Definition

1. Adjective:
   • First, top, foremost: Indicates the highest position in a ranking, sequence, or level of quality. This is a phonetic variant of the standard word "nhất," primarily used in some Southern Vietnamese dialects.
   • Best, most excellent: Used to describe something of the utmost quality or superiority.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Anh ấy là học sinh đứng nhứt lớp. (He is the top student in the class.)
  • Đây là món ngon nhứt tôi từng ăn. (This is the most delicious dish I have ever eaten.)
  • Cô ấy về đích nhứt trong cuộc đua. (She finished first in the race.)

Advanced Usage

• "Nhứt định" (variant of "nhất định"): definitely, certainly.

  • Ngày mai tôi nhứt định sẽ đến. (I will definitely come tomorrow.)

• "Thứ nhứt" (variant of "thứ nhất"): firstly, first (in order).

  • Thứ nhứt, chúng ta cần lên kế hoạch. (Firstly, we need to make a plan.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nhất (Standard form): The standard, formal spelling and pronunciation with identical meanings (first, top, best).
• Nhứt đẳng (variant of "nhất đẳng"): first-class, top-tier.
  • Dịch vụ nhứt đẳng. (First-class service.)

Synonyms

• Đầu tiên: first (in sequence).
• Tốt nhất: best.
• Hàng đầu: leading, top.

Notes on Usage

• Dialectal Note: "Nhứt" is a recognized dialectal variant of the standard word "nhất." It is commonly heard in Southern Vietnam and some central regions. While understandable nationwide, the standard form "nhất" is preferred in formal writing and national media.
• Interchangeability: In the dialectal contexts where it is used, "nhứt" can almost always be replaced with "nhất" without changing the meaning. The choice is often based on regional speech habits.

1. (địa phương) như nhất