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The Vietnamese word “phải” has various roles and meanings depending on the context of the conversation and its position in the sentence. In this lesson, we will introduce the most common usages of “phải”.
Usage ① The Noun “phải” = Right
As introduced in Lesson 31 [Expressing Location], “phải” functions as a noun meaning “right”.
When expressing location, it is used as “bên phải” (meaning: right side) together with the verb “ở” (meaning: to be located at).
Example Sentence
① Bãi đậu xe ở bên phải siêu thị.
The parking lot is on the right side of the supermarket.
Usage ② The Adjective “phải” = Correct / Right
As learned in Lesson 11, “phải” is used as an adjective in tag questions such as “có phải là ~ không?” (Is it true that…?) and “~, phải không?” (…, right?).
Example Sentence
② John: Anh có phải là anh trai của em Lan không?
Are you Lan’s older brother?
Nam: Phải. Tôi là anh trai của Lan.
That’s right (Yes). I am Lan’s older brother.
Usage ③ The Auxiliary Verb “phải” + Verb = Must / Have to
Structure
This is used to express the obligation or necessity that the action following “phải” “must be done” or “has to be done”.
Example Sentences
③ Tôi phải hoàn thành báo cáo trong hôm nay.
I must complete the report today.
④ Suzuki: Nếu cuối tuần này em có thời gian thì chúng ta gặp nhau nhé!
If you have time this weekend, let’s meet up!
Lan: Cuối tuần này em phải về quê nên hẹn anh cuối tuần sau nhé!
I have to go back to my hometown this weekend, so let’s meet next weekend!
Usage ④ Verb + “phải” = Accidentally / Unfortunately did something
Structure
In contrast to the structure in Usage ③, when “phải” comes after a verb, it expresses a feeling of regret about an action, meaning you did something accidentally or unknowingly (often resulting in an undesirable outcome).
Example Sentences
⑤ Vì không biết phân biệt nên tôi đã mua phải hàng giả.
Because I couldn’t tell the difference, I accidentally bought a fake item.
⑥ Vì không chú ý nên tôi mua phải chai sữa đã hết hạn sử dụng.
Because I wasn’t paying attention, I ended up buying a bottle of milk that had expired.