cố nhiên
Definition
- Adverb:
- Naturally, obviously, of course: "cố nhiên" expresses that something is self-evident, logical, or follows inevitably from the facts. It is used to confirm a statement as being unquestionably true or expected.
Usage Examples
- Adverb:
- Anh ấy học rất chăm chỉ, cố nhiên là sẽ đỗ đại học. (He studies very hard; of course he will pass the university entrance exam.)
- "Cậu có đến dự tiệc tối nay không?" – "Cố nhiên rồi." ("Will you come to the party tonight?" – "Of course.")
- Làm việc đó mà không có kế hoạch, cố nhiên là sẽ thất bại. (Doing that without a plan will obviously fail.)
Advanced Usage
"Điều đó cố nhiên": That goes without saying; That is a matter of course.
- Chúng tôi sẽ hỗ trợ bạn, điều đó cố nhiên. (We will support you; that goes without saying.)
Used to introduce a logical consequence or a reinforcing point.
- Cô ấy là một nghệ sĩ tài năng. Cố nhiên, tác phẩm của cô rất được trân trọng. (She is a talented artist. Naturally, her works are highly valued.)
Variants and Related Words
- Đương nhiên (adv): Naturally, certainly. Often interchangeable with "cố nhiên" but can sound slightly more formal or legalistic.
- Tất nhiên (adv): Certainly, definitely. Very similar in meaning and usage to "cố nhiên."
- Hiển nhiên (adj/adv): Evident, obvious, manifest. Often used to describe a state or fact that is clear and apparent.
Synonyms
- Dĩ nhiên: Of course, naturally. A very close synonym.
- Chắc chắn: Surely, certainly. Emphasizes certainty rather than logical inevitability.
- Rõ ràng: Clearly, obviously. Focuses on the clarity of the fact.
Notes on Meaning and Usage
- "Cố nhiên" vs. "Tất nhiên" / "Đương nhiên": These words are largely synonymous in modern Vietnamese. "Cố nhiên" can sometimes carry a slightly stronger nuance of something being inherent or following from the intrinsic nature of things.
- Position in Sentence: It commonly appears at the beginning of a clause or sentence to state a logical conclusion. It can also be used as a short affirmative response ("Cố nhiên" or "Cố nhiên rồi").
- Tone: It conveys a tone of assurance and logical reasoning. It is appropriate in both spoken and written language.