Definition

1. Demonstrative pronoun (dialectal):
   • Here; this one: A dialectal variant of the standard Vietnamese word "này," used to point out or draw attention to a nearby person, object, or location. It often carries an informal, emphatic, or urging tone.
   • Hey; look; take this: Used in exclamations to call for attention or to hand something over, similar to "voici" in French or "here you are" in English.

Usage Examples

• Demonstrative pronoun:
  • Đây nì. (Here you are; It is here.)
  • Nì, đọc bản thông báo đi! (Hey, read this announcement!)
  • Cái áo nì đẹp quá. (This shirt is very beautiful.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "nì" is primarily used in Southern Vietnamese dialects. Its usage can make speech sound more casual, friendly, or direct.
• It is often used at the end of a noun phrase for emphasis, similar to "này," but can also stand alone as an interjection.

Variants and Related Words

• Này (demonstrative pronoun): The standard, neutral word for "this" or "here."
  • Người này (this person).
• Đây (pronoun): Here; this place.
  • Đây là nhà tôi. (This is my house.)

Synonyms

• Here: in this place.
• This: used to identify a specific person or thing close at hand.
• Hey: used to call attention.

Notes on Usage

• Register: Informal, colloquial. It is not typically used in formal writing.
• Regional Use: Common in Southern Vietnam and some Central regions. It may not be understood or used in Northern dialects where "này" is standard.
• Function: Can act as a demonstrative adjective ("cái nì") or an interjection ("Nì!").

1. (địa phương) Here
   • Đây nì
     Here you are; it is here