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Sentence-ending particles are words added to the very end of a sentence.
Similar to adding question tags like “…isn’t it?” or exclamations like “…you know!” in English, adding a single particle at the end of a sentence can soften the tone, emphasize feelings, or show respect to the listener.
In this lesson, we will introduce how these particles are used and the specific contexts in which they appear, along with their closest English equivalents.
Main Sentence-Ending Particles
| # | Particles | English Equivalent | Usage Context | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ① | ạ | (Polite marker) Sir / Ma’am |
When showing respect and politeness. | ① Không sao đâu ạ. (It’s okay / No problem.) ② Em ngồi đây được không ạ? (May I sit here?) |
| ② | à | Oh? Is that so? |
When expressing friendly, mild surprise. | ③ Thế à ? (Is that so? / Really?) ④ Hôm nay, anh nghỉ phép à? (Are you on leave today?) |
| ③ |
nhé |
Let’s… …okay? |
・Friendly request for agreement. ・When urging someone to do something. *Used with peers or younger people. |
⑤ Tối nay chúng ta đi ăn với nhau nhé.(Let’s go out for dinner tonight, okay?) ⑥ Cố lên nha. (Do your best! / Good luck!) |
| ④ |
nhỉ |
…isn’t it? …right? |
When seeking friendly agreement (expecting the listener to share your opinion). | ⑦ Hôm qua, trời mưa to nhỉ. (It rained heavily yesterday, didn’t it?) ⑧ Phim này hay quá nhỉ ! (This movie is really good, isn’t it!) |
|
⑤ |
chứ |
…right? |
When asking a question for confirmation. | ⑨ Anh vẫn làm việc ở công ty A chứ? (You are still working at Company A, right?) ⑩ Chị sẽ tham gia tiệc tất niên chứ? (You will attend the year-end party, won’t you?) |
|
⑥ |
đấy |
…you know. |
・To show interest in the listener. ・To draw the listener’s attention. |
⑪ Em làm tốt đấy. (You did a good job.) ⑫ Em đang ở đâu đấy? (Where are you right now?) |
|
⑦ |
mà |
But I told you… |
When explaining something with a tone of slight reproach, frustration, or annoyance. | ⑬ Anh hiểu rồi mà. (I already understand! / I told you I get it.) ⑭ Vì sao bây giờ anh mới đến? Em đã bảo anh đến sớm rồi mà. (Why are you only arriving now? I told you to come early, didn’t I?) |
|
⑧ |
hả |
Huh? |
・To show surprise. ・To ask for a repeat/clarification. *Used with peers or younger people. |
⑮ Thật hả? (Really?) ⑯ Em còn giận anh hả? (Are you still mad at me?) |
QUICK QUIZ
Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate sentence-ending particle.
① Mai : Anh đi đâu ___ ?
Where are you going?
Nam : Anh đi có việc một chút.
I’m going out for a bit of business.
② Chào em, lâu ngày không gặp. Em vẫn khỏe ___ ?
Hello, long time no see. You are still doing well, right?
③ Trưởng phòng : Bây giờ là mấy giờ ?
What time is it now?
Nhân viên : Bây giờ là 11 giờ ___ .
It is 11 o’clock. [Polite]
Trưởng phòng : 11 giờ rồi ___ ?
Is it 11 o’clock already?
④ Anh nghe nói em sắp thi cuối kỳ. Cố gắng ___!
I heard you are about to take the final exam. Do your best!
⑤ Mai : Em nghe nói tháng sau chị Linh sẽ nghỉ việc.
I heard Ms. Linh is quitting her job next month.
Nam : Thật ___? Mọi người sẽ buồn lắm ___.
Really? Everyone will be very sad, won’t they.