Signification
Using money to buy things
Contexte culturel
Spending money is often a social activity. People rarely go shopping alone; 'đi tiêu tiền' is a way to bond with friends and family. People in the North are traditionally seen as more frugal. 'Tiêu tiền' is often discussed with more caution and planning compared to the South. Southerners are often perceived as more generous and willing to 'xài tiền' (spend money) for immediate enjoyment and hospitality. During Tết, spending money on new clothes and decorations is seen as essential to welcome good fortune. It's the one time of year when 'tiêu tiền' is almost a duty.
Sound like a local
If you are in Saigon, use 'xài tiền'. If you are in Hanoi, use 'tiêu tiền'. You will instantly sound more like a native speaker.
Don't say it at the register
Never say 'Tôi muốn tiêu tiền' to a cashier. It sounds like you are announcing a hobby rather than trying to pay. Say 'Thanh toán' or 'Trả tiền'.
Signification
Using money to buy things
Sound like a local
If you are in Saigon, use 'xài tiền'. If you are in Hanoi, use 'tiêu tiền'. You will instantly sound more like a native speaker.
Don't say it at the register
Never say 'Tôi muốn tiêu tiền' to a cashier. It sounds like you are announcing a hobby rather than trying to pay. Say 'Thanh toán' or 'Trả tiền'.
The 'Hợp lý' rule
When talking about spending with older Vietnamese people, always emphasize that you spend 'hợp lý' (reasonably) to avoid looking irresponsible.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'tiêu tiền'.
Tôi không muốn _______ vào những thứ vô ích.
We use 'tiêu tiền' for the general act of spending on things.
Which sentence is correct in a restaurant when you want to pay?
Bạn muốn thanh toán hóa đơn, bạn nói gì?
At the moment of paying a bill, 'trả tiền' is the correct term.
Match the phrase with its meaning.
Match the following:
These are common collocations related to money.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Sao bạn mua nhiều quần áo thế? B: Mình vừa nhận lương nên muốn _______ một chút.
The context of receiving a salary and buying clothes fits 'spending money'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTôi không muốn _______ vào những thứ vô ích.
We use 'tiêu tiền' for the general act of spending on things.
Bạn muốn thanh toán hóa đơn, bạn nói gì?
At the moment of paying a bill, 'trả tiền' is the correct term.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are common collocations related to money.
A: Sao bạn mua nhiều quần áo thế? B: Mình vừa nhận lương nên muốn _______ một chút.
The context of receiving a salary and buying clothes fits 'spending money'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it's a neutral term. However, bragging about how much you spend can be seen as distasteful in Vietnamese culture.
Yes, if the context is clear. For example, 'Tháng này tôi tiêu hơi nhiều' (I spent a bit much this month).
'Tiêu tiền' is a verb phrase for daily life. 'Chi tiêu' is more formal and can be both a noun (expenditure) and a verb.
You can say 'tiêu quá tay' (spending beyond your hand) or 'tiêu quá mức'.
Expressions liées
Xài tiền
synonymSouthern version of spending money.
Chi tiêu
formalExpenditure or to spend (formal).
Phung phí
specialized formTo waste money.
Tiết kiệm
contrastTo save money.
Vung tiền
similarTo throw money around.
