At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'xanh' means both blue and green. You should be able to identify basic objects with this color, such as 'trời xanh' (blue sky) or 'lá xanh' (green leaf). You will use 'xanh' in very simple sentences like 'Cái áo này màu xanh' (This shirt is blue/green). At this stage, don't worry too much about the specific shades; focus on the fact that one word covers both colors. You will mostly hear it in classroom settings or when describing clothes and basic nature. Remember the word order: Noun + Color. Practice saying 'màu xanh' (the color xanh) to be clear you are talking about a color.
At the A2 level, you should start distinguishing between the two main types of 'xanh'. You will learn 'xanh lá cây' for green and 'xanh dương' for blue. This is important for daily life, such as when you are shopping for clothes or describing a person's eyes. You will also encounter 'xanh' in the context of food, such as 'trà xanh' (green tea) or 'rau xanh' (green vegetables). You should be able to use 'xanh' with basic intensifiers like 'rất' (very) or 'hơi' (a bit). For example: 'Cái này hơi xanh' (This is a bit green/blue). You'll also learn that 'đèn xanh' means the green traffic light.
At the B1 level, you move beyond physical colors into basic idioms and common descriptions. You will learn 'xanh mướt' to describe beautiful plants and 'xanh ngắt' for a very clear sky. You'll start to see 'xanh' used metaphorically for youth (tuổi xanh) or lack of experience. You should be comfortable using 'xanh' to describe health, such as 'mặt xanh xao' (looking pale/unwell). In B1, you also begin to use 'xanh' in environmental contexts, like 'sống xanh' (living green). You should be able to follow a simple conversation about nature or the environment where 'xanh' is used frequently as a symbol of growth.
At the B2 level, you should master the nuance of 'xanh' in literature and formal contexts. You will understand the difference between 'xanh' and the Sino-Vietnamese 'lục' or 'lam'. You will use more descriptive compounds like 'xanh biếc', 'xanh thẳm', or 'xanh lơ' with ease. You should understand idioms like 'xanh vỏ đỏ lòng' (green skin, red heart - meaning someone who looks tough but is kind inside, or something deceptive). You can discuss abstract concepts like 'cách mạng xanh' (green revolution) or 'tín dụng xanh' (green credit) in business and politics. Your use of color intensifiers should feel natural and varied.
At the C1 level, 'xanh' becomes a tool for poetic expression. You understand the historical and cultural reasons why Vietnamese uses a single word for blue and green (the 'grue' concept). You can analyze literature where 'xanh' is used to evoke specific moods—hope, nostalgia, or the vastness of the Vietnamese landscape. You are familiar with rare or archaic terms like 'xanh sẫm' or 'xanh nhạt' in specific technical or artistic fields. You can use 'xanh' in complex sentences to describe subtle changes in weather or scenery, such as the way a forest changes shades after rain.
At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the word's deepest connotations. You can engage in linguistic debates about color perception and the evolution of the Vietnamese language. You understand how 'xanh' interacts with other color words in classical poetry (like 'Truyện Kiều') to create imagery. You can use 'xanh' ironically or in highly specific slang. You are also aware of the regional differences in how 'xanh' might be intensified or modified in Northern vs. Southern dialects. You use the word with the same cultural intuition as a native speaker, knowing exactly when to be specific and when to let the broadness of 'xanh' carry the meaning.

Xanh 30秒で

  • Xanh is the universal Vietnamese word for both blue and green colors.
  • It follows the noun it describes, such as in 'áo xanh' (blue/green shirt).
  • Specific shades are identified by adding nouns like 'lá cây' (green) or 'dương' (blue).
  • Beyond color, it symbolizes youth, hope, and sometimes a pale or sickly physical appearance.

The Vietnamese word xanh is one of the most fascinating and essential adjectives in the Vietnamese language, primarily because it represents a linguistic phenomenon known as a 'grue' term. In English, we strictly separate 'blue' and 'green' into two distinct categories. However, in Vietnamese, xanh encompasses both ends of the spectrum, from the deep blue of the ocean to the vibrant green of a tropical forest. Understanding this word is not just about learning a color; it is about adopting a different way of perceiving the natural world.

General Category
Xanh functions as a broad descriptor for cool colors, specifically those associated with nature, growth, and the sky.

Cỏ trong vườn rất xanh.

Translation: The grass in the garden is very green.

