{"id":5155,"date":"2026-09-08T15:32:06","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T06:32:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.vietcafe-learning.com\/material\/?p=5155"},"modified":"2026-09-08T15:32:06","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T06:32:06","slug":"grammar66","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.vietcafe-learning.com\/material\/grammar66\/","title":{"rendered":"Grammar 66: expressions of incidental\/concurrent action\uff08nh\u00e2n ti\u1ec7n, ti\u1ec7n th\u1ec3\uff09"},"content":{"rendered":"

In everyday conversation, there are many situations where you want to say, “Oh, while you’re at it, could you do this too!” When expressing “while you’re at it” or “incidentally” in Vietnamese, two main words are used: “nh\u00e2n ti\u1ec7n”<\/strong> and “ti\u1ec7n th\u1ec3”<\/strong>. In this lesson, let’s learn how to use them and explore some natural phrasing.<\/p>\n

Usage \u2460: “nh\u00e2n ti\u1ec7n”<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
Nh\u00e2n ti\u1ec7n<\/span> + (Clause \/ Action), Subject + Additional Action<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n

\u3010Explanation\u3011”nh\u00e2n ti\u1ec7n” is used when taking advantage of an opportunity or situation to do something else. It carries the nuance of “seizing a good opportunity” or “while at it,” and is often placed at the beginning of a sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Example Sentences:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2460 Nh\u00e2n ti\u1ec7n<\/strong><\/span> \u0111i H\u00e0 N\u1ed9i, t\u00f4i s\u1ebd \u0111i th\u0103m b\u1ea1n th\u00e2n.
\n\u2192 While going to Hanoi, I plan to visit my best friend.<\/p>\n

\u2461 Nh\u00e2n ti\u1ec7n<\/strong><\/span> \u0111\u00e2y, t\u00f4i xin gi\u1edbi thi\u1ec7u m\u1ed9t ng\u01b0\u1eddi b\u1ea1n.
\n\u2192 Taking this opportunity (while we’re at it), please allow me to introduce a friend.<\/p>\n

\u2462 Nh\u00e2n ti\u1ec7n<\/strong><\/span> \u0111\u01b0\u1eddng v\u1ec1 nh\u00e0, anh mua gi\u00fap em \u00edt hoa qu\u1ea3 nh\u00e9.
\n\u2192 While you’re on your way home, could you buy some fruit for me?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Usage \u2461: “ti\u1ec7n th\u1ec3”<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
(Main Action) , ti\u1ec7n th\u1ec3<\/span> + Additional Action<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n

\u3010Explanation\u3011”ti\u1ec7n th\u1ec3” has almost the same meaning as “nh\u00e2n ti\u1ec7n”, but it is a more casual, everyday expression that focuses on the “convenience (ti\u1ec7n)” of getting something done because it requires no extra effort. It is also frequently placed in the middle of a sentence.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Example Sentences:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2463 Anh \u0111i si\u00eau th\u1ecb th\u00ec ti\u1ec7n th\u1ec3<\/strong><\/span> mua h\u1ed9 em h\u1ed9p s\u1eefa nh\u00e9.
\n\u2192 If you are going to the supermarket, could you grab a carton of milk for me while you’re at it?<\/p>\n

\u2464 T\u00f4i \u0111ang d\u1ecdn nh\u00e0, ti\u1ec7n th\u1ec3<\/strong><\/span> v\u1ee9t r\u00e1c lu\u00f4n.
\n\u2192 I’m cleaning the house, so I will throw away the trash while I’m at it.<\/p>\n

\u2465 Ti\u1ec7n th\u1ec3<\/strong><\/span> cho t\u00f4i h\u1ecfi, hi\u1ec7u thu\u1ed1c g\u1ea7n \u0111\u00e2y \u1edf \u0111\u00e2u?
\n\u2192 While we’re at it, could I ask where the nearest pharmacy is?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Key Points<\/span><\/h3>\n

Basically, both expressions can be used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences in nuance as follows:<\/p>\n

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  • Nh\u00e2n ti\u1ec7n:<\/strong> Feels like seizing an “opportunity.” Sounds slightly more polite.<\/li>\n
  • Ti\u1ec7n th\u1ec3:<\/strong> Feels like getting something done out of “convenience.” More colloquial.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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    Common Set Phrases in Conversation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Phrase<\/strong><\/td>\nExample Sentences \/ Meanings<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Nh\u00e2n ti\u1ec7n \u0111\u00e2y…
    \n(Taking this opportunity \/ While we’re at it)<\/td>\n    		\u2460 Nh\u00e2n ti\u1ec7n \u0111\u00e2y<\/span>, t\u00f4i xin gi\u1edbi thi\u1ec7u m\u1ed9t ng\u01b0\u1eddi b\u1ea1n.
    \nTaking this opportunity, please allow me to introduce a friend.
    \n\u2461 Nh\u00e2n ti\u1ec7n \u0111\u00e2y<\/span>, cho t\u00f4i h\u1ecfi v\u1ec1 k\u1ebf ho\u1ea1ch ng\u00e0y mai.
    \nWhile we’re at it, let me ask you about tomorrow’s schedule.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Ti\u1ec7n tay
    \n(Since your hands are free \/ While you’re at it)<\/td>\n    		\u2460 Ti\u1ec7n tay<\/span> \u0111\u00f3ng c\u1eeda gi\u00fap t\u00f4i v\u1edbi nh\u00e9.
    \nCould you close the door for me since you’re at it?
    \n\u2461 Anh ti\u1ec7n tay<\/span> pha gi\u00fap em m\u1ed9t c\u1ed1c c\u00e0 ph\u00ea nh\u00e9.
    \nCould you make me a cup of coffee while you’re at it?<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Lu\u00f4n
    \n(Doing something simultaneously \/ right away)<\/td>\n    		\u2460 \u0110\u1ec3 t\u00f4i l\u00e0m lu\u00f4n<\/span> vi\u1ec7c n\u00e0y cho.
    \nLet me just do this job as well.
    \n\u2461 \u0102n c\u01a1m xong r\u1ed3i r\u1eeda b\u00e1t lu\u00f4n<\/span> \u0111i.
    \nAfter you finish eating, wash the dishes right away (while you’re at it).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n
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