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A1 noun 8 min de leitura

Chị gái

Older sister

At the A1 level, 'chị gái' is a basic vocabulary word used to describe family members. Learners should be able to identify their older sister and use the word in simple sentences like 'Tôi có một người chị gái' (I have one older sister). The focus is on the literal meaning and the correct use of the classifier 'người'. Learners should also understand the basic distinction between 'chị' (older) and 'em' (younger). At this stage, the goal is simple identification and basic descriptive sentences involving age or occupation.
At the A2 level, students should be able to provide more detail about their 'chị gái'. This includes using adjectives to describe her appearance or personality (e.g., 'Chị gái tôi rất hiền' - My older sister is very gentle). You should also be able to use the term in the context of routines and locations, such as 'Chị gái tôi đi làm lúc 8 giờ' (My older sister goes to work at 8 o'clock). Learners begin to understand the possessive structure 'của tôi' and how it can be shortened. The distinction between 'chị gái' and 'chị họ' (cousin) becomes relevant here.
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By B1, you should be able to talk about the relationship you have with your 'chị gái'. This involves more complex sentence structures, such as 'Mặc dù chị gái tôi bận, chị vẫn giúp tôi học bài' (Even though my older sister is busy, she still helps me study). You can describe shared experiences, childhood memories, and compare her traits with your own. At this level, you should also be comfortable using 'chị' as a pronoun in various social contexts, recognizing that the logic of 'chị gái' extends to how you address women in the community.
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At the B2 level, learners can discuss the cultural expectations of being a 'chị gái' in a Vietnamese family. You can engage in conversations about family hierarchy, the role of the eldest daughter, and how these traditions are changing in modern Vietnam. You should be able to use idiomatic expressions related to siblings, such as 'Chị ngã em nâng' (When the sister falls, the younger sibling lifts her up). Your use of the word should reflect an understanding of both biological and metaphorical sisterhood in social organizations or professional settings.
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C1 learners use 'chị gái' and its derivatives with nuance and precision. You can analyze literary texts where the 'chị gái' figure is a central theme, discussing the symbolism of the older sister as a secondary mother figure in Vietnamese history and literature. You understand regional nuances perfectly (Chị Hai vs. Chị Cả) and can navigate complex family introductions involving multiple 'chị gái' and 'chị dâu' without hesitation. Your speech reflects the subtle emotional connotations of the word in different contexts, from deep affection to formal distance.
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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the term within the broader scope of Vietnamese linguistics and sociology. You can discuss the etymology of the word, its relationship to Chinese loanwords, and its evolution in various Vietnamese dialects. You can use the term in high-level academic or legal discussions regarding family law or inheritance. Your understanding includes the most obscure idioms and historical references related to the role of the older sister. You can switch between formal, informal, and literary registers involving this term with total fluency.
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Exemplos Notas e dicas

Chị gái em 30 segundos

  • Chị gái means older sister in Vietnamese.
  • It is used to refer to her, not to call her directly.
  • It is a compound of 'chị' (older sister) and 'gái' (female).
  • Essential for describing family members at an A1 level.

The term Chị gái is a foundational noun in the Vietnamese language, specifically used to identify one's older sister. In the complex web of Vietnamese kinship and social hierarchy, this term holds significant weight. Unlike English, where 'sister' can refer to someone older or younger, Vietnamese is precise: chị always denotes seniority in age or rank, and gái specifies the female gender. When you use this term, you are not just identifying a relative; you are acknowledging a specific social order rooted in Confucian values that prioritize age and respect within the family unit.

Literal Meaning
The word 'Chị' means 'older sister' or is used as a pronoun for a slightly older woman. 'Gái' means 'female' or 'girl'. Together, they form the specific noun for an older sister.
Social Context
In Vietnam, an older sister often plays a maternal role, especially in larger families. She is expected to be a role model and often assists in raising younger siblings.
Grammatical Function
It acts as a common noun. While you might call your sister 'Chị' to her face, you refer to her as 'chị gái' when talking to someone else about her.

Tôi có một người chị gái đang sống ở Hà Nội.

Understanding 'Chị gái' is essential for A1 learners because family is the center of Vietnamese life. Conversations frequently revolve around family members, their health, and their occupations. By mastering this word, you open the door to describing your family tree and understanding the hierarchical nature of Vietnamese interactions. It is one of the first words children learn, and its usage remains constant throughout life, reflecting the enduring bond between siblings. Whether you are introducing your family to a new friend or filling out a form, 'chị gái' is the definitive term for your elder female sibling.

Chị gái của tôi là bác sĩ.

