Definition

1. Pronoun:
   • He; him: A third-person singular pronoun used to refer to a male person. It often carries a specific connotation, either of familiarity, contempt, or a neutral narrative tone, depending heavily on context.

Usage

• Pronoun:
  • This word is used as a subject ("he") or object ("him") in a sentence.
  • Its usage is nuanced. It is common in literature, storytelling, and informal speech but is generally avoided in formal or polite contexts when referring to someone with respect.
  • The connotation can range from neutral (in narratives) to derogatory (showing disdain) or familiar (among close friends, though less common).

Usage Examples

• Pronoun:
  • Hắn đang đi đến đây. (He is walking over here.)
  • Tôi không thích hắn. (I don't like him.)
  • Đừng tin lời hắn. (Don't believe his words / what he says.)

Advanced Usage

• Narrative Tone: In Vietnamese literature, "hắn" is frequently used for a neutral, descriptive third-person perspective, especially in classic and modern novels.
  • Hắn quay lưng bước đi mà không nói một lời. (He turned his back and walked away without a word.)
• Derogatory/Contemptuous Connotation: It can imply disrespect, scorn, or that the person is looked down upon.
  • Hắn là một kẻ xấu. (He is a bad guy / a scoundrel.)
• Familiar/Intimate Connotation: In some regional dialects or very casual settings among males, it might be used without negative intent, similar to "he" or "him" but marking a close, informal relationship. This usage is less common in standard Vietnamese.

Variants and Related Words

• Nó (pronoun): A third-person singular pronoun meaning "it/he/she." When used for people, "nó" can be neutral (for children, subordinates) or very derogatory. It is sometimes used in similar contexts as "hắn" but "hắn" specifically implies a male referent.
• Anh ấy (pronoun): The standard, neutral, and polite way to say "he/him."
• Y (pronoun): An archaic/literary pronoun similar to "hắn," also meaning "he/him," often found in older texts or poetic language.

Synonyms

• Anh ta (pronoun): He/him. A neutral alternative, though slightly less formal than "anh ấy."
• Gã (noun): Guy, fellow. Often used derogatorily or casually, similar to "hắn" when referring to a man. (e.g., - That guy is despicable.)

Related Phrases

• Hắn đấy: It's him. (A common phrase for identification, often used in spoken language.)
  • Có phải hắn đấy không? (Is that him?)
• Thằng hắn: This colloquial phrase intensifies the derogatory or familiar sense, literally "that guy he."
  • Thằng hắn nói dối. (That guy/He is lying.)

Notes on Usage

• Formality: Avoid using "hắn" in formal writing, official documents, or when speaking to or about someone with whom you must show respect. Use "anh ấy," "ông ấy," etc., instead.
• Gender: "Hắn" is exclusively used for males. For females, the equivalent with similar connotations is "ả," "cô ta," or "bà ta," depending on context.
• Context is Key: The meaning shifts dramatically based on context, tone of voice, and the relationship between the speaker and the referent.

pronoun

1. he; him
   • hắn đấy
     It's him