Meaning
Filming a video.
Cultural Background
Filming food before eating is a standard social ritual in Vietnam, often referred to as 'cho điện thoại ăn trước' (letting the phone eat first). The 'TikTok transformation' (biến hình) trend is huge. Young people spend hours 'quay phim' and editing these short clips. Vietnam has a growing indie film scene. The phrase 'quay phim nhựa' (filming on celluloid) is still used by purists to denote high artistic quality. In many Vietnamese pagodas and temples, 'quay phim' is restricted to maintain the sanctity of the space. Always look for signs.
Use 'quay' for everything video
Whether it's a 5-second Instagram story or a feature film, 'quay' is your best friend.
Watch for 'Cấm quay phim'
In Vietnam, this sign is common in government buildings and some temples. Respect it!
Meaning
Filming a video.
Use 'quay' for everything video
Whether it's a 5-second Instagram story or a feature film, 'quay' is your best friend.
Watch for 'Cấm quay phim'
In Vietnam, this sign is common in government buildings and some temples. Respect it!
Add 'lại' for 'recording'
Saying 'quay lại' often sounds more natural when you mean 'recording a specific event'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct verb.
Tôi đang ___ phim bằng điện thoại mới.
Since the object is 'phim' (video/film), the correct verb is 'quay'.
Which sentence is correct for 'I am taking a photo'?
Chọn câu đúng:
'Chụp ảnh' is for photos; 'quay phim' is for videos.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Bạn đang làm gì đó? B: Mình đang ___ phim đám cưới của anh trai.
Filming a wedding requires the verb 'quay'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Cấm quay phim
Cinemas often have signs saying 'Cấm quay phim' to prevent piracy.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Quay Phim'
Social Media
- • TikTok
- • Vlog
- • Story
Events
- • Wedding
- • Birthday
- • Concert
Professional
- • Movie
- • News
- • Ad
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTôi đang ___ phim bằng điện thoại mới.
Since the object is 'phim' (video/film), the correct verb is 'quay'.
Chọn câu đúng:
'Chụp ảnh' is for photos; 'quay phim' is for videos.
A: Bạn đang làm gì đó? B: Mình đang ___ phim đám cưới của anh trai.
Filming a wedding requires the verb 'quay'.
Cấm quay phim
Cinemas often have signs saying 'Cấm quay phim' to prevent piracy.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it's the most common way to say you are filming for YouTube.
Yes, younger people use 'quay video' or 'quay clip' more often in casual talk.
A 'thợ quay phim' or 'người quay phim'.
Tôi đang quay phim bạn.
Generally no, but it's polite to ask if you are filming someone's face directly.
'Ghi hình' is more formal/technical, often used in TV news.
Usually 'quay màn hình' is used for screen recording.
In this phrase, 'phim' refers to the video content itself, not necessarily a long movie.
Đừng quay phim nữa.
Yes, 'quay' can also mean 'to turn around' or 'to return', but context makes it clear.
It is a video camera or camcorder.
Yes, it's a basic hobby/action verb taught early on.
Related Phrases
máy quay phim
builds onvideo camera
thợ quay phim
specialized formcameraman / videographer
quay lén
specialized formto film secretly
phim trường
similarfilm studio / set
cú quay
specialized forma shot / a take
