Definition

1. Pronoun (informal):
   • You (singular): An informal second-person singular pronoun used to address someone familiar, often a friend, peer, or someone of a similar age and social standing. It carries a tone of casual closeness and affection.

Usage

• Direct Address: Used to directly address the listener in conversation.
• Context: Appropriate in informal, friendly settings. It is more intimate than the neutral "bạn" (you/friend) but less intimate than "mày" (you - very informal/slang, can be impolite depending on context). It is typically used among peers.
• Note: The word "đằng ấy" literally translates to "that side" or "over there," which contributes to its indirect and slightly softened tone compared to more direct pronouns.

Usage Examples

• Pronoun: (Would you like to go to the cinema with me?) (What are you doing?) (I miss you a lot.)

Advanced Usage

• "Đằng ấy" vs. Other Pronouns: Understanding the spectrum of Vietnamese second-person pronouns is crucial.
  • Bạn: Neutral "you," suitable for acquaintances, colleagues, or in formal learning contexts.
  • Cậu/Ấy: Similar informal "you" among friends; "cậu" is often used by/for males, "ấy" is gender-neutral but very casual.
  • Mày: Very informal, used among extremely close friends or can be rude/confrontational. "Đằng ấy" is a safer, more affectionate choice than "mày."
  • Anh/Chị/Em: Kinship terms meaning older brother, older sister, younger sibling, used as polite "you" based on age and gender.
• Tone Modifier: The word "thân" (dear/close) is sometimes added in writing for extra affection: "đằng ấy thân" (you, my dear).

Variants and Related Words

• Đằng ấy thân: (pronoun) A slightly more affectionate variant, meaning "you, my dear" or "dear you."
• Ấy: (pronoun) A common, very casual shortening of "đằng ấy." (Hey you, come here a bit!)

Synonyms

• Cậu: (pronoun) You (informal, often for males).
• Bạn: (pronoun) You (neutral, friend).
• Mày: (pronoun) You (very informal slang; use with extreme caution).

Related Phrases

• Hỏi đằng ấy: To ask you. (I need to ask you something.)
• Nhờ đằng ấy: To rely on you / to ask a favor of you. (I'd like to ask you for a hand.)

1. (thân) You
   • Đằng ấy có muốn đi xi nê với tớ không?
     Would you care to go to the cinema with me?