{"id":4364,"date":"2026-06-10T15:43:57","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T06:43:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.vietcafe-learning.com\/material\/?p=4364"},"modified":"2026-06-10T15:43:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T06:43:57","slug":"grammar54","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.vietcafe-learning.com\/material\/grammar54\/","title":{"rendered":"Grammar 54: Usage of “L\u1ea1i”"},"content":{"rendered":"

In this lesson, we will systematically summarize the diverse usages of the Vietnamese word “l\u1ea1i”, going beyond its most well-known meaning of “again” to include its various other meanings and applications.<\/p>\n

The word “l\u1ea1i” has many meanings, and its function changes depending on its position in the sentence. By referring to the structures and examples below, let’s deepen our understanding of how to use “l\u1ea1i”.<\/p>\n

Structure \u2460<\/span><\/h3>\n
Subject\u3000+\u00a0 \u00a0Verb\u00a0 +\u00a0 (Object)\u00a0 + \u00a0l\u1ea1i<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n

Explanation: When “l\u1ea1i” is placed after a verb, it indicates “returning to the original state\/place” or “movement towards the speaker”.<\/p>\n

Usage \u2460 Return \/ Back<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u2460 T\u00f4i quay l\u1ea1i<\/strong><\/span> nh\u00e0 \u0111\u1ec3 l\u1ea5y s\u00e1ch.
\n\u2192 I returned back home to get the book.<\/p>\n

\u2461 Xe bu\u00fdt n\u00e0y s\u1ebd quay tr\u1edf l\u1ea1i<\/strong> <\/span>b\u1ebfn c\u0169.
\n\u2192 This bus will return to its original stop.<\/p>\n

*Used when a person or thing returns to their original place.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Usage <\/strong>\u2461 Movement towards the speaker<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u2460 \u0110i l\u1ea1i<\/strong><\/span> \u0111\u00e2y.
\n\u2192 Come over here.<\/p>\n

\u2461 K\u00e9o gh\u1ebf l\u1ea1i<\/strong><\/span> g\u1ea7n h\u01a1n.
\n\u2192 Pull the chair closer.<\/p>\n

\u2462 Con m\u00e8o ch\u1ea1y l\u1ea1i<\/strong><\/span> ph\u00eda t\u00f4i.
\n\u2192 The cat ran towards me.<\/p>\n

*Used when a person or object moves towards the speaker.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Structure \u2461<\/span><\/h3>\n
(Subject) \u3000+ \u3000l\u1ea1i\u3000<\/span> +\u3000 Verb (or Adjective)<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n

Explanation: When “l\u1ea1i” is placed before a verb (or adjective), it takes on meanings such as “repetition”, “contrast (on the other hand)”, “addition (moreover)”, or “emphasis of emotion”.<\/p>\n

Usage <\/strong>\u2462 <\/strong>Repetition (Again)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u2460 Anh \u1ea5y l\u1ea1i<\/strong><\/span> \u0111\u1ebfn mu\u1ed9n.
\n\u2192 He arrived late again.<\/p>\n

\u2461 T\u00f4i l\u1ea1i<\/strong><\/span> qu\u00ean mang b\u00fat.
\n\u2192 I forgot to bring a pen again.<\/p>\n

*Used when repeating an action or event “once more”.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Usage \u2463 <\/strong>Addition (Moreover \/ Furthermore)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u2460 N\u00f3 v\u1eeba th\u00f4ng minh, l\u1ea1i ch\u0103m ch\u1ec9.
\n\u2192 He is smart, and moreover, hardworking.<\/p>\n

\u2461 S\u00e1ch n\u00e0y hay, tranh minh h\u1ecda l\u1ea1i<\/strong><\/span> \u0111\u1eb9p.
\n\u2192 This book is interesting, and furthermore, the illustrations are beautiful.<\/p>\n

\u2462 Qu\u00e1n \u0103n ngon m\u00e0 gi\u00e1 l\u1ea1i<\/strong><\/span> r\u1ebb.
\n\u2192 This restaurant is delicious, and moreover, the price is cheap.<\/p>\n

*Used to add information or qualities. It has the same meaning as “moreover” or “furthermore”.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Usage \u2464 Contrast (On the other hand \/ Conversely)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u2460 T\u00f4i th\u00edch \u0111i ch\u01a1i, n\u00f3 l\u1ea1i<\/strong><\/span> kh\u00f4ng th\u00edch.
\n\u2192 I like going out, but he, on the other hand, does not.<\/p>\n

\u2461 M\u1ecdi ng\u01b0\u1eddi c\u01b0\u1eddi, c\u00f4 \u1ea5y l\u1ea1i<\/strong> <\/span>kh\u00f3c.
\n\u2192 Everyone is laughing, but she, conversely, is crying.<\/p>\n

\u2462 Kh\u00f4ng th\u00edch b\u00fat ch\u00ec nh\u01b0ng l\u1ea1i<\/strong><\/span> th\u00edch b\u00fat ch\u00ec kim.
\n\u2192 I don’t like wooden pencils, but conversely, I like mechanical pencils.<\/p>\n

\u2463 Ng\u01b0\u1eddi th\u00ec khen, ng\u01b0\u1eddi l\u1ea1i<\/strong> <\/span>ch\u00ea.
\n\u2192 Some people praise it, while others criticize it.<\/p>\n

*Used to express something contrary to expectations or other people’s actions.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Usage \u2465 Surprise \/ Displeasure \/ Exclamation<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u2460 L\u1ea1i<\/strong><\/span> h\u1ecfng n\u1eefa r\u1ed3i!
\n\u2192 It broke again! (Expressing frustration)<\/p>\n

\u2461 Sao c\u1eadu l\u1ea1i<\/strong> <\/span>l\u00e0m th\u1ebf?
\n\u2192 Why did you do that? (Expressing surprise\/confusion)<\/p>\n

\u2462 Tr\u1eddi \u01a1i, l\u1ea1i<\/strong><\/span> m\u01b0a!
\n\u2192 Oh my god, it’s raining again!<\/p>\n

*Used to express strong emotions of the speaker such as surprise, dismay, or dissatisfaction.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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