In everyday Vietnamese conversation, the word “th\u00ec” 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 “th\u00ec,” which is essential for creating the rhythm of conversation.<\/p>\n
[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 “N\u1ebfu” (if) or “H\u1ec5” (whenever).<\/span><\/p>\n Example Sentences:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2460 N\u1ebfu tr\u1eddi m\u01b0a th\u00ec<\/strong><\/span> t\u00f4i s\u1ebd \u1edf nh\u00e0. \u2461 H\u1ec5 r\u1ea3nh th\u00ec<\/strong><\/span> anh \u1ea5y l\u1ea1i ch\u01a1i game. \u2462 M\u1eafc qu\u00e1 th\u00ec<\/strong><\/span> \u0111\u1eebng mua. * In conversation, “N\u1ebfu” is often omitted, and “~ th\u00ec…” alone can express the meaning of “if…”.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n [Explanation] By placing “th\u00ec” 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Example Sentences:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2463 T\u00f4i th\u00edch c\u00e0 ph\u00ea, c\u00f2n anh \u1ea5y th\u00ec<\/strong><\/span> th\u00edch tr\u00e0. \u2464 M\u00f3n n\u00e0y ngon nh\u01b0ng gi\u00e1 th\u00ec<\/strong><\/span> h\u01a1i \u0111\u1eaft. \u2465 Vi\u1ec7c \u0111\u00f3 th\u00ec<\/strong><\/span> t\u00f4i kh\u00f4ng bi\u1ebft. [Explanation] Placing “th\u00ec” 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 ~.”<\/span><\/p>\n Example Sentences:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2466 Ng\u00e0y mai th\u00ec<\/strong><\/span> t\u00f4i b\u1eadn r\u1ed3i. \u2467 10 n\u0103m tr\u01b0\u1edbc th\u00ec<\/strong><\/span> \u1edf \u0111\u00e2y ch\u01b0a c\u00f3 g\u00ec c\u1ea3. \u2468 Bao gi\u1edd xong vi\u1ec7c th\u00ec<\/strong><\/span> g\u1ecdi cho t\u00f4i nh\u00e9. [Explanation] When explaining multiple matters side by side, it is used in the form of “A th\u00ec…, B th\u00ec…” to describe the situation rhythmically.<\/span><\/p>\n Example Sentences:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2469 C\u00e1i n\u00e0y th\u00ec<\/strong><\/span> to, c\u00e1i kia th\u00ec<\/strong><\/span> nh\u1ecf. \u246a Ng\u01b0\u1eddi th\u00ec<\/strong><\/span> \u0111\u00f4ng, xe th\u00ec<\/strong><\/span> nhi\u1ec1u. “Th\u00ec” is used not only for its grammatical role but also to create a pause in conversation<\/strong>. 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.”<\/p>\n\n\n
\n\u2192 If it rains, I will stay at home.<\/p>\n
\n\u2192 Whenever he is free, he plays games.<\/p>\n
\n\u2192 If it is too expensive, don’t buy it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nUsage \u2461: Presenting or Contrasting a Topic<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n\u2192 I like coffee, while he (on the other hand) likes tea.<\/p>\n
\n\u2192 This dish is delicious, but the price (on the other hand) is a bit expensive.<\/p>\n
\n\u2192 As for that matter, I don’t know.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nUsage \u2462: Emphasizing Time (= when it becomes ~, at the time of ~)<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n\u2192 As for tomorrow, I am already busy.<\/p>\n
\n\u2192 10 years ago, there was nothing here.<\/p>\n
\n\u2192 When you finish work, call me, okay?<\/p>\n<\/div>\nUsage \u2463: Listing or Enumerating (= A is ~, B is ~)<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n\u2192 This one is big, and that one is small.<\/p>\n
\n\u2192 There are many people and many cars (meaning it is very crowded).<\/p>\n<\/div>\nKey Points<\/span><\/h3>\n