When a Vietnamese speaker wants to be specific, they add a qualifying noun after xanh. For example, xanh lá cây (leaf-xanh) explicitly means green, while xanh da trời (sky-xanh) explicitly means blue. Without these qualifiers, the context usually dictates the meaning. If you are talking about the sea, it is blue; if you are talking about a vegetable, it is green. This flexibility is a hallmark of Southeast Asian linguistic structures where context provides the necessary precision.

Beyond simple colors, xanh carries heavy symbolic weight. It represents youth, hope, and peace. The phrase tuổi xanh (blue/green age) refers to one's youth or 'green years,' similar to the English 'salad days' but with a more positive, vibrant connotation. It is also the color of the 'Blue Shirts' (Áo xanh), which are the uniforms of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, further cementing its association with vitality and social contribution.

Environmental Context
In modern Vietnamese, 'xanh' is also used to translate 'green' in the ecological sense, such as 'lối sống xanh' (green lifestyle) or 'năng lượng xanh' (green energy).

Bầu trời hôm nay thật xanh.

Translation: The sky today is truly blue.

Culturally, xanh is contrasted with đỏ (red) and vàng (yellow/gold). While red symbolizes luck and yellow symbolizes royalty or prosperity, xanh symbolizes the enduring freshness of the Vietnamese landscape. From the rice paddies (xanh mướt) to the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay reflecting in the water (xanh biếc), the word is an aesthetic anchor for the Vietnamese identity.

Emotional Nuance
While English uses 'blue' for sadness, Vietnamese rarely uses 'xanh' for this. Instead, 'xanh' can mean looking pale or sickly, as in 'mặt xanh xao'.

Using xanh correctly in a sentence requires an understanding of Vietnamese adjective placement and the use of intensifiers. In Vietnamese, the adjective almost always follows the noun it modifies. For example, to say 'a blue shirt,' you say áo xanh (shirt blue). This is the opposite of the English 'blue shirt' (adjective then noun).

Basic Structure
[Noun] + xanh + [Modifier/Intensifier]. This structure allows for varying degrees of color and intensity.

Cô ấy mặc một chiếc váy xanh dương.

Translation: She is wearing a blue dress (ocean blue).

To distinguish between blue and green, you must use specific suffixes. Xanh lá or xanh lá cây is used for green (leaf color). Xanh dương or xanh nước biển is used for blue (ocean/water color). Xanh da trời specifically refers to the light blue of the sky. If you just say xanh, you are often being poetic or the object makes the color obvious (e.g., leaves are always green).

Vietnamese is rich in 'color-intensifiers' that are specific to xanh. You cannot just use 'very' (rất) for everything. For a deep, intense blue or green, we use xanh ngắt. For a vibrant, fresh green of young plants, we use xanh mướt or xanh rì. For a pale, sickly look, we use xanh xao. These reduplicative forms or specific intensifiers add a layer of native-level fluency to your speech.

Intensifier Examples
Xanh ngắt (deep/vivid), Xanh lơ (pale blue), Xanh mướt (lush green), Xanh thẳm (deep/dark blue).

Cánh đồng lúa xanh mướt dưới ánh nắng.

Translation: The rice fields are lush green under the sunlight.

In formal or poetic writing, xanh is often paired with other words to create compound adjectives. Xanh biếc describes the sparkling blue-green of the sea or jewelry (like emeralds or sapphires). When describing someone's health, xanh mét describes the extreme paleness of someone who is terrified or very ill. Mastering these combinations is the key to moving from A1 to B2 level in Vietnamese.

Negation
To say something is NOT blue/green, use 'không' before the adjective: 'Nó không xanh' (It is not blue/green).

You will encounter the word xanh everywhere in Vietnam, from daily conversations at the market to high-level political discourse. One of the most common places is at a traffic light. In Vietnam, a green light is called đèn xanh. When the light changes, you will hear people say 'Xanh rồi, đi thôi!' (It's green now, let's go!). Interestingly, the blue lights on police vehicles or emergency signs are also referred to as đèn xanh, though usually specified as xanh dương if needed.

At the Market
Vendors use 'xanh' to describe the freshness of vegetables. 'Rau này còn xanh lắm' (This vegetable is still very green/fresh).

Đợi đèn xanh rồi mới được đi.

Translation: Wait for the green light before going.

