Definition

1. Particle (trợ từ):
   • Let, let's: Used to form an imperative or hortative mood, urging or encouraging someone to do something.
   • Still, yet: Used to indicate that a state or action is continuing or has not been completed.

Usage Examples

• As "let" or "let's" (urging action):

  • Hãy cố gắng lên! (Try harder! / Let's try harder!)
  • Hãy im lặng! (Be quiet!)
  • Chúng ta hãy cùng nhau học bài. (Let's study together.)

• As "still" or "yet" (indicating continuation):

  • Trời hãy còn mưa. (It is still raining.)
  • Cô ấy hãy còn trẻ. (She is still young.)
  • Công việc hãy còn dang dở. (The work is still unfinished.)

Advanced Usage

• "Hãy... đã": A common structure meaning "just do [something] for now" or "first... then we'll see."

  • Hãy nghỉ ngơi đã. (Just rest for now. / Let's rest first.)
  • Hãy ăn cơm đã, rồi tính sau. (Let's eat first, then we'll figure things out later.)

• "Hãy còn": A fixed phrase meaning "still" or "yet," often used to emphasize the persistence of a state.

  • Nó hãy còn nợ tôi tiền. (He still owes me money.)
  • Hy vọng hãy còn đó. (Hope is still there.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hãy là (imperative): "Be..." (Used in exhortations).

  • Hãy là chính mình. (Be yourself.)

• Hãy để (imperative): "Let..." (Used to suggest allowing something).

  • Hãy để tôi giúp. (Let me help.)

Synonyms

• Nên (modal verb): Should, ought to. (Expresses advice rather than direct urging).
  • Bạn nên đi sớm. (You should go early.)
• Vẫn (adverb): Still. (A more common adverb for "still," but lacks the urging force of "hãy").
  • Anh ấy vẫn đang làm việc. (He is still working.)
• Cứ (particle): Go ahead and, just. (Encourages proceeding with an action, sometimes interchangeable with "hãy" in suggestions).
  • Cứ nói đi. (Go ahead and speak.)

Notes on Usage

• Imperative vs. Continuation: The meaning of "hãy" is entirely dependent on context. Before a verb, it usually means "let/let's." When paired with "còn," it means "still."
• Politeness Level: As an imperative particle, "hãy" can sound direct and slightly formal or literary. In everyday spoken Vietnamese, the imperative is often formed by context and intonation without "hãy."
• Position: It always precedes the main verb it modifies.

1. let; let's; still; yet
   • hãy ra sức làm việc
     Let's strike to work