Furthermore, the term 'chị' is ubiquitous in daily life. You will hear it in markets, offices, and on the street. While 'chị gái' is the noun for the biological relation, the root 'chị' is the polite way to address any woman who appears slightly older than you. This dual nature—both a specific kinship term and a general social honorific—makes it one of the most versatile and important words in your Vietnamese vocabulary. Learning to distinguish when to use the full noun 'chị gái' (mostly for reference) versus the pronoun 'chị' (for address) is a key milestone in your language journey.

Using Chị gái correctly involves understanding its placement in a sentence and its relationship with possessive markers. In Vietnamese, the structure often follows 'Noun + Possessive + Person'. For example, 'my older sister' is 'chị gái của tôi'. However, in casual speech, the word 'của' (of) is frequently dropped, resulting in 'chị gái tôi'.

Descriptive Usage
When describing your sister's traits, the adjective follows the noun: 'Chị gái tôi rất cao' (My older sister is very tall).
Numerical Usage
To say 'two older sisters', you use the classifier 'người': 'hai người chị gái'. Classifiers are vital for counting people in Vietnamese.

Bạn có mấy người chị gái?

When identifying someone as your older sister, you use the verb 'là' (to be). For example, 'Đây là chị gái tôi' (This is my older sister). It is important to remember that 'chị gái' is a third-person reference. If you are speaking to your sister, you would say 'Chị ơi!' (Hey sister!) rather than 'Chị gái ơi!'. The latter sounds unnatural and redundant in direct address.

Chị gái tôi đang nấu cơm trong bếp.

Another common pattern is using 'chị gái' in the subject position of a sentence to describe an ongoing action or a state of being. Because Vietnamese does not conjugate verbs for person or number, 'chị gái' remains the same regardless of whether she is eating, sleeping, or working. This simplicity in verb usage allows you to focus on the vocabulary and the correct use of classifiers like 'người'. Remember that 'gái' is the key differentiator; without it, 'chị' could simply mean a woman you are addressing politely.

You will encounter Chị gái in a variety of everyday situations. The most common is during introductions. When meeting new people, Vietnamese people often share details about their family to establish social standing and build rapport. You'll hear: 'Gia đình tôi có bốn người: bố, mẹ, chị gái và tôi' (My family has four people: dad, mom, older sister, and me).

In the Household
Parents talking about their children: 'Chị gái con đâu rồi?' (Where is your older sister?)
In Literature and Songs
Many Vietnamese songs and stories celebrate the bond between sisters, often using 'chị gái' to describe the protective older figure.

Hôm nay là sinh nhật của chị gái mình.

Beyond biological family, 'chị gái' can be used figuratively in close-knit communities or religious groups to describe a woman who is like an older sister. However, for beginners, it is safest to stick to the biological definition. You will also hear it in retail environments when a salesperson is referring to a customer's family, such as asking if a dress is for the customer or her 'chị gái'. This demonstrates the word's utility in clarifying relationships in social interactions.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing Chị gái with Em gái (younger sister). In English, 'sister' covers both, but in Vietnamese, the distinction is mandatory. Using the wrong term can lead to confusion about who is older, which is a significant social faux pas in Vietnamese culture.

Direct Address Error
Mistake: Calling your sister 'Chị gái ơi!'. Correct: 'Chị ơi!'. 'Chị gái' is for referring to her, not for calling her.
Gender Redundancy
Sometimes learners say 'chị nữ' which is incorrect. 'Chị' already implies female, and 'gái' is the standard suffix for siblings.

Sai: Tôi yêu chị nữ của tôi. Đúng: Tôi yêu chị gái của tôi.

Another mistake is neglecting the tone. 'Chị' has the 'nặng' (heavy) tone, which is a low, glottalized drop. If you pronounce it with a rising tone, it might be confused with other words. Similarly, 'gái' has the 'sắc' (rising) tone. Practice the transition between the low drop of 'chị' and the high rise of 'gái' to sound natural. Lastly, avoid using 'chị gái' when talking about a woman who is much older than you; in that case, 'Cô' (Aunt) or 'Bà' (Grandmother) is more appropriate.

While Chị gái is the standard term, there are several variations depending on the specific relationship or regional dialect. Understanding these nuances helps you sound more like a native speaker and allows you to navigate different social settings more effectively.

Chị ruột
Biological older sister. 'Ruột' literally means 'intestine/gut', implying a blood relation.
Chị họ
Older female cousin. 'Họ' indicates the extended family or lineage.
Chị dâu
Sister-in-law (specifically the wife of an older brother).

Lan là chị họ của tôi, không phải chị gái ruột.

