Definition

1. Interjection:
   • A question particle used to seek confirmation, agreement, or to soften a question: "Hử" is a colloquial interjection used at the end of a sentence to turn a statement into a question, often implying the speaker expects a response, confirmation, or is expressing mild surprise or doubt. It functions similarly to "huh?", "right?", or "isn't it?" in English.
   • An expression prompting a reply or checking for attention: It can also be used to elicit a reaction or to check if the listener is following or agrees, often softening a direct question.

Usage Examples

• Interjection:
  • Làm gì mà ầm lên thế hử? (Why on earth are you making so much noise, huh?)
  • Có đi không hử? (Are you going or not, tell me?)
  • Đẹp quá, hử? (It's so beautiful, isn't it?)
  • Anh hiểu rồi, hử? (You understand now, right?)

Advanced Usage

• "Hử" as a discourse particle: In informal conversation, "hử" is not a standalone word but a particle attached to the end of a sentence. Its tone and the context give it nuance.
  • Trời lạnh thế này, hử? (It's so cold like this, huh? [Implying agreement is expected])
• Softening a command or suggestion: It can make an instruction sound less abrupt.
  • Đợi chút nữa, hử? (Wait a little longer, okay?)

Variants and Related Words

• Hở (th.): A variant or alternative form of "hử", with identical meaning and usage. It is noted in dictionaries as being the same (như hở).
  • Có phải không hở? (Is that right or not?)

Synonyms

• Nhỉ: A similar colloquial question particle (e.g., - It's cold, isn't it?). "Nhỉ" often seeks shared feeling or agreement.
• Nhé: A particle used to make a suggestion or request softer (e.g., - Be careful, okay?). While "nhé" is gentler and more suggestive, "hử" is more questioning.
• Phải không: The standard phrase for "isn't it/right?" (e.g., - It's beautiful, isn't it?). "Hử" is its more informal, conversational equivalent.

Notes on Different Meanings

• The word "hử" functions exclusively as an interjection or particle in modern Vietnamese. It does not carry other meanings as a noun, verb, or adjective. Its core function is interactive, used to engage the listener in dialogue.

1. như hở
   • Làm gì mà ầm lên thế hử?
     Why on earth are you making so much noise?