Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • If, supposing that: "giá dụ" is a literary or formal conjunction used to introduce a hypothetical condition or supposition, similar to "nếu" (if) but with a more formal or literary tone. It often sets up a conditional clause, particularly for unreal or imagined situations.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:
  • Giá dụ tôi không báo cho anh trước, thì anh cũng chả đến. (If I had not informed you beforehand, you would probably not have come.)
  • Giá dụ trời mưa, chúng ta sẽ hoãn chuyến đi. (Supposing that it rains, we will postpone the trip.)
  • Giá dụ anh ấy đồng ý, mọi chuyện sẽ dễ dàng hơn. (If he agrees, everything will be easier.)

Advanced Usage

• "Giá dụ như": This is a common variant that functions identically to "giá dụ," meaning "if" or "supposing that." It can be used interchangeably in most contexts.
  • Giá dụ như cô ấy từ chối, chúng ta phải làm gì? (Supposing that she refuses, what should we do?)

Variants and Related Words

• Nếu: The standard and most common word for "if." It is used in both spoken and written language across all registers.
• Ví dụ: This word means "for example." It is important not to confuse "giá dụ" (if) with "ví dụ" (for example), although they sound somewhat similar.
• Giả sử: A synonym meaning "suppose that" or "assuming that," used for hypothetical reasoning.

Synonyms

• Nếu: if.
• Giả sử: suppose that, assuming that.
• Phỏng như: if, supposing (archaic/literary).

Notes on Meaning

• Hypothetical Condition: "Giá dụ" is primarily used to present a hypothetical, often contrary-to-fact or speculative, scenario. It is less common in everyday casual speech than "nếu."
• Formal/Literary Register: This word is more frequently found in formal writing, literature, or structured speech than in casual conversation.

1. If
   • Giá dụ tôi không báo cho anh trước, thì anh cũng chả đến
     If I had not informed you beforehand, you would probably not have come