Meaning
Expressing excitement or approval.
Cultural Background
Vietnamese people value 'enthusiasm' in social interactions. Staying silent or giving a flat 'OK' can be seen as cold. 'Tuyệt quá' is a social lubricant. In Hanoi, people might use 'Tuyệt quá' slightly more sparingly than in the South, often reserving it for things that are truly impressive. In Ho Chi Minh City, the tone is often more exuberant. You might hear 'Tuyệt quá hà!' or 'Tuyệt quá đi!' with a very high pitch. On Zalo (Vietnam's top messaging app), 'Tuyệt quá' is often accompanied by stickers of characters giving a thumbs up or dancing.
The 'Quá' Stretch
To sound more native, stretch the 'á' in 'quá' when you are really impressed: 'Tuyệt quáaaa!'
Tone Matters
If you don't use the rising tone on 'quá', it might sound like 'qua' (to pass), which makes no sense here.
Meaning
Expressing excitement or approval.
The 'Quá' Stretch
To sound more native, stretch the 'á' in 'quá' when you are really impressed: 'Tuyệt quáaaa!'
Tone Matters
If you don't use the rising tone on 'quá', it might sound like 'qua' (to pass), which makes no sense here.
Smile while saying it
Vietnamese is an expressive language; your facial expression should match the 'Tuyệt'!
Test Yourself
Choose the most natural reaction to: 'Tôi mới mua một chiếc điện thoại mới!'
Tôi mới mua một chiếc điện thoại mới!
Buying a new phone is positive news, so 'Tuyệt quá' (Awesome) is the best fit.
Fill in the missing word to complete the exclamation.
Món ăn này _____ quá!
The phrase 'Tuyệt quá' is the standard way to say something is great.
Match the situation to the best phrase.
Situation: Your friend tells you they passed their driving test.
You use 'Tuyệt quá' to celebrate someone else's success.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ngày mai chúng ta đi xem phim nhé? B: _________! Tôi rất thích xem phim.
B is agreeing enthusiastically to the plan.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Intensity of Approval
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTôi mới mua một chiếc điện thoại mới!
Buying a new phone is positive news, so 'Tuyệt quá' (Awesome) is the best fit.
Món ăn này _____ quá!
The phrase 'Tuyệt quá' is the standard way to say something is great.
Situation: Your friend tells you they passed their driving test.
You use 'Tuyệt quá' to celebrate someone else's success.
A: Ngày mai chúng ta đi xem phim nhé? B: _________! Tôi rất thích xem phim.
B is agreeing enthusiastically to the plan.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it usually refers to their performance or an action they did, rather than their permanent character. For character, 'Tuyệt vời' is better.
Yes, if someone presents a good idea, 'Tuyệt quá' shows you are supportive and engaged.
'Hay quá' is specifically for things that are interesting, clever, or artistically good (like a song or a movie). 'Tuyệt quá' is more general.
No, it's standard colloquial Vietnamese. It's safe for all ages.
It's grammatically incorrect in most contexts. Always put 'quá' after the adjective.
You would say 'Không tuyệt lắm' or 'Bình thường thôi.'
Mostly, but in words like 'Tuyệt chủng' it means 'absolute/final' (extinct).
It's used equally across Vietnam, though the accent will differ.
Absolutely! It's a very common way to compliment a chef.
'Thật là tuyệt vời' or 'Rất xuất sắc.'
Related Phrases
Tuyệt vời
similarWonderful / Great
Hay quá
similarThat's interesting / Great
Đỉnh quá
slangThat's peak / Top tier
Tốt quá
similarThat's good
Xịn quá
slangSo cool / High quality
