Signification
Going for a swim in water.
Contexte culturel
In many coastal cities, people wake up as early as 4:30 AM to go swimming in the ocean before the sun gets too hot. It's a social event for the elderly and a workout for the young. Public pools (hồ bơi) often have a 'break time' at noon when they close for a few hours. Most people go swimming either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the sun. In rural areas, 'đi bơi' often means going to a river or a canal. This is where many children learn to swim naturally. During the Lunar New Year (Tết), many people avoid 'đi bơi' because they believe it's bad luck to be 'in deep water' at the start of the year, though this is changing with younger generations.
Regional Choice
Use 'hồ bơi' in Ho Chi Minh City and 'bể bơi' in Hanoi to sound like a local.
Tones Matter
Make sure to keep both 'đi' and 'bơi' flat. If you say 'bởi' (falling-rising), it means 'because'!
Signification
Going for a swim in water.
Regional Choice
Use 'hồ bơi' in Ho Chi Minh City and 'bể bơi' in Hanoi to sound like a local.
Tones Matter
Make sure to keep both 'đi' and 'bơi' flat. If you say 'bởi' (falling-rising), it means 'because'!
The 'Đi' Suffix
Add 'đi' at the end of the phrase to make it an invitation: 'Đi bơi đi!' (Let's go swimming!)
Sun Safety
Vietnamese people are very sun-conscious. If you invite someone to 'đi bơi' at 12 PM, they will likely say no!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'I go swimming every day.'
Tôi ___ bơi mỗi ngày.
'Đi' is the correct verb of motion to use with 'bơi'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to invite a friend to swim?
Choose the best option:
Adding 'không' at the end turns the statement into a natural question/invitation.
Match the Vietnamese phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are essential vocabulary items related to the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Trời nóng quá! B: ___________
Suggesting a swim is a logical response to someone complaining about the heat.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Pool vs. Beach
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTôi ___ bơi mỗi ngày.
'Đi' is the correct verb of motion to use with 'bơi'.
Choose the best option:
Adding 'không' at the end turns the statement into a natural question/invitation.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are essential vocabulary items related to the phrase.
A: Trời nóng quá! B: ___________
Suggesting a swim is a logical response to someone complaining about the heat.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or even your boss when talking about hobbies.
Yes, but 'đi tắm biển' is more specific and common for the ocean.
'Bơi' is the action of swimming. 'Lội' means to wade or paddle. Together 'bơi lội' means the sport of swimming.
You say 'Tôi không biết bơi.'
No, in Vietnamese you just say 'go swim' (đi bơi).
Young people might say 'quẩy nước' (playing/partying in water), but 'đi bơi' is always acceptable.
You ask 'Hồ bơi ở đâu?'
You need 'đồ bơi' (swimsuit), 'kính bơi' (goggles), and 'khăn tắm' (towel).
Yes, 'Con chó đi bơi' is perfectly fine.
It is primarily a verb. To make it a noun, you add 'việc' or 'môn': 'việc đi bơi' (the act of swimming).
To avoid the intense tropical sun and heat of the day.
In very specific business slang, 'đi bơi' or 'ra đảo' (go to an island) can mean a project failed, but don't use this as a beginner.
Expressions liées
đi tắm biển
similarto go for a swim at the beach
bơi lội
synonymswimming (as a sport)
hồ bơi
builds onswimming pool
tập bơi
specialized formto practice swimming
đồ bơi
builds onswimsuit
