Definition

1. Verb (To be):

   • To identify or equate: The primary function of "là" is to link the subject with a noun or noun phrase that identifies, classifies, or defines it. It expresses equivalence, membership, or a characteristic role.
   • To equal (in mathematics or value): Used to state that two things are numerically or fundamentally equivalent.

2. Conjunction:

   • That (introducing a clause): Used to introduce a subordinate clause, often following verbs of thinking, saying, or perceiving.
   • Then / In that case (indicating consequence): Used in conditional or resultative structures to link an action with its immediate consequence.

3. Adverb (Particle):

   • Used for emphasis or exclamation: Adds emotional emphasis, intensity, or a subjective tone to an adjective or statement. Often used in exclamatory phrases.

4. Verb (To iron):

   • To press (clothes): To use a heated tool to remove wrinkles from fabric.

5. Verb (To skim / To graze):

   • To move closely over a surface: To fly, glide, or move very near to a surface without touching it, or while barely touching it.

Usage Examples

• Verb (To be):
  • Tôi là giáo viên. (I am a teacher.)
  • Hai với hai là bốn. (Two plus two is four.)
  • Thì giờ là tiền bạc. (Time is money.)
• Conjunction:
  • Tôi nghĩ là anh ấy đúng. (I think that he is right.)
  • Hễ mưa là đường ngập. (Whenever it rains, the street floods.)
• Adverb (Particle):
  • Đẹp ơi là đẹp! (How beautiful!)
  • Làm thế rất là dở. (Doing it that way is very bad.)
• Verb (To iron):
  • Cô ấy là quần áo. (She irons the clothes.)
• Verb (To skim):
  • Chim là mặt nước. (The bird skims the water's surface.)

Advanced Usage

• "là" as "as" or "in the capacity of": Used to indicate a role or function.
  • Anh ấy được bầu là chủ tịch. (He was elected as chairman.)
• Emphatic repetition with "là": Repeating an adjective with "là" for strong emphasis.
  • Nóng là nóng! (It's seriously hot!)

Variants and Related Words

• Bàn là (n): clothes iron.
  • Cái bàn là này rất nóng. (This clothes iron is very hot.)
• Là là (v): to hover, to glide very close to a surface.
  • Máy bay là là mặt đất. (The plane is flying just above the ground.)

Synonyms

• To be: to exist, to have identity.
• That: used to introduce a clause.
• To iron: to press.
• To skim: to glide, to graze.

Related Idioms

• Làm là: to take care of, to settle (a matter).
  • Anh ấy hứa sẽ làm là chuyện này. (He promised to settle this matter.)
• Phải là: must be, it must be that (expressing necessity or strong assumption).
  • Cửa đóng, phải là không có ai ở nhà. (The door is locked, there must be no one home.)

noun

1. fine silk

verb

1. to bẹ
   • thì giờ là tiền bạc
     Time is money

conj

1. then
   • cảm thán.
     how
   • đẹp đẹp là!
     how beautiful!

verb

1. to press iron
   • bàn là
     an iron