In Northern Vietnam, the eldest sister is often called 'Chị cả'. In Southern Vietnam, the eldest is 'Chị Hai'. This is because in the South, 'Số Một' (Number One) is traditionally reserved for the parents or considered unlucky, so the counting starts at 'Hai' (Two). These regional differences are subtle but important for cultural immersion. Additionally, 'chị kết nghĩa' refers to a 'sworn sister'—a very close female friend who is treated as family. Knowing these terms allows you to describe the complex social bonds that define Vietnamese life.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Kính thưa chị gái của tôi."

Neutro

"Chị gái tôi đang làm việc."

Informal

"Bà chị tôi ghê lắm."

Child friendly

"Chị gái yêu ơi!"

Gíria

"Chị đại"

Curiosidade

The term 'Chị' is also used as a respectful pronoun for women who are not related to you, reflecting the family-centric structure of the Vietnamese language.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /t͡ɕi˧ˀ˨ ɣaːj˧˥/
US /t͡ɕi˧ˀ˨ ɣaːj˧˥/
In Vietnamese, each syllable has equal weight, but the tones provide the rhythmic contour.
Rima com
Bị Lị Mị Trị Thái Mái Lái Hái
Erros comuns
  • Pronouncing 'Chị' with a rising tone like 'Chí'.
  • Pronouncing 'gái' as 'guy' without the rising tone.
  • Failing to make the 'nặng' (heavy) tone in 'chị' short and sharp.
  • Confusing 'ch' with 'tr'.
  • Dropping the 'i' sound in 'gái'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

Easy to recognize the characters.

Escrita 2/5

Need to remember the 'nặng' and 'sắc' tones.

Expressão oral 3/5

The 'ị' tone can be tricky for beginners.

Audição 2/5

Distinct sounds make it relatively easy to hear.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

Tôi Có Người Gái Chị

Aprenda a seguir

Em gái Anh trai Em trai Bố Mẹ

Avançado

Huyết thống Gia phả Trưởng nữ Mẫu hệ Tảo tần
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Exemplos por nível

1

Tôi có một chị gái.

I have one older sister.

Uses 'có' for possession.

2

Chị gái tôi tên là Lan.

My older sister's name is Lan.

Noun + Name structure.

3

Chị gái bạn bao nhiêu tuổi?

How old is your older sister?

Question word 'bao nhiêu' for age.

4

Chị gái tôi là giáo viên.

My older sister is a teacher.

Uses 'là' as a copula.

5

Đây là chị gái của tôi.

This is my older sister.

Demonstrative 'Đây' + 'là'.

6

Chị gái tôi rất đẹp.

My older sister is very beautiful.

Adjective follows the noun.

7

Tôi yêu chị gái của tôi.

I love my older sister.

Subject + Verb + Object.

8

Chị gái tôi sống ở Huế.

My older sister lives in Hue.

Verb 'sống' + preposition 'ở'.

1

Chị gái tôi đang học tiếng Anh.

My older sister is studying English.

Continuous aspect 'đang'.

2

Chị gái tôi cao hơn tôi.

My older sister is taller than me.

Comparison structure 'hơn'.

3

Tôi đi chợ với chị gái.

I go to the market with my older sister.

Preposition 'với' (with).

4

Chị gái tôi nấu ăn rất ngon.

My older sister cooks very well.

Adverbial phrase 'rất ngon'.

5

Chị gái tôi có mái tóc dài.

My older sister has long hair.

Describing features with 'có'.

6

Tôi viết thư cho chị gái.

I am writing a letter to my older sister.

Preposition 'cho' (for/to).

7

Chị gái tôi không thích ăn cá.

My older sister doesn't like eating fish.

Negation 'không'.

8

Hôm qua chị gái tôi đã mua một chiếc xe mới.

Yesterday my older sister bought a new car.

Past marker 'đã'.

1

Chị gái tôi là người luôn ủng hộ tôi.

My older sister is the person who always supports me.

Relative clause style with 'người luôn'.

2

Tôi thường tâm sự với chị gái về mọi chuyện.

I often confide in my older sister about everything.

Verb 'tâm sự' (to confide).

3

Chị gái tôi đã tốt nghiệp đại học năm ngoái.

My older sister graduated from university last year.

Compound verb 'tốt nghiệp'.

4

Dù bận rộn, chị gái tôi vẫn dành thời gian cho gia đình.

Despite being busy, my older sister still spends time for the family.

Conjunction 'Dù... vẫn'.

5

Chị gái tôi có tính cách rất mạnh mẽ.

My older sister has a very strong personality.

Noun 'tính cách' (personality).

6

Tôi học được nhiều điều từ chị gái mình.

I learned many things from my older sister.

