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When expressing feelings of regret about past events, Vietnamese uses phrases like “Biết thế” or “đáng lẽ”. In this lesson, we will introduce the meanings and usages of these two expressions.
Expression “Biết thế~” = “If I had known…” / “I wish I had…”
Structure:
Explanation:
This expression is used to show regret or reflection about a past event, implying that you would have acted differently if you had known the outcome.
Example Sentences:
The rain won’t stop. If I had known, I would have brought an umbrella.
② Đau bụng quá! Biết thế tôi đã không ăn rau sống.
My stomach hurts so much! If I had known, I wouldn’t have eaten raw vegetables.
③ Cô ấy về rồi. Biết thế tôi đã đến sớm hơn.
She already left. If I had known, I would have come earlier.
④ Em ấy thi trượt đại học. Biết thế tôi đã khuyên em ấy ôn tập nhiều hơn.
She failed the university entrance exam. If I had known, I would have advised her to study more.
Expression “đáng lẽ” / “lẽ ra” = “Actually, it would have been better to…” / “Should have…”
Structure:
Explanation:
Example Sentences:
He got pneumonia. He should have quit smoking a long time ago.
② Gạo hết mất rồi. Lúc nãy đi siêu thị, lẽ ra tôi phải mua thêm gạo.
We are out of rice. I should have bought more rice when I went to the supermarket just now.
③ Tôi cảm thấy khó xử với cô ấy. Đáng lẽ tôi không nên cãi nhau cô ấy.
I feel awkward around her. I shouldn’t have argued with her.
④ Đáng lẽ anh phải hỏi ý kiến sếp trước khi bắt đầu công việc này.
You should have asked for the boss’s opinion before starting this job.