Significado
A polite way to get someone's attention for a question
Contexto cultural
Hanoians value formal social structures. Using 'Xin lỗi, cho tôi hỏi' is almost mandatory when approaching a stranger to avoid appearing 'vô lễ' (rude). Saigonese are often perceived as more casual, but they use 'Dạ' (polite particle) extensively. You will often hear 'Dạ, xin lỗi cho em hỏi...' with a very melodic tone. Younger generations might shorten this to 'Cho mình hỏi' when speaking to peers, reflecting a shift towards more egalitarian social relations in urban centers. In a meeting, this phrase is used to interrupt a senior speaker politely. It shows that you have a contribution but respect the hierarchy.
The 'Ạ' Factor
Always add 'ạ' at the end when speaking to anyone older than you. It's the easiest way to sound like a master of the language.
Eye Contact
While saying this, a slight nod of the head is better than intense, direct eye contact, which can be seen as aggressive.
Significado
A polite way to get someone's attention for a question
The 'Ạ' Factor
Always add 'ạ' at the end when speaking to anyone older than you. It's the easiest way to sound like a master of the language.
Eye Contact
While saying this, a slight nod of the head is better than intense, direct eye contact, which can be seen as aggressive.
Pronoun Power
If you aren't sure of the pronoun, use 'anh' for men and 'chị' for women who look like they could be your older siblings. It's safe and flattering.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing words to make a polite request for directions.
___ ___, cho tôi ___ đường ra bưu điện?
'Xin lỗi' is the polite opener and 'hỏi' is the verb for asking.
Which pronoun should you use if you are 20 years old and asking a 50-year-old man for the time?
Xin lỗi, cho ___ hỏi mấy giờ rồi ạ?
In Vietnam, 'cháu' is the most respectful pronoun for someone the age of your parents or older.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are in a library and need to ask someone to move their bag so you can sit.
Option A is the polite way to ask if a seat is taken.
Complete the dialogue.
Learner: Xin lỗi, cho tôi hỏi hiệu sách ở đâu? Local: ___________
Option B provides the direction requested.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exercicios___ ___, cho tôi ___ đường ra bưu điện?
'Xin lỗi' is the polite opener and 'hỏi' is the verb for asking.
Xin lỗi, cho ___ hỏi mấy giờ rồi ạ?
In Vietnam, 'cháu' is the most respectful pronoun for someone the age of your parents or older.
Situation: You are in a library and need to ask someone to move their bag so you can sit.
Option A is the polite way to ask if a seat is taken.
Learner: Xin lỗi, cho tôi hỏi hiệu sách ở đâu? Local: ___________
Option B provides the direction requested.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
5 perguntasNo, in this context, it's exactly like 'Excuse me' in English. You haven't done anything wrong; you're just being polite.
Only with very close friends. With anyone else, it sounds quite rude and demanding.
'Em ơi' is a way to call someone's attention (like 'Hey!'). 'Xin lỗi, cho tôi hỏi' is the actual request to ask a question. They are often used together: 'Em ơi, xin lỗi cho anh hỏi...'
People will still understand you, but you'll sound a bit like a robot or someone who is in a very bad mood.
It's better to use 'cháu' (grandchild). Using 'tôi' with an elderly person can sound cold or disrespectful.
Frases relacionadas
Làm ơn
similarPlease / Do a favor
Phiền anh/chị
specialized formBother you...
Cho hỏi
informalLet me ask
Hỏi thăm
builds onTo inquire/visit
