Definition

1. Interjection (Polite Particle):

   • Yes / Yes, sir/ma'am: A polite word used to show respect when answering a call, acknowledging an elder or superior, or agreeing to a request or instruction.
   • Present / Here I am: A respectful response when someone calls your name.

2. Noun (Literary/Figurative):

   • Womb; Uterus: The organ in a woman's body where a baby develops.
   • Heart; Mind; Bosom: Used figuratively to represent the inner self, including one's feelings, memory, conscience, or secret thoughts.

3. Noun (Material):

   • Felt: A thick, soft cloth made by pressing and matting fibers together.

Usage Examples

• Interjection:

  • "Nam ơi!" – "Dạ!" ("Nam!" – "Yes?")
  • "Con về sớm nhé." – "Dạ, vâng ạ." ("Come home early." – "Yes, I will.")
  • Dạ, thưa cô, em chưa hiểu bài. (Yes, teacher, I don't understand the lesson yet.)

• Noun (Womb/Heart):

  • bụng mang dạ chửa (to be pregnant; literally: to carry a womb with a child)
  • ghi lòng tạc dạ (to engrave on one's heart and mind; to remember forever)

• Noun (Material):

  • quần dạ (felt trousers)

Advanced Usage

• The interjection "dạ" is a cornerstone of polite speech in Vietnamese, especially towards parents, teachers, bosses, and elders. Its use demonstrates good upbringing and respect. It is often combined with "vâng" (yes) or "thưa" (to address respectfully) for added formality.
• The noun "dạ" (heart/mind) is primarily used in literary, poetic, or proverbial contexts and fixed expressions. It is not commonly used in everyday speech to refer to physical organs.

Variants and Related Words

• Dạ con (n): Uterus; womb. A more specific term for the organ.
• Dạ dày (n): Stomach. The organ for digesting food.
• Dạ thưa (v): To address/reply respectfully. A compound of the two polite particles.

Synonyms

• Interjection: Vâng (yes), Vâng ạ (yes – more polite), Ừ (yes – informal/casual).
• Noun (Heart): Lòng (heart, mind, feelings), tấm lòng (sincere heart), tâm (heart, mind, spirit).
• Noun (Womb): Tử cung (uterus – medical term).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Mặt người dạ thú: To have a human face but the heart of a beast; to be two-faced and cruel.
• Thay lòng đổi dạ: To change one's heart/mind; to be unfaithful or break a promise.
• Sáng dạ: Quick-witted; bright (of mind).
• Gọi dạ bảo vâng: (To be so obedient that one) answers "dạ" when called and "vâng" when told; describes a very obedient and respectful child.

1. từ cảm
2. Yes ; please

noun

1. felt
   • quần dạ
     a felt trousers womb;bowels
   • bụng mang dạ chửa
     to carry a child in one's womb
2. Heart; mind
   • ghi lòng tạc dạ
     to engrave on one's heart and mind