Grammar 66: expressions of incidental/concurrent action（nhân tiện, tiện thể）

In everyday conversation, there are many situations where you want to say, “Oh, while you’re at it, could you do this too!” When expressing “while you’re at it” or “incidentally” in Vietnamese, two main words are used: “nhân tiện” and “tiện thể”. In this lesson, let’s learn how to use them and explore some natural phrasing.

Usage ①: “nhân tiện”

Nhân tiện + (Clause / Action), Subject + Additional Action

【Explanation】”nhân tiện” is used when taking advantage of an opportunity or situation to do something else. It carries the nuance of “seizing a good opportunity” or “while at it,” and is often placed at the beginning of a sentence.

Example Sentences:

① Nhân tiện đi Hà Nội, tôi sẽ đi thăm bạn thân.
→ While going to Hanoi, I plan to visit my best friend.

② Nhân tiện đây, tôi xin giới thiệu một người bạn.
→ Taking this opportunity (while we’re at it), please allow me to introduce a friend.

③ Nhân tiện đường về nhà, anh mua giúp em ít hoa quả nhé.
→ While you’re on your way home, could you buy some fruit for me?

Usage ②: “tiện thể”

(Main Action) , tiện thể + Additional Action

【Explanation】”tiện thể” has almost the same meaning as “nhân tiện”, but it is a more casual, everyday expression that focuses on the “convenience (tiện)” of getting something done because it requires no extra effort. It is also frequently placed in the middle of a sentence.

Example Sentences:

④ Anh đi siêu thị thì tiện thể mua hộ em hộp sữa nhé.
→ If you are going to the supermarket, could you grab a carton of milk for me while you’re at it?

⑤ Tôi đang dọn nhà, tiện thể vứt rác luôn.
→ I’m cleaning the house, so I will throw away the trash while I’m at it.

⑥ Tiện thể cho tôi hỏi, hiệu thuốc gần đây ở đâu?
→ While we’re at it, could I ask where the nearest pharmacy is?

Key Points

Basically, both expressions can be used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in nuance as follows:

Nhân tiện: Feels like seizing an “opportunity.” Sounds slightly more polite.
Tiện thể: Feels like getting something done out of “convenience.” More colloquial.

Common Set Phrases in Conversation

Phrase	Example Sentences / Meanings
Nhân tiện đây… (Taking this opportunity / While we’re at it)	① Nhân tiện đây, tôi xin giới thiệu một người bạn. Taking this opportunity, please allow me to introduce a friend. ② Nhân tiện đây, cho tôi hỏi về kế hoạch ngày mai. While we’re at it, let me ask you about tomorrow’s schedule.
Tiện tay (Since your hands are free / While you’re at it)	① Tiện tay đóng cửa giúp tôi với nhé. Could you close the door for me since you’re at it? ② Anh tiện tay pha giúp em một cốc cà phê nhé. Could you make me a cup of coffee while you’re at it?
Luôn (Doing something simultaneously / right away)	① Để tôi làm luôn việc này cho. Let me just do this job as well. ② Ăn cơm xong rồi rửa bát luôn đi. After you finish eating, wash the dishes right away (while you’re at it).