In the kitchen, xanh is used for specific ingredients. Đỗ xanh (green beans/mung beans) is a staple in Vietnamese desserts and sticky rice. Even though the bean itself might look yellow once peeled, it is always called đỗ xanh because of its outer skin. Similarly, trà xanh (green tea) is the drink of choice across the nation, served hot in the North and iced (trà đá) in the South.

In the news and media, you will hear xanh used in the context of the 'Green Economy' (Kinh tế xanh). Vietnam is currently undergoing a massive push towards sustainability, so phrases like phát triển xanh (green development) and năng lượng xanh (green energy) are buzzwords in every newspaper. This usage mirrors the international 'Green' movement but is localized with the word xanh.

In Literature & Music
Songs often mention 'Trời xanh' (Blue sky) as a symbol of freedom and peace after the war years.

Uống một tách trà xanh cho tỉnh táo.

Translation: Drink a cup of green tea to wake up.

Finally, in sports, xanh is used to identify teams. The Vietnamese national football team usually wears red, but many local clubs or school teams are identified as 'đội xanh' (the blue/green team). In casual games, you might hear 'Chuyền cho thằng áo xanh kìa!' (Pass to the guy in the blue/green shirt!).

The most common mistake for English speakers is assuming that xanh is ambiguous to Vietnamese people. While it covers both blue and green, native speakers are rarely confused. The mistake learners make is failing to add the necessary noun qualifier when the context is unclear. If you just say 'Tôi thích màu xanh' (I like the color xanh), a Vietnamese person will almost always ask 'Xanh gì?' (Which xanh?).

Mistake #1: Over-reliance on 'rất'
Saying 'rất xanh' for a deep blue sky sounds unnatural. Native speakers prefer 'xanh ngắt'.

Mặt anh ấy xanh như tàu lá.

Translation: His face is as pale (green) as a banana leaf (meaning he is terrified).

Another mistake is trying to translate the English idiom 'feeling blue' (sad) into Vietnamese using xanh. In Vietnamese, xanh does not represent sadness. If you say 'Tôi cảm thấy xanh' to mean you are sad, nobody will understand you. Sadness is buồn. Using xanh to describe a person usually refers to their physical complexion (pale/sickly) or their lack of experience (being 'green' or 'non-nớt').

Learners also struggle with the word order. Remember that xanh must follow the noun. A common error is saying 'xanh áo' instead of 'áo xanh'. Furthermore, when using the specific terms like xanh lá cây, learners sometimes drop the 'xanh' and just say 'lá cây' (leaf). While people might understand you are talking about the color in some contexts, it's grammatically incorrect to use a noun as a color adjective without the 'xanh' prefix.

Mistake #2: Confusing 'Xanh' and 'Lục'
'Lục' is a formal/Sino-Vietnamese word for green. Using it in casual conversation sounds like you are reading a textbook.

Đừng nói 'Tôi xanh' khi bạn buồn.

Translation: Don't say 'I am xanh' when you are sad.

Finally, pay attention to the tones. Xanh has a level tone (ngang). If you mispronounce it with a rising tone (xánh) or a falling tone (xành), it becomes a meaningless sound or a different word entirely. Consistent practice with the flat, high-pitched level tone is essential for being understood by locals.

While xanh is the general term, Vietnamese has a variety of more specific words for different shades of blue and green, many of which are borrowed from Chinese (Sino-Vietnamese) or are descriptive compounds. Knowing these will help you describe things with much more precision.

Lục (Green)
This is the Sino-Vietnamese word for green. It is used in formal terms like 'lục quân' (army/land forces) or 'vô tuyến truyền hình màu lục' (green television signal).
Lam (Blue)
The Sino-Vietnamese word for blue. You see this in 'lam ngọc' (sapphire) or 'chùa Hàm Lam'. It feels more elegant than 'xanh dương'.

Nước biển màu xanh biếc.

Translation: The sea water is a sparkling azure.

For specific shades of green, you can use xanh rêu (moss green), which is very popular in fashion, or xanh cốm (the color of young rice flakes), which is a very light, yellowish-green unique to Vietnamese culture. For blue, xanh lơ refers to a light, sky-blue, while xanh đen refers to a very dark navy blue that almost looks black.

In terms of intensity, xanh lè is a somewhat negative or informal way to describe something that is 'too green' or 'bright green' (like a neon light or a scary-looking soup). On the other hand, xanh mướt is always positive, describing healthy, glowing vegetation. Xanh thẳm is used for the deep, mysterious blue of the deep ocean or the midnight sky.

