Definition

Noun: 1. Lover; sweetheart: A person with whom one shares a romantic or affectionate love relationship. This term refers specifically to the person one is in love with, typically in a dating or courtship context, but not necessarily implying marriage. 2. Beloved: A person who is dearly loved; the object of one's affection.

Usage Examples

• As a noun (referring to a romantic partner):
  • Cô ấy là người yêu của tôi. (She is my girlfriend/sweetheart.)
  • Anh ấy đã tặng hoa cho người yêu. (He gave flowers to his lover.)
  • Họ đã là người yêu của nhau được hai năm. (They have been each other's sweethearts for two years.)

Advanced Usage & Nuances

• Term of Endearment: "Người yêu" is a direct and common term. It is more neutral and factual than poetic terms like "người thương" (which can also mean beloved, but sometimes with a softer, more caring nuance).
• Context Dependency: The term itself does not specify gender. The relationship context or additional words (e.g., - boyfriend, - girlfriend) often clarify it.
• Formality: It is standard in modern Vietnamese for romantic relationships. It is less formal than "vị hôn phu"/"vị hôn thê" (fiancé/fiancée) and more committed than "bạn" (friend) or "người quen" (acquaintance).

Variants and Related Words

• Người thương (n): Beloved, dear one. Often used interchangeably with "người yêu" but can sound slightly more tender or poetic. It can also refer to someone one has affection for, not strictly romantic.
• Bạn trai (n): Boyfriend.
• Bạn gái (n): Girlfriend.
• Tình nhân (n): Lover. This word can carry a stronger, sometimes more passionate or secretive connotation than "người yêu".
• Người ấy (n): That person; him/her. A common, indirect way to refer to one's partner in conversation.

Synonyms

• Sweetheart
• Lover
• Beloved
• Significant other (a more modern, general term)

Common Phrases and Collocations

• Có người yêu: To have a boyfriend/girlfriend; to be in a relationship.
  • Anh ấy đã có người yêu chưa? (Does he have a girlfriend yet?)
• Tìm người yêu: To look for a partner.
• Người yêu cũ: Ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend; former lover.

noun

1. lover; sweet-heart