Definition

1. Determiner:

   • The (plural): A word placed before a plural noun to indicate the entire, specific group being referred to. It functions similarly to the definite article "the" but is used exclusively with plural nouns.
   • All the: Emphasizes the entirety of a specific, defined group.

2. Verb (less common):

   • To pay the difference; to compensate: To add money or value when exchanging goods, especially in a trade-in transaction.
   • To bribe (colloquial): In some contexts, it implies offering an extra incentive or "sweetener" to get something done.

Usage Examples

• Determiner:
  • Các sinh viên đang học trong thư viện. (The students are studying in the library.)
  • Tôi đã đọc các sách này rồi. (I have read all these books.)
• Verb:
  • Anh phải các thêm tiền để lấy chiếc điện thoại mới hơn. (You have to pay extra money to get the newer phone.)
  • Các vàng cũng không được! (I won't do it even if you compensate with gold!)

Advanced Usage

• Used in formal writing and speech to denote a definite, whole group. It is more specific than "những," which can indicate an indefinite plural ("some").
• In the verbal sense, it is primarily used in commercial or bargaining contexts.

Variants and Related Words

• Mọi: Every (emphasizing individual components of a whole). (every person).
• Những: An indefinite plural article, often translated as "some" or simply used to pluralize a noun. ((some) books).
• Tất cả: All (often used with "các" for emphasis: ).

Synonyms

• Determiner: The (plural), all the.
• Verb: To top up, to add, to compensate.

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Đủ các loại: All sorts/varieties of.
  • Cửa hàng có đủ các loại bánh kẹo. (The store has all sorts of candies and cakes.)
• Các vàng cũng không...: An expression of strong refusal, meaning "not even for gold would I..."
  • Việc đó các vàng tôi cũng không làm. (I wouldn't do that job even for gold.)

adv (dùng phụ trước danh từ)

1. Every, all
   • đủ các loại khác nhau
     every variety, all and sundry

verb

1. To pay the difference (in a trade-in), to give in compensation
   • các thêm năm chục đồng để đổi xe đạp cũ lấy xe mới
     to pay the difference of 50 dong to trade in one's old bicycle for a new one
   • trả tiền các
     to pay the difference
   • các vàng cũng không làm
     I won't do it even for a compensation in gold; nothing doing. I won't do it