miễn là
Definition
- Conjunction:
- As long as / Provided that / So long as: A subordinating conjunction used to introduce the one essential condition that makes something else possible or acceptable. It expresses that if a specific requirement is met, the main statement holds true.
Usage Examples
- Conjunction:
- Tôi sẽ đi, miễn là trời không mưa. (I will go, as long as it doesn't rain.)
- Bạn có thể mượn xe, miễn là bạn lái cẩn thận. (You can borrow the car, provided that you drive carefully.)
- Miễn là chúng ta còn thời gian, mọi việc sẽ ổn. (So long as we have time, everything will be fine.)
Advanced Usage
- "miễn là" vs. "nếu": While "nếu" is a general "if," "miễn là" specifically highlights a single, non-negotiable condition that is both sufficient and necessary for the outcome.
- Tôi đồng ý với mọi kế hoạch, miễn là nó an toàn. (I agree with any plan, as long as it is safe.)
Variants and Related Words
Miễn sao (conj): A more colloquial variant with the same meaning as "miễn là."
- Anh làm cách nào cũng được, miễn sao xong việc. (You can do it any way you like, as long as the job gets done.)
Với điều kiện là (conj phrase): On the condition that. This is a more formal equivalent.
- Hợp đồng có hiệu lực, với điều kiện là cả hai bên ký tên. (The contract is valid, on the condition that both parties sign.)
Synonyms
- As long as: Emphasizes the duration or continuation of the condition.
- Provided that: Slightly more formal, often used in written agreements.
- So long as: Functionally identical to "as long as."
- On the condition that: Explicitly formal, stating a stipulated requirement.
Related Idioms
- Miễn là có chí thì nên: An idiomatic proverb derived from the structure: "As long as one has determination, one will succeed."
- Đừng lo khó khăn, miễn là có chí thì nên. (Don't worry about difficulties; as long as you have determination, you will succeed.)