Signification
Describing the change in temperature.
Contexte culturel
In Hanoi, 'trời trở lạnh' is a major event. It marks the season of 'cốm' (young rice) and the need for fashionable winter coats. People often flock to Hoan Kiem Lake to feel the first chill. In Saigon, 'trời trở lạnh' is rare and usually only happens in late December. Even a drop to 22°C is considered 'cold,' and people will wear heavy sweaters and scarves. The concept of 'trở trời' (weather change) is linked to health. A sudden 'trở lạnh' is believed to cause an imbalance of Yin and Yang, leading to the common cold. Many famous 'Nhạc Trịnh' or 'Nhạc Vàng' songs use the image of the weather turning cold to symbolize loneliness or the passage of time.
The 'Rời' Rule
Always add 'rồi' at the end if the cold has already arrived. It sounds much more natural: 'Trời trở lạnh rồi.'
No 'It' allowed
Never start the sentence with 'Nó'. Even if you feel like saying 'It's getting cold,' always start with 'Trời'.
Signification
Describing the change in temperature.
The 'Rời' Rule
Always add 'rồi' at the end if the cold has already arrived. It sounds much more natural: 'Trời trở lạnh rồi.'
No 'It' allowed
Never start the sentence with 'Nó'. Even if you feel like saying 'It's getting cold,' always start with 'Trời'.
Regional Nuance
If you are in the South, use 'Trời trở lạnh' sparingly. If you use it for a tiny breeze, people might think you are joking!
Show Concern
When you say this to someone, follow it with 'Mặc ấm nhé' (Dress warmly). It's the standard polite response.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'The weather is turning cold.'
Trời ___ lạnh rồi.
'Trở' is the correct verb to describe the weather turning or changing state.
Which sentence is the most natural way to warn a friend about the cold?
A friend is going out. What do you say?
This uses the correct subject 'Trời' and adds a caring suggestion.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Sáng nay bạn thấy thế nào? B: Tôi thấy hơi run, hình như ___.
Feeling 'run' (shivering) is a result of the weather turning cold.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are in Hanoi in November and the first cold wind hits.
November in Hanoi is the classic time for the weather to turn cold.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Trở lạnh vs. Lạnh
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTrời ___ lạnh rồi.
'Trở' is the correct verb to describe the weather turning or changing state.
A friend is going out. What do you say?
This uses the correct subject 'Trời' and adds a caring suggestion.
A: Sáng nay bạn thấy thế nào? B: Tôi thấy hơi run, hình như ___.
Feeling 'run' (shivering) is a result of the weather turning cold.
Situation: You are in Hanoi in November and the first cold wind hits.
November in Hanoi is the classic time for the weather to turn cold.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is perfectly correct and slightly more formal than 'Trời trở lạnh'.
'Trở lạnh' is for the weather. 'Lạnh đi' is for something that was hot and is now losing heat, like soup.
Yes, but much less frequently because the temperature is more stable there.
You can say 'Trời càng ngày càng trở lạnh'.
No, use 'lạnh lùng' or 'thờ ơ' for people.
In this context, yes. In other contexts, it can mean 'to return' (trở về).
'Trời trở nóng' (The weather turns hot).
It is neutral. It works in both casual conversation and news reports.
This is a general term for any weather change that might cause illness.
Yes, 'trở nên' is a more formal way to say 'become'.
There is also 'rét' (very cold/biting cold), used mostly in the North.
Vietnamese doesn't change the verb. Just add 'Hôm qua' (Yesterday): 'Hôm qua trời trở lạnh'.
Expressions liées
Trời chuyển lạnh
synonymThe weather shifts to cold
Trở trời
builds onThe weather changes (usually for the worse)
Gió mùa về
similarThe monsoon has returned
Trời trở mát
similarThe weather turns cool
Lạnh buốt
specialized formFreezing cold
