Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • If; whenever: Indicates a conditional relationship, meaning that if a certain condition occurs, a specific consequence or event will follow. It often expresses a general rule or a habitual occurrence.

Usage

• "Hễ" is used at the beginning of a conditional clause to introduce the condition. The main clause, which states the consequence, often follows with words like "thì" (then), "là" (is), or "sẽ" (will).
• It is commonly used to express universal truths, habitual actions, or inevitable consequences.
• Structure: Hễ + [Condition] + (thì/là/sẽ) + [Consequence].

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:
  • Hễ trời mưa thì đường sẽ ướt. (If/Whenever it rains, the road will be wet.)
  • Hễ anh ấy gọi, tôi sẽ đến ngay. (If/Whenever he calls, I will come immediately.)
  • Hễ là học sinh thì phải chăm chỉ học tập. (If one is a student, one must study diligently.)

Advanced Usage

• "Hễ mà": A slightly more emphatic or colloquial form meaning "if" or "whenever".
  • Hễ mà cô ấy buồn, cô ấy lại nghe nhạc. (Whenever she is sad, she listens to music.)
• "Hễ... là...": A common paired structure emphasizing an immediate or automatic consequence.
  • Hễ tôi nhắc đến tên anh ta là cô ấy lại im lặng. (Whenever I mention his name, she immediately falls silent.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nếu: A more general and common word for "if". "Hễ" often implies a stronger sense of "whenever" or a predictable condition-consequence link.
• Mỗi khi: "Every time that", which is very close in meaning to "hễ" when it indicates a repeated event.
• Miễn là: "As long as", which sets a condition for something to be acceptable or true.

Synonyms

• Nếu: if.
• Khi nào: when(ever).
• Mỗi khi: every time that.

Related Phrases

• Hễ có cơ hội là...: Whenever there's a chance...
  • Hễ có cơ hội là tôi lại đi du lịch. (Whenever I get the chance, I travel.)
• Hễ thấy...: Whenever one sees...
  • Hễ thấy khó khăn, anh ấy luôn sẵn sàng giúp đỡ. (Whenever he sees difficulty, he is always ready to help.)

1. if; whenever