Definition

Adverb: - Could it be that...?; Is it possible that...?: Used to express doubt, surprise, or rhetorical questioning about a situation, often implying that something seems unlikely or contrary to expectation. It introduces a speculative or questioning thought.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Chăng nhẽ anh ấy đã quên hẹn? (Could it be that he forgot the appointment?)
  • Chăng nhẽ trời lại mưa vào ngày chúng ta đi dã ngoại? (Is it possible that it will rain on the day of our picnic?)
  • Chăng nhẽ cô ấy không biết sự thật? (Could it be that she doesn't know the truth?)

Advanced Usage

• Expressing rhetorical doubt or lament: Often used in literary or formal contexts to express a poignant doubt or to lament a situation that seems unjust or unfortunate.
  • Chăng nhẽ số phận lại khắc nghiệt với cô ấy đến thế? (Could it be that fate is so harsh to her?)
• In classical poetry and literature: As seen in the reference from , it is used to pose a deep, rhetorical question laden with emotion.
  • Trên trướng gấm thấu hay chăng nhẽ? (Behind the brocade curtains, does he understand, or does he not, this situation?)

Variants and Related Words

• Chẳng lẽ: A more common variant in modern Vietnamese with the same meaning and usage.
  • Chẳng lẽ chúng ta lại bỏ cuộc? (Could it be that we give up again?)
• Phải chăng: A synonym often used to mean "Is it that...?" or "Could it be that...?", though it can sound slightly more formal or direct.
  • Phải chăng đây là lựa chọn duy nhất? (Is this the only choice?)

Synonyms

• Có lẽ nào: How could it be? (Expresses stronger disbelief).
• Hay là: Or is it that...? (Used to suggest an alternative possibility).

Related Phrases

• Chăng nhẽ lại...: Could it possibly be again that...? (Emphasizes repetition of an unwanted situation).
  • Chăng nhẽ lại phải bắt đầu từ đầu? (Could it be that we have to start from the beginning again?)

Related Idioms

Note: "Chăng nhẽ" itself functions as a fixed adverbial phrase. It is not typically part of longer idioms, but it sets the tone for rhetorical questions that can feel idiomatic in context.