bèn
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adverb:
- Then / Thereupon / So (then): An adverb used to indicate that an action is performed immediately, directly, or consequently after a preceding event or realization. It expresses a prompt, logical, or natural response to a situation.
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- Thấy không khí nặng nề quá, anh ta bèn nói đùa một câu. (Seeing the atmosphere was too tense, he then cracked a joke.)
- Em bé chỉ đường cho anh ấy, anh ấy bèn quay lại. (The child showed him the way, so he turned back.)
- Giận quá, bèn bỏ đi. (Being so angry, he/she then left.)
- Ưng ý, bèn mua ngay. (Liking it, he/she then bought it immediately.)
Advanced Usage
- "bèn" is a literary and somewhat formal adverb, more common in written Vietnamese than in casual daily speech. It creates a narrative link between cause and immediate effect.
- Nhận được tin báo, cảnh sát bèn có mặt tại hiện trường. (Upon receiving the report, the police then appeared at the scene.)
Variants and Related Words
Liền (adv): immediately, right away. Often used in similar sequential contexts but can be more colloquial.
- Nghe xong, cô ấy liền đồng ý. (After listening, she immediately agreed.)
Thì (conj): then, so. A more general and common conjunction for sequential actions, but less specific about immediacy than "bèn".
Synonyms
- Thereupon: Following immediately or directly from that.
- Consequently: As a result.
- Forthwith: Immediately; without delay.
- Promptly: With little or no delay.
Notes on Usage
- "bèn" typically precedes the main verb it modifies.
- It is used to convey a sense of decisive action taken right after a trigger. The action is often a deliberate choice or a natural next step.
- It is not used for future actions ("I will then go") but for past or habitual narrative sequences.
adv
- Then
- thấy không khí nặng nề quá, anh ta bèn nói đùa một câuas he noticed that the atmosphere was quite strained, he then cracked a joke