Structure 'từ... mình'.

7

Chị gái tôi vừa mới kết hôn tháng trước.

My older sister just got married last month.

Adverb 'vừa mới' (just recently).

8

Mọi người nói tôi trông rất giống chị gái.

Everyone says I look very much like my older sister.

Verb 'trông giống' (look like).

1

Chị gái tôi đóng vai trò như một người mẹ thứ hai trong nhà.

My older sister plays a role like a second mother in the house.

Idiomatic role description.

2

Sự thành công của chị gái là nguồn cảm hứng cho tôi.

My older sister's success is a source of inspiration for me.

Abstract noun 'nguồn cảm hứng'.

3

Tôi và chị gái có một mối quan hệ rất khăng khít.

My older sister and I have a very close-knit relationship.

Adjective 'khăng khít' (close-knit).

4

Chị gái tôi luôn nhắc nhở tôi phải học hành chăm chỉ.

My older sister always reminds me to study hard.

Verb 'nhắc nhở' (to remind).

5

Khi bố mẹ vắng nhà, chị gái tôi là người quản lý mọi việc.

When parents are away, my older sister is the one who manages everything.

Conditional clause with 'Khi'.

6

Chị gái tôi rất khéo léo trong việc giao tiếp.

My older sister is very skillful in communication.

Adjective 'khéo léo'.

7

Dưới sự hướng dẫn của chị gái, tôi đã tiến bộ rất nhiều.

Under my sister's guidance, I have improved a lot.

Prepositional phrase 'Dưới sự...'.

8

Chị gái tôi thường xuyên tham gia các hoạt động thiện nguyện.

My older sister frequently participates in charity activities.

Noun phrase 'hoạt động thiện nguyện'.

1

Hình ảnh người chị gái tảo tần đã in sâu vào tâm trí tôi.

The image of the hardworking, devoted older sister is deeply etched in my mind.

Literary adjective 'tảo tần'.

2

Chị gái tôi là hiện thân của sự kiên trì và nhẫn nại.

My older sister is the embodiment of perseverance and patience.

Metaphorical 'là hiện thân của'.

3

Mối liên kết giữa tôi và chị gái vượt xa cả tình thâm máu mủ.

The bond between my sister and me goes far beyond just blood relations.

Complex phrase 'tình thâm máu mủ'.

4

Chị gái tôi đã hy sinh rất nhiều để các em được ăn học thành tài.

My older sister sacrificed a lot so that her siblings could be educated and successful.

Verb 'hy sinh' (to sacrifice).

5

Sự nghiêm khắc của chị gái thực chất là vì muốn tốt cho tôi.

My sister's strictness was actually because she wanted the best for me.

Abstract noun 'Sự nghiêm khắc'.

6

Dù đã có gia đình riêng, chị gái vẫn luôn lo lắng cho các em.

Even though she has her own family, my sister always worries for her siblings.

Phrase 'gia đình riêng'.

7

Chị gái tôi là người giữ lửa cho tổ ấm gia đình.

My older sister is the one who keeps the fire burning for the family home (metaphor for keeping it warm/happy).

Idiom 'giữ lửa'.

8

Tôi luôn coi chị gái là người tri kỷ lớn nhất của đời mình.

I always consider my older sister as the greatest soulmate of my life.

Noun 'tri kỷ' (soulmate/confidant).

1

Trong văn hóa Việt Nam, vai trò của người chị gái cả mang đậm tính mẫu hệ truyền thống.

In Vietnamese culture, the role of the eldest sister carries strong traditional matriarchal traits.

Academic tone.

2

Sự hiện diện của chị gái trong gia đình là nhân tố then chốt duy trì sự hòa thuận.

The presence of the older sister in the family is a key factor in maintaining harmony.

Formal phrase 'nhân tố then chốt'.

3

Những lời răn dạy của chị gái đã định hình nên nhân cách của tôi ngày hôm nay.

My sister's admonitions and teachings have shaped my personality today.

Formal 'lời răn dạy'.

4

Chị gái tôi thấu hiểu mọi tâm tư nguyện vọng của tôi dù tôi không nói ra.

My older sister understands all my thoughts and aspirations even if I don't speak them.

Compound 'tâm tư nguyện vọng'.

5

Bất chấp những thăng trầm, chị gái vẫn là điểm tựa tinh thần vững chắc nhất.

Despite the ups and downs, my sister remains the most solid spiritual anchor.

Phrase 'thăng trầm' (ups and downs).

6

Chị gái tôi đã dành trọn thanh xuân để vun vén cho hạnh phúc của gia đình.

My older sister spent her entire youth nurturing the family's happiness.

