Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • If: Used to introduce a conditional clause, expressing a hypothesis, supposition, or circumstance upon which another statement depends. It is the primary and most common word for "if" in Vietnamese.
   • In case (that): Used to introduce a clause that specifies a possible situation or event.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:
  • Nếu như trời mưa, chúng ta sẽ ở nhà. (If it rains, we will stay at home.)
  • Tôi sẽ giúp anh, nếu như anh cần. (I will help you, if you need it.)
  • Nếu như anh không đồng ý, chúng ta có thể thảo luận thêm. (If you do not agree, we can discuss further.)

Advanced Usage

• "nếu như... thì...": This is a common correlative structure meaning "if... then...". The "thì" (then) is often used in the main clause for emphasis but can sometimes be omitted.

  • Nếu như cô ấy gọi, thì hãy bảo tôi. (If she calls, then please tell me.)

• "nếu như không": This phrase means "if not" or "otherwise".

  • Hãy đi nhanh lên, nếu như không chúng ta sẽ muộn. (Hurry up, otherwise we will be late.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nếu (conj): A slightly more concise and equally common variant of "nếu như", meaning "if". The usage is virtually identical.

  • Nếu tôi giàu, tôi sẽ mua một ngôi nhà. (If I were rich, I would buy a house.)

• Giả sử như / Giả dụ như (conj): Means "supposing that" or "assuming that". It is used for hypothetical or imagined situations.

  • Giả sử như bạn thắng xổ số, bạn sẽ làm gì? (Supposing you won the lottery, what would you do?)

Synonyms

• If: On the condition or supposition that.
• Provided that: On the condition or understanding that.
• In case (that): As a provision against something happening or being true.

Related Phrases and Structures

• Nếu như có thể: If possible.

  • Hãy đến sớm, nếu như có thể. (Please arrive early, if possible.)

• Nếu như không muốn nói là...: A phrase used to introduce a stronger or more accurate term, meaning "if not to say..." or "one might even say...".

  • Bộ phim đó nhàm chán, nếu như không muốn nói là tệ hại. (That movie was boring, if not to say terrible.)

1. If