Biếc (Azure/Emerald)
A poetic word usually following 'xanh'. 'Xanh biếc' describes a beautiful, saturated color often found in nature or eyes.

Mắt bà ấy màu xanh lơ.

Translation: Her eyes are light blue.

When comparing xanh to its antonyms, we usually look at đỏ (red) for contrast (as in traffic lights or political symbols) or vàng (yellow) for ripeness. A fruit that is xanh is unripe, while a fruit that is chín (ripe) is often vàng or đỏ. This 'green = unripe' connection is universal across many languages but very prominent in Vietnamese markets.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

Vietnamese is one of many world languages (like Japanese and Korean historically) that didn't traditionally distinguish between blue and green with separate basic words.

発音ガイド

UK /sajŋ/
US /san/
Level tone (ngang). High and flat.
韻が合う語
anh banh canh danh hạnh lanh manh ngành
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing it like 'zanh' (using a Z sound). It should be a soft S.
  • Adding a tone (like 'xành' or 'xánh'). Keep it flat.
  • Pronouncing the 'nh' too harshly like 'n-h'. It's a single nasal sound.
  • Confusing the Northern 'ayng' sound with Southern 'ahn' sound.
  • Making the vowel too long.

難易度

読解 1/5

Very easy to recognize; short word.

ライティング 1/5

Simple spelling with common 'nh' ending.

スピーキング 2/5

Requires mastering the flat tone and 'nh' nasal sound.

リスニング 2/5

Can be confused with 'tranh' or 'canh' if not careful.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

Màu Trời Cây Nước

次に学ぶ

Đỏ Vàng Trắng Đen Tím

上級

Lục Lam Biếc Ngọc Thủy

知っておくべき文法

Adjective Placement

Áo (Noun) + xanh (Adjective).

Stative Verbs

Trời xanh (The sky is blue - no 'là' needed).

Reduplication for Intensity

Xanh xanh (slightly blue/green).

Compound Adjectives

Xanh + Noun (Xanh lá, Xanh dương).

Negation

Không + xanh (Not blue/green).

レベル別の例文

1

Bầu trời màu xanh.

The sky is blue.

Noun 'Bầu trời' + Color 'màu xanh'.

2

Lá cây màu xanh.

The leaves are green.

In this context, 'xanh' clearly means green.

3

Tôi có một cái áo xanh.

I have a blue/green shirt.

Adjective 'xanh' follows noun 'áo'.

4

Mắt con mèo màu xanh.

The cat's eyes are blue/green.

Use 'màu' before 'xanh' for clarity.

5

Đây là màu xanh.

This is the color blue/green.

Simple demonstrative sentence.

6

Quả táo này màu xanh.

This apple is green.

Adjectives follow the noun phrase.

7

Bút của tôi màu xanh.

My pen is blue.

Possessive 'của tôi' comes before the color.

8

Nước biển xanh.

The sea water is blue.

No need for 'là' (is) in simple descriptions.

1

Tôi thích màu xanh dương.

I like the color blue.

'Xanh dương' specifically means blue.

2

Mẹ mua rau xanh ở chợ.

Mother buys green vegetables at the market.

'Rau xanh' is a fixed phrase for greens.

3

Đèn xanh rồi, đi thôi!

It's a green light, let's go!

'Đèn xanh' = green light.

4

Anh ấy mặc quần xanh lá cây.

He is wearing green pants.

'Xanh lá cây' = leaf green.

5

Nước trong chai này màu xanh lơ.

The water in this bottle is light blue.

'Xanh lơ' = light/pale blue.

6

Tôi muốn mua trà xanh.

I want to buy green tea.

'Trà xanh' is the standard term for green tea.

7

Cánh cửa này màu xanh đậm.

This door is dark blue/green.

'Đậm' means dark or intense.

8

Bé vẽ một bông hoa xanh.

The child draws a blue/green flower.

Simple S-V-O structure with adjective.

1

Cánh đồng lúa xanh mướt.

The rice fields are lush green.

'Xanh mướt' is an intensifier for healthy plants.

2

Mặt anh ấy xanh xao vì ốm.

His face is pale because of illness.

'Xanh xao' describes a sickly complexion.

3

Chúng ta nên sống xanh hơn.

We should live greener.

'Sống xanh' = green living/eco-friendly.

4

Bầu trời xanh ngắt không một bóng mây.

The sky is deep blue without a single cloud.

'Xanh ngắt' is for intense, clear colors.