Verb 'vun vén' (to nurture/collect).

7

Khái niệm 'chị gái' không chỉ dừng lại ở quan hệ huyết thống mà còn là sự gắn kết tâm hồn.

The concept of 'older sister' does not just stop at blood relations but is also a soul connection.

Philosophical statement.

8

Sự bao dung của chị gái là bến đỗ bình yên cho tôi sau mỗi vấp ngã.

My sister's tolerance is a peaceful harbor for me after every stumble.

Metaphor 'bến đỗ bình yên'.

Colocações comuns

Chị gái ruột
Chị gái cả
Người chị gái
Chị gái lấy chồng
Chị gái tôi
Tìm chị gái
Chị gái sinh đôi
Giống chị gái
Nghe lời chị gái
Chị gái đầu lòng

Frases Comuns

Chị gái tôi là...

Tôi và chị gái...

Chị gái bạn đâu?

Gửi lời chào chị gái

Chị gái tôi bảo là...

Nhà có chị gái

Chị gái tôi cưới

Đi cùng chị gái

Hỏi ý kiến chị gái

Chị gái tôi tặng

Expressões idiomáticas

"Chị ngã em nâng"

When one sibling falls or faces difficulty, the other supports them. It emphasizes sibling solidarity.

Anh em trong nhà phải biết chị ngã em nâng.

Proverbial

"Quyền huynh thế phụ"

The older sibling (usually brother, but applies to sisters) has the authority of the father. It reflects family hierarchy.

Trong nhà, chị cả có quyền huynh thế phụ.

Formal/Literary

"Làm chị khó đấy"

Being an older sister is difficult (due to responsibilities). Usually from a famous poem.

Làm chị khó đấy, phải đâu chuyện đùa.

Literary

"Chị em như tay với chân"

Sisters (and siblings) are as close and essential as hands and feet.

Chị em như tay với chân, phải thương yêu nhau.

Proverbial

"Mẹ già bằng ba chị gái"

An old mother is worth three older sisters (emphasizing maternal value).

Người ta nói mẹ già bằng ba chị gái quả không sai.

Folk Wisdom

"Chị em dâu như bầu nước lạnh"

Sisters-in-law are often cold or distant toward each other.

Dân gian có câu chị em dâu như bầu nước lạnh.

Proverbial

"Chị em hạt máu sẻ đôi"

Sisters are of the same blood, divided into two.

Chị em hạt máu sẻ đôi, đừng nên cãi vã.

Literary

"Giặc đến nhà đàn bà cũng đánh"

When enemies come, even women (sisters) will fight. Shows female strength.

Chị gái tôi rất dũng cảm, đúng là giặc đến nhà đàn bà cũng đánh.

Historical

"Sảy cha còn chú, sảy mẹ bú chị"

If the father is lost, there is the uncle; if the mother is lost, the child relies on the older sister.

Mất mẹ từ sớm, nó phải bú chị mà lớn lên.

Folk Wisdom

"Chị duyên em phận"

The fate and luck of sisters are intertwined or follow a sequence.

Chuyện chồng con của hai đứa là chị duyên em phận.

Literary

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

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Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'Chị' as 'Chief' (the older one in charge) and 'Gái' as 'Girl'. The Chief Girl is your older sister.

Associação visual

Imagine a tall girl ('gái') wearing a crown ('chị') standing next to a smaller child.

Word Web

Gia đình Anh trai Em gái Bố mẹ Yêu thương Chăm sóc Giúp đỡ Kỷ niệm

Desafio

Try to introduce three fictional sisters using 'chị gái' and give each a different job.

Origem da palavra

The word 'Chị' is a native Vietnamese word (Chữ Nôm: 姉). 'Gái' is also a native term meaning female.

Significado original: Female sibling older than oneself.

Austroasiatic, Mon-Khmer branch.

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'chị' for women who might prefer 'cô' or 'bà' depending on their age relative to yours.

Unlike the generic 'sister', Vietnamese requires you to know if the sister is older or younger immediately.

The poem 'Làm chị' by Phan Thị Thanh Nhàn. The story of the Trưng Sisters (Hai Bà Trưng), though they are 'chị em'. Modern pop songs like 'Chị tôi' by Trần Tiến.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Family Introduction

  • Đây là chị gái tôi.
  • Tôi có một chị gái.
  • Chị gái tôi tên là...
  • Chị gái tôi sinh năm...

Describing People

  • Chị gái tôi rất hiền.
  • Chị gái tôi cao.
  • Chị gái tôi có tóc đen.
  • Chị gái tôi thông minh.

Asking Questions

Cadastre-se grátis para ver dicas e notas

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