Definition

Conjunction: - But, however, only that: Used to introduce a contrasting or limiting point about a previously mentioned positive quality or statement. It signals a drawback, weakness, or exception, often with a tone of slight regret or concession.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction:
  • Anh ấy rất thông minh, phải cái lười. (He is very intelligent, but he's lazy.)
  • Căn nhà này đẹp, phải cái xa trung tâm quá. (This house is beautiful, only that it's too far from the center.)
  • Cô ấy tốt bụng, phải cái hay lo lắng. (She is kind-hearted, but she worries too much.)

Advanced Usage

• "phải cái... thì...": This structure is used to emphasize that if it weren't for the specific drawback mentioned, the situation would be ideal or perfect.
  • Đồ ăn ngon, phải cái đắt thì thôi. (The food is delicious, but it's so expensive.)
• It is often used in spoken Vietnamese to soften criticism or to present a balanced view of a person or situation.

Variants and Related Words

• Nhưng mà: But, however. (A more general and common conjunction for contrast.)
• Chỉ tội: The only trouble is... (Similar in function, often used before a negative point.)
• Đáng tiếc là: Unfortunately, it's just that... (Expresses regret about a specific point.)

Synonyms

• Tuy nhiên: However.
• Chỉ có điều: The only thing is...
• Nhưng: But.

Related Phrases

• Phải chi: If only. (Expresses a wish for a different circumstance.)
  • Phải chi trời không mưa. (If only it weren't raining.)
• Phải đòn: To get beaten/get one's comeuppance. (Idiomatic; unrelated to the conjunction 'phải cái'.)

Related Idioms

• Phải cái nết: This is a common collocation where "nết" (character trait, often negative) follows "phải cái" to specify the flaw.
  • Anh ta hào phóng phải cái nết hay khoe khoang. (He is generous but has the flaw of being boastful.)

1. Only
   • Người tính tốt nhưng phải cái hơi nóng
     A good-hearted person but only a bit quich-tempered