Definition

Conjunction: * If, supposing that, assuming that: Used to introduce a hypothetical condition or situation, often for the purpose of reasoning, exploring possibilities, or making a point. It sets up a premise that may or may not be true.

Usage

• Introducing a hypothetical scenario: Used at the beginning of a clause to present an assumption. It is often paired with "thì" (then) in the following clause to show the consequence.
  • Structure: Giá sử + [hypothetical condition] + (thì) + [result/consequence].
• Formal and literary tone: While understandable, "giá sử" is less common in everyday spoken Vietnamese than "giả sử" or "nếu". It carries a slightly more formal, literary, or rhetorical flavor.

Usage Examples

• Giá sử trời mưa lớn, thì chuyến đi của chúng ta sẽ bị hoãn.
  • Supposing that it rains heavily, our trip will be postponed.
• Giá sử bạn có một triệu đô la, bạn sẽ làm gì?
  • If you had a million dollars, what would you do?
• Tôi không tin anh ta nói thật. Nhưng giá sử anh ta nói thật, thì sao?
  • I don't believe he is telling the truth. But assuming that he is, then what?

Advanced Usage

• "Giá sử như": This is a reinforced form, synonymous with "giá sử" and "giả sử". It emphasizes the hypothetical nature of the statement.
  • Giá sử như dự án đó thất bại, công ty chúng ta sẽ thế nào?

    • Assuming that project fails, what will happen to our company?

Variants and Related Words

• Giả sử (conjunction): The most common and direct synonym. It is interchangeable with "giá sử" in most contexts but is more frequently used.
• Nếu (conjunction): The standard, neutral word for "if". It is used for both realistic and hypothetical conditions and is the most common in daily speech.
• Phỏng sử / Phỏng như (conjunction, literary): An archaic or highly literary synonym meaning "if one were to suppose".
• Giá mà (conjunction): Used to express a wish or regret about an unreal situation in the past, similar to "if only".
  • Giá mà tôi biết trước. (If only I had known.)

Synonyms

• Nếu: If.
• Giả sử: Suppose, assuming.
• Phỏng sử / Phỏng như: Supposing (literary).
• Trường hợp: In case (of).

Related Idioms

• Giá sử có...: A common phrase to start a hypothetical question or statement.
  • Giá sử có người ngoài hành tinh, liệu họ có thân thiện không?

    • Supposing there are aliens, would they be friendly?

1. như giả sử