Definition

1. Adjective (dialectal):
   • Big; large; bulky: Used to describe an object or person of considerable size or volume, often in a comparative sense.
   • Grown-up; adult-like: Used to describe a person, particularly a child or young person, who is acting in a manner considered too old or mature for their age.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cái bánh này nậy hơn mấy cái bánh kia. (This cake is bigger than all the others.)
  • Đã rồi còn chơi bi nậy. (To play at marbles though one is already big (grown-up).)
  • Cái bình này nậy hơn cái kia. (This vase is bigger than that one.)

Advanced Usage

• The word "nậy" is primarily used in regional dialects of Vietnamese. Its usage in standard, formal writing or speech is rare.
• It often carries a nuance of being impressively or noticeably large, not just slightly bigger.

Variants and Related Words

• To (adj): The standard Vietnamese word for "big" or "large."
• Lớn (adj): Another standard word for "big," "large," or "grown-up."

Synonyms

• Big: Of considerable size or extent.
• Large: Of relatively great size or extent.
• Grown-up: Adult; having reached maturity.

Notes on Usage

• "Nậy" is a dialectal term. Learners should be aware that using "to" or "lớn" is appropriate for most situations, while "nậy" is specific to certain regional dialects.
• It can be used in both literal (physical size) and figurative (maturity level) contexts, as shown in the examples.

1. (địa phương) Big
   • Cái bánh này nậy hơn mấy cái bánh kia
     This cake is bigger than all the others
   • Đã rồi còn chơi bi nậy
     To play at marbles though one is already big (grown-up)