'ạ' for respect
Always add 'ạ' at the end when speaking to someone older to avoid sounding rude.
Watch your pronouns
Using 'Tôi' with a teacher or boss can sound too distant. Use 'Em' instead.
Signification
Used when one lacks information.
Add 'ạ' for respect
Always add 'ạ' at the end when speaking to someone older to avoid sounding rude.
Watch your pronouns
Using 'Tôi' with a teacher or boss can sound too distant. Use 'Em' instead.
The 'Nữa' trick
Add 'nữa' at the end ('Tôi không biết nữa') to sound more natural and less like a robot.
Body Language
A slight tilt of the head or a small shrug often accompanies this phrase in Vietnam.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct negator to say 'I don't know'.
Tôi ___ biết.
'Không' is the standard negator for 'not'.
Which sentence means 'I don't know how to swim'?
Choose the correct translation:
'Biết' is used for skills like swimming.
Complete the dialogue with a polite response.
A: Anh có biết khách sạn Rex ở đâu không? B: Xin lỗi, ___.
'Tôi không biết ạ' is the most polite and correct way to say you don't know a location.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are talking to your teacher and you don't know the answer.
'Em' and 'ạ' are necessary for a respectful student-teacher relationship.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTôi ___ biết.
'Không' is the standard negator for 'not'.
Choose the correct translation:
'Biết' is used for skills like swimming.
A: Anh có biết khách sạn Rex ở đâu không? B: Xin lỗi, ___.
'Tôi không biết ạ' is the most polite and correct way to say you don't know a location.
You are talking to your teacher and you don't know the answer.
'Em' and 'ạ' are necessary for a respectful student-teacher relationship.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo, it's neutral. However, using the wrong pronoun or a harsh tone can make it sound blunt. Adding 'ạ' or 'nữa' helps.
Yes, in very casual settings with friends. In formal settings, it's too short and sounds dismissive.
'Biết' is for facts and skills. 'Hiểu' is for understanding meanings, reasons, or concepts.
Use 'Tôi không biết anh ấy'. Don't forget the 'ấy'!
Yes, 'Hổng biết' (Southern) or 'Biết chết liền' (I'd die if I knew).
Yes! 'Tôi không biết nấu ăn' means 'I don't know how to cook'.
Vietnamese uses kinship terms as pronouns. 'Em' is used if you are younger than the person you are talking to.
It's an informal way to say 'I'm stumped' or 'I give up on trying to know'.
Use 'Tôi chưa biết'.
Yes, 'không' is the most common way to negate any verb in Vietnamese.
Say 'Tôi không chắc' (I'm not sure).
Yes, it has the 'Sắc' tone (high-rising). Your voice should go up.
Yes, but follow it with 'but I will find out' to show a good attitude.
The meaning is the same, but the pronunciation of 'không' and 'biết' varies slightly.
Expressions liées
Tôi không chắc
similarI'm not sure
Tôi không hiểu
similarI don't understand
Ai mà biết được
specialized formWho knows?
Tôi chịu
synonymI give up / I'm stumped
Tôi biết rồi
contrastI already know
