Definition

1. Conjunction:

   • Certainly, would rather...than: Used to introduce a contrasting statement that negates a contrary possibility, thereby reinforcing the main point. It often expresses a strong preference or a definitive alternative.
   • But, rather: Used to correct or contrast a previous statement, emphasizing the true or correct information.

2. Particle (Sentence-final particle):

   • Isn't it? / Aren't you? / Right?: Used at the end of a question to seek confirmation or agreement, often with an emphatic or expectant tone. It implies the speaker already believes the statement to be true.
   • Used for emphasis in exclamations or commands: Adds force to a statement, command, or exclamation, urging action or highlighting an obvious fact.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:

  • Chết vì tai nạn, chứ không phải vì bệnh. (To die in an accident, certainly not of a disease.)
  • Tôi vẫn còn nhớ, chứ quên thế nào được. (I still remember, certainly I can't forget.)
  • Thà chết chứ không chịu làm nô lệ. (Would rather die than be slaves.)

• Particle:

  • Anh vẫn khỏe đấy chứ? (You are well, aren't you?)
  • Anh sẽ đến đấy chứ? (You will come there, won't you?)
  • Nhanh lên chứ! (Hurry up, will you! / Come on, hurry up!)
  • Đẹp đấy chứ nhỉ! (It's beautiful, isn't it!)

Advanced Usage

• "Chứ" for strong correction: Used to forcefully present the correct information after negating an incorrect assumption.

  • Nó trắng chứ không đen. (It's white, not black. / It's white rather than black.)
  • Anh ta chứ ai! (It's him, who else! / Him, certainly no one else!)

• "Chứ" in rhetorical questions: Used in questions where the answer is considered obvious or to express surprise/disbelief.

  • Nó đến hỏi anh việc ấy chứ gì? (He came to ask you about that matter, didn't he? / He certainly did!)

Variants and Related Words

• Chứ không: A common combination meaning "but not" or "rather than".
  • Tôi muốn cà phê chứ không phải trà. (I want coffee, not tea.)
• Chứ sao / Chứ gì: Used at the end of rhetorical questions for strong emphasis ("of course", "naturally").
  • Tôi giúp bạn chứ sao. (I'll help you, of course.)

Synonyms

• Nhưng mà: But, however (used for contrast, but less emphatic than "chứ" in corrections).
• Phải không: Right? Isn't it? (A neutral question tag, less expectant than "chứ").
• Hả: Huh? (An informal question particle, less confirmatory than "chứ").

Related Phrases (Particle Usage)

• ...đấy chứ: A common structure for seeking confirmation or expressing obviousness.
  • Anh biết rồi đấy chứ? (You already know, don't you?)
• ...thì chứ: Used to set up a hypothetical contrast.
  • Làm thì chứ, đừng có nói. (If you're going to do it, then do it; don't just talk.)

Related Idioms

• Có thế chứ!: That's more like it! / That's the way! (An expression of approval when someone finally acts correctly or satisfactorily.)
• Thì chứ!: I told you so! / See! (Used to indicate that events have unfolded as the speaker predicted or expected.)

1. từ nối
2. Certainly, would rather...than
   • chết vì tai nạn, chứ không phải vì bệnh
     to die in accident, certainly not of a disease
   • tôi vẫn còn nhớ, chứ quên thế nào được
     I still remember, certainly I can't forget
   • anh ta chứ ai
     It is him, certainly no one else
   • nó đến hỏi anh việc ấy chứ gì?
     he came to ask you about that matter, he certainly did!
   • thà chết chứ không chịu làm nô lệ
     would rather die than be slaves

noun

1. (Particle used in question tags with emphatic affirmational implication)
   • anh vẫn khỏe đấy chứ?
     you are well, aren't you?