5

Cô ấy có đôi mắt xanh biếc.

She has sparkling blue/emerald eyes.

'Xanh biếc' is poetic and beautiful.

6

Đừng lo, anh ấy vẫn còn xanh lắm.

Don't worry, he is still very 'green' (inexperienced).

Metaphorical use for inexperience.

7

Màu xanh là màu của hy vọng.

Blue/Green is the color of hope.

Abstract noun usage.

8

Công viên này rất nhiều cây xanh.

This park has many green trees.

'Cây xanh' refers to greenery in general.

1

Dự án này tập trung vào năng lượng xanh.

This project focuses on green energy.

'Năng lượng xanh' is a technical term.

2

Anh ấy xanh mặt khi thấy con rắn.

He turned pale (with fear) when he saw the snake.

Idiom 'xanh mặt' = pale with fear.

3

Đây là một khu đô thị xanh hiện đại.

This is a modern green urban area.

'Đô thị xanh' = green city/urban area.

4

Màu xanh lơ của bức tường làm phòng mát hơn.

The light blue of the walls makes the room cooler.

Subject is a noun phrase starting with 'Màu xanh'.

5

Họ đang mặc áo xanh tình nguyện.

They are wearing volunteer blue shirts.

Refers to the specific 'Youth Union' uniform.

6

Biển xanh thẳm che giấu nhiều bí mật.

The deep blue sea hides many secrets.

'Xanh thẳm' = deep/vast blue.

7

Rừng xanh là lá phổi của trái đất.

Green forests are the lungs of the earth.

Metaphorical and environmental usage.

8

Cô ấy chọn tông màu xanh rêu cho căn hộ.

She chose a moss green tone for the apartment.

'Xanh rêu' is a specific fashion/decor color.

1

Vẻ đẹp xanh rì của thung lũng thật mê hoặc.

The lush green beauty of the valley is enchanting.

'Xanh rì' implies thickness and health of plants.

2

Cuốn tiểu thuyết miêu tả những năm tháng tuổi xanh.

The novel describes the years of youth.

'Tuổi xanh' is a literary term for youth.

3

Chính phủ đẩy mạnh tăng trưởng xanh.

The government is promoting green growth.

'Tăng trưởng xanh' = Green growth (economic term).

4

Bức tranh sử dụng sắc xanh lam chủ đạo.

The painting uses blue as the dominant shade.

'Sắc xanh lam' is a formal way to say 'blue shade'.

5

Ánh mắt xanh biếc ấy vẫn ám ảnh tôi.

That emerald-blue gaze still haunts me.

Poetic use of 'xanh biếc'.

6

Màu xanh của bầu trời hòa quyện với màu biển.

The blue of the sky blends with the color of the sea.

Describing a landscape with complex verbs.

7

Ông ấy là một chuyên gia về kinh tế xanh.

He is an expert on the green economy.

'Kinh tế xanh' = Green economy.

8

Những rặng núi xanh mờ trong sương sớm.

The green mountains are faint in the early mist.

'Xanh mờ' = faint/blurry green.

1

Sự phân định giữa xanh lam và xanh lục trong ngôn ngữ học rất thú vị.

The distinction between blue and green in linguistics is very interesting.

Academic discussion of the 'grue' concept.

2

Tác giả khéo léo sử dụng hình ảnh 'ngọn cỏ xanh' để ngụ ý về sự hồi sinh.

The author skillfully uses the image of 'green grass' to imply rebirth.

Literary analysis.

3

Chiến lược phát triển bền vững phải dựa trên nền tảng xanh.

Sustainable development strategies must be based on a green foundation.

High-level policy language.

4

Màu xanh của ngọc bích luôn có sức hút mãnh liệt.

The green of jade always has an intense attraction.

Describing precious stones.

5

Trong thơ ca cổ điển, 'xanh' thường tượng trưng cho chí nam nhi.

In classical poetry, 'xanh' often symbolizes masculine ambition.

Historical literary symbolism.

6

Hệ sinh thái xanh đang bị đe dọa bởi biến đổi khí hậu.

The green ecosystem is being threatened by climate change.

Scientific/Environmental context.

7

Sắc diện xanh mét của anh ta cho thấy một nỗi sợ hãi tột độ.

His deathly pale complexion showed extreme fear.

'Xanh mét' is stronger than 'xanh xao'.

8

Việc chuyển đổi sang tiêu dùng xanh là một thách thức lớn.

