Japanese
Login
In everyday Vietnamese conversation, the word “thì” is heard so often that it is almost a given. It serves a wide variety of roles, being used as a “conjunction” to connect sentences or as a “marker” to emphasize the speaker’s feelings. In this lesson, we will explain the four main usages of “thì,” which is essential for creating the rhythm of conversation.
Usage ①: Results of Conditions or Assumptions (= if, when)
[Explanation] The most basic usage is as a conjunction that leads to a result, meaning “if ~, then…”. It is very frequently used in combination with “Nếu” (if) or “Hễ” (whenever).
Example Sentences:
① Nếu trời mưa thì tôi sẽ ở nhà.
→ If it rains, I will stay at home.
② Hễ rảnh thì anh ấy lại chơi game.
→ Whenever he is free, he plays games.
③ Mắc quá thì đừng mua.
→ If it is too expensive, don’t buy it.
* In conversation, “Nếu” is often omitted, and “~ thì…” alone can express the meaning of “if…”.
Usage ②: Presenting or Contrasting a Topic
[Explanation] By placing “thì” after a subject or topic, it functions to bring up a topic, meaning “speaking of that matter,” or to emphasize it by comparing it with something else. It functions similarly to highlighting or stressing the main topic.
Example Sentences:
④ Tôi thích cà phê, còn anh ấy thì thích trà.
→ I like coffee, while he (on the other hand) likes tea.
⑤ Món này ngon nhưng giá thì hơi đắt.
→ This dish is delicious, but the price (on the other hand) is a bit expensive.
⑥ Việc đó thì tôi không biết.
→ As for that matter, I don’t know.
Usage ③: Emphasizing Time (= when it becomes ~, at the time of ~)
[Explanation] Placing “thì” after a time expression emphasizes that specific time as a boundary and adjusts the rhythm of the sentence. It carries the nuance of “when it becomes ~” or “at the time of ~.”
Example Sentences:
⑦ Ngày mai thì tôi bận rồi.
→ As for tomorrow, I am already busy.
⑧ 10 năm trước thì ở đây chưa có gì cả.
→ 10 years ago, there was nothing here.
⑨ Bao giờ xong việc thì gọi cho tôi nhé.
→ When you finish work, call me, okay?
Usage ④: Listing or Enumerating (= A is ~, B is ~)
[Explanation] When explaining multiple matters side by side, it is used in the form of “A thì…, B thì…” to describe the situation rhythmically.
Example Sentences:
⑩ Cái này thì to, cái kia thì nhỏ.
→ This one is big, and that one is small.
⑪ Người thì đông, xe thì nhiều.
→ There are many people and many cars (meaning it is very crowded).
Key Points
“Thì” is used not only for its grammatical role but also to create a pause in conversation. Especially when placed after a long subject or a word you want to emphasize, it sends a signal to the listener meaning “I am going to explain something now.”