cũng nên
Definitions
- Adverb phrase:
- Should also; ought to as well: Used to suggest that an action is advisable or appropriate in addition to something else.
- Perhaps; probably: Used to express a moderate degree of likelihood or to soften a suggestion, making it sound less direct.
Usage Examples
As a suggestion:
- Anh cũng nên kiểm tra lại tài liệu trước khi nộp. (You should also review the document before submitting it.)
- Chúng ta cũng nên xem xét các lựa chọn khác. (We ought to consider other options as well.)
Expressing probability or softening a statement:
- Cô ấy cũng nên đến sớm thôi. (She will probably arrive soon. / It's likely she will arrive soon.)
- Trời cũng nên mưa vào chiều nay. (It might/probably will rain this afternoon.)
Advanced Usage
- "cũng nên" as a discourse softener: Often used to make advice or a prediction sound more polite and less imposing.
- Ông cũng nên nghỉ ngơi một chút. (You should perhaps get some rest.) - This is softer than the direct "Ông nên nghỉ ngơi."
Variants and Related Words
- Nên: Should; ought to. The core modal verb. "Cũng nên" adds the nuance of "also" or "perhaps."
- Có lẽ nên: Perhaps should; maybe ought to. A slightly more explicit variant for expressing tentative advice.
- Có thể nên: Might should; could be advisable to. Expresses even more uncertainty than "cũng nên."
Synonyms
- Nên: Should; ought to (more direct).
- Có lẽ: Perhaps; maybe.
- Có thể: Could; may.
Related Phrases
- Cũng nên thôi: That's probably for the best; that should be okay. Used to express resigned or mild agreement with a suggested outcome.
- Thôi, nghỉ sớm cũng nên thôi. (Well, leaving early is probably for the best.)
Related Idioms
- Ăn *cũng nên, đường cũng nên*: (Literally: Should eat, and should have a way/path). An idiom meaning a plan or situation has multiple favorable aspects or is advisable from different angles.
- Kế hoạch này ăn cũng nên, đường cũng nên. (This plan has merits on all sides / is advisable in every respect.)