Switching to green consumption is a major challenge.

'Tiêu dùng xanh' = green consumption.

よく使う組み合わせ

Màu xanh
Trời xanh
Cây xanh
Rau xanh
Trà xanh
Đèn xanh
Tuổi xanh
Kinh tế xanh
Xanh dương
Xanh lá

よく使うフレーズ

Xanh lá cây

— Specifically the color green, like a leaf.

Cái hộp này màu xanh lá cây.

Xanh dương

— Specifically the color blue, like the ocean.

Nước biển màu xanh dương.

Xanh da trời

— Specifically light blue, the color of the sky.

Sơn phòng màu xanh da trời.

Xanh lơ

— A pale or light blue color.

Mắt bà ấy màu xanh lơ.

Xanh ngắt

— A very deep or vivid blue/green.

Cánh đồng xanh ngắt.

Xanh mướt

— Lush, fresh, and healthy green.

Cỏ sau mưa xanh mướt.

Xanh xao

— Pale and sickly looking (referring to skin).

Sau trận ốm, anh ấy trông xanh xao.

Xanh mét

— Deathly pale, usually from fear or shock.

Nó xanh mét mặt khi thấy ma.

Xanh rêu

— Moss green color.

Cô ấy thích màu xanh rêu.

Xanh đen

— Navy blue or very dark blue.

Quần đồng phục màu xanh đen.

よく混同される語

Xanh vs Tranh

Tranh means a painting/picture. Sounds similar but starts with 'Tr'.

Xanh vs Canh

Canh means soup. Sounds similar but starts with 'C'.

Xanh vs Sạch

Sạch means clean. Often associated with 'xanh' in 'Xanh - Sạch - Đẹp'.

慣用句と表現

"Xanh vỏ đỏ lòng"

— Green skin, red heart. Used for watermelons or people who look different on the outside than the inside.

Anh ấy tuy nóng tính nhưng xanh vỏ đỏ lòng.

Informal
"Tuổi xanh"

— The green age; youth.

Đừng lãng phí tuổi xanh.

Poetic
"Xanh mặt"

— To turn pale with fear.

Nghe tin dữ, ông ấy xanh mặt.

Neutral
"Còn xanh và non"

— Still green and young; inexperienced.

Cậu ta còn xanh và non lắm, chưa làm được việc này.

Informal
"Xanh như tàu lá"

— As green (pale) as a banana leaf; extremely pale.

Sợ quá, mặt nó xanh như tàu lá.

Neutral
"Thanh sơn lục thủy"

— Blue mountains and green water; beautiful scenery.

Phong cảnh thanh sơn lục thủy.

Literary
"Mắt xanh"

— Blue eyes, or metaphorically, a favorable look/interest.

Được lọt vào mắt xanh của giám đốc.

Idiomatic
"Đầu xanh"

— Green head; meaning young person (black hair).

Đầu xanh tuổi trẻ.

Old/Poetic
"Xanh mắt mèo"

— Cat's eye green; often used for being greedy or envious.

Nó nhìn tiền mà xanh mắt mèo.

Slang
"Cỏ xanh bên kia đồi"

— The grass is greener on the other side.

Đừng đứng núi này trông núi nọ, cỏ xanh bên kia đồi chỉ là ảo tưởng.

Modern

間違えやすい

Xanh vs Lục

Both mean green.

Xanh is common; Lục is Sino-Vietnamese and formal.

Lục quân (Army) vs Rau xanh (Vegetables).

Xanh vs Lam

Both mean blue.

Xanh is common; Lam is formal/poetic.

Lam ngọc (Sapphire) vs Áo xanh (Blue shirt).

Xanh vs Biếc

Often follows xanh.

Biếc is a specific shade (emerald/azure) and is more poetic.

Nước xanh biếc.

Xanh vs Cốm

A shade of green.

Cốm refers to young rice; it's a very specific yellowish-green.

Màu xanh cốm.

Xanh vs Rêu

A shade of green.

Rêu means moss; it's a dark, brownish-green.

Màu xanh rêu.

文型パターン

A1

N + màu xanh.

Cái bút màu xanh.

A1

N + rất xanh.

Cỏ rất xanh.

A2

N + xanh + [dương/lá].

Tôi thích áo xanh dương.

B1

N + xanh + [mướt/ngắt].

Trời xanh ngắt.

B2

S + trông + xanh xao.

