Definition

1. Particle (Tag Question):
   • Isn't it? / Aren't you? / Don't you? / etc.: A versatile question tag used at the end of a statement to seek confirmation, express surprise, or invite agreement. It translates to various English question tags depending on the context of the preceding statement.

Usage Examples

• Particle:
  • Anh không biết nó hay sao? (You know him, don't you?)
  • Trời đẹp quá hay sao? (The weather is lovely, isn't it?)
  • Cô ấy đã về rồi hay sao? (She has already returned, hasn't she?)

Advanced Usage

• Expressing Surprise or Rhetorical Question: Often used to express that the speaker finds something obvious or is surprised the listener might not know.
  • Bạn chưa ăn hay sao? (You haven't eaten yet? [implying surprise])

Variants and Related Words

• phải không: The more common and neutral tag question meaning "right?" or "isn't it?".
  • Đẹp phải không? (It's beautiful, right?)

Synonyms

• Isn't it?: A common English tag question for confirmation.
• Right?: A casual tag for seeking agreement.
• Don't you think?: A tag inviting opinion or confirmation.

Related Idioms

• "hay sao" as "or what?": In some colloquial contexts, it can carry a tone of impatience or insistence, similar to "or what?".
  • Anh đi hay sao? (Are you going or what?)

1. Isn't it?
   • Anh không biết nó hay sao?
     You know him, don't you?