Bạn trông xanh xao quá.

C1

S + là + màu của + [tuổi xanh/hy vọng].

Màu xanh là màu của tuổi xanh.

C2

S + xanh mặt + vì + [Fear].

Nó xanh mặt vì sợ.

C2

Phát triển + [Kinh tế xanh].

Việt Nam phát triển kinh tế xanh.

語族

名詞

Sự xanh xao (paleness)
Cây xanh (greenery)
Màu xanh (the color blue/green)

動詞

Xanh hóa (to make green/eco-friendly)
Làm xanh (to color something blue/green)

形容詞

Xanh (blue/green)
Xanh xao (pale)
Xanh ngắt (vivid)
Xanh mướt (lush)

関連

Màu sắc
Thiên nhiên
Môi trường
Hy vọng
Tuổi trẻ

使い方

frequency

Extremely High (Top 100 words).

よくある間違い
  • Saying 'Tôi cảm thấy xanh' for 'I feel blue'. Tôi thấy buồn.

    Xanh does not mean sad in Vietnamese.

  • Using 'xanh' before the noun. Cái áo xanh.

    Adjectives follow nouns in Vietnamese.

  • Using 'rất xanh' for a deep blue sky. Trời xanh ngắt.

    Native speakers use specific intensifiers like 'ngắt' for intensity.

  • Confusing 'xanh lá' and 'xanh dương' when shopping. Lấy cho tôi cái màu xanh lá.

    You must specify the type of 'xanh' to be clear.

  • Mispronouncing 'xanh' with a tone. Xanh (flat tone).

    Changing the tone changes the word entirely.

ヒント

Word Order

Always remember that 'xanh' comes AFTER the noun. Say 'xe xanh' for a blue/green car.

Be Specific

If you are in a shop, use 'xanh lá' or 'xanh dương' to avoid getting the wrong color.

Green Tea Slang

Be careful using 'trà xanh' when talking about people; it's a common insult nowadays.

Healthy Plants

Use 'xanh mướt' to compliment someone's garden; they will be very impressed.

Flat Tone

Don't let your voice go up or down. Keep it steady like a musical note.

Fear Factor

Use 'xanh mặt' to describe someone who was really scared.

Eco-friendly

Use 'lối sống xanh' when talking about environmental protection.

Pale Skin

Use 'xanh xao' for chronic illness and 'xanh mét' for sudden shock or cold.

Mung Beans

Remember 'đỗ xanh' (mung beans) are often yellow inside but called 'green' beans.

Xanh vs Lục

Stick to 'xanh' for 99% of situations. 'Lục' is mostly for specialized terms.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Xanh' as the color of the 'Xylophone' in the 'X-mas' tree (Green) under the 'X-ray' sky (Blue).

視覚的連想

Imagine a single drop of paint that starts as deep blue and slowly turns into bright green—that whole drop is 'Xanh'.

Word Web

Trời Biển Cỏ Trà Đèn Hy vọng Sạch

チャレンジ

Go through your room and point at 5 things that are 'xanh', then decide if they are 'xanh lá' or 'xanh dương'.

語源

Borrowed from Middle Chinese '青' (Qīng).

元の意味: In ancient Chinese, 'Qīng' also covered the blue, green, and black/gray spectrum.

Sino-Vietnamese.

文化的な背景

Be careful using 'xanh xao' or 'xanh mét' as it implies someone looks very sick or scared.

Unlike English where 'blue' is sad, 'xanh' in Vietnamese is generally positive or neutral.

Mắt Biếc (Blue/Emerald Eyes - a famous novel and movie) Trà Xanh (Green Tea - also a slang for 'the other woman') Áo Xanh (Volunteer Youth song)

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

Shopping

  • Cái này có màu xanh không?
  • Tôi muốn mua áo xanh dương.
  • Màu xanh này quá đậm.
  • Lấy cho tôi cái xanh lá.

Nature

  • Cỏ xanh mướt.
  • Trời xanh không mây.
  • Nước biển xanh biếc.
  • Rừng xanh rậm rạp.

Traffic

  • Đèn xanh rồi.
  • Chờ đèn xanh.
  • Đi khi có đèn xanh.
  • Đèn xanh nhấp nháy.

Food

  • Cho tôi trà xanh.
  • Rau xanh rất tươi.
  • Đỗ xanh nấu chè.
  • Táo xanh hơi chua.

Health

  • Mặt bạn hơi xanh.
  • Trông xanh xao quá.
  • Sợ xanh cả mặt.
  • Xanh mét vì lạnh.

会話のきっかけ

"Bạn thích màu xanh dương hay màu xanh lá cây hơn?"

"Hôm nay bầu trời ở thành phố bạn có xanh không?"

"Bạn có thường xuyên uống trà xanh vào buổi sáng không?"

"Tại sao người Việt Nam lại dùng một từ 'xanh' cho cả hai màu?"

"Bạn có nghĩ rằng sống xanh là xu hướng quan trọng hiện nay không?"

日記のテーマ

Miêu tả một cảnh thiên nhiên có nhiều màu xanh mà bạn từng thấy.

Tại sao màu xanh lại thường được liên hệ với sự hy vọng?

Hãy kể về một lần bạn 'xanh mặt' vì sợ hãi.

Bạn làm gì để thực hiện lối sống xanh trong cuộc sống hàng ngày?

Sự khác biệt giữa màu xanh của bầu trời và màu xanh của biển đối với bạn là gì?

よくある質問

10 問

Yes, 'xanh' is a single category for both colors. Context usually clarifies the meaning. For example, 'trời xanh' is blue and 'lá xanh' is green.

Use 'xanh lá cây' (literally 'leaf green').

Use 'xanh dương' (ocean blue) or 'xanh da trời' (sky blue).

No, 'xanh' does not mean sad. To say you are sad, use the word 'buồn'.

In modern Vietnamese slang, 'trà xanh' (green tea) refers to a person (usually a woman) who acts innocent but is actually trying to steal someone else's partner.

Because 'xanh' is the word for green. It's the standard term for the 'go' signal.

Yes, if a fruit is 'xanh', it means it is not yet ripe (chín).

It is a specific adjective used to describe someone who looks pale and unhealthy.

It is primarily an adjective, but it can be used as a noun when preceded by 'màu' (color).

In the North, it's 'sayng' with a flat tone. In the South, it's 'sanh' with a flat tone.

自分をテスト 185 問

writing

Translate to Vietnamese: 'The sky is blue.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Vietnamese: 'I like green tea.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Vietnamese: 'This leaf is very green.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate to Vietnamese: 'She has blue eyes.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'xanh mướt'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'đèn xanh'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'He turned pale with fear.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'Green energy is important.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'tuổi xanh'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'The sea is deep blue.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Describe your favorite shirt using 'màu xanh'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'We should live a green lifestyle.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'The apple is still green/unripe.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'xanh xao'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'The grass is green.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'I bought a blue pen.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'The forest is lush green.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'xanh lơ'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'Green growth is a priority.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Translate: 'His face turned as pale as a leaf.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Describe the color of the sky today.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

What is your favorite 'xanh' color?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Tell me three things that are 'xanh'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

How do you say 'green light'?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Describe a lush garden.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

What does 'xanh xao' mean?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Why is 'xanh' used for youth?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Talk about 'green energy'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Explain the slang 'trà xanh'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Describe the difference between 'xanh lá' and 'xanh dương'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

What is 'kinh tế xanh'?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Use 'xanh ngắt' in a sentence.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Have you ever 'xanh mặt'? Why?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

What is 'đỗ xanh' used for?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Describe the ocean using 'xanh'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Is 'xanh' positive or negative?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Talk about 'green living'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

What does 'còn xanh và non' mean?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Describe a person who is 'xanh xao'.

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Why do Vietnamese people love green tea?

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the color: 'Cái áo này màu xanh dương.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the object: 'Tôi muốn mua một ít rau xanh.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the state: 'Trời hôm nay xanh ngắt.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the emotion: 'Anh ấy xanh mặt vì sợ.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the drink: 'Mời bạn uống trà xanh.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the food: 'Bánh này làm từ đỗ xanh.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the shade: 'Bức tường sơn màu xanh lơ.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the age: 'Anh ấy vẫn còn tuổi xanh.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the concept: 'Chúng ta hướng tới tăng trưởng xanh.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the fruit state: 'Quả này còn xanh lắm.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the intensity: 'Cỏ xanh mướt sau mưa.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the color: 'Mắt cô ấy màu xanh biếc.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the health state: 'Bạn trông xanh xao quá.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the traffic signal: 'Đèn xanh rồi, đi thôi.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the fashion color: 'Tôi thích màu xanh rêu.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 185 correct

Perfect score!

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