Definition

1. Particle:
   • An interrogative particle: "rư" is an archaic Vietnamese particle used at the end of a sentence to form a yes-no question, similar to the modern "à", "phải không", or "nhỉ". It expresses a gentle inquiry, confirmation, or a rhetorical question tinged with emotion.
   • A modal particle: It can also function as a modal particle to soften a statement, express doubt, or convey a reflective, pondering tone.

Usage Examples

• As an interrogative particle:
  • Anh đi cùng tôi, rư? (You will go with me, won't you?)
  • Trời đẹp quá, rư? (The weather is so lovely, isn't it?)
• As a modal particle in reflective statements:
  • Nhớ quê hương da diết, rư. (I miss my homeland terribly, you know.)
  • Khó khăn thế này, rư. (It's so difficult like this, I tell you.)

Advanced Usage

• In classical and poetic texts: "Rư" is primarily found in older Vietnamese literature, poetry, and folk songs (ca dao). Its use evokes a sense of antiquity, tenderness, or lyrical contemplation.
  • Thân em như tấm lụa đào / Phất phơ giữa chợ biết vào tay ai, rư? (I am like a piece of pink silk / Fluttering in the market, wondering whose hands will hold me, you see?)

Variants and Related Words

• Ru (từ cũ): The more common archaic form with the same meaning and function as "rư".
• À: The modern, common interrogative particle (e.g., - Are you well?).
• Phải không: The modern phrase for forming tag questions (e.g., - It's so beautiful, right?).
• Nhỉ: A modern particle for shared reflection or gentle questioning (e.g., - It's so sad, isn't it?).

Synonyms

• Phải chăng: (literary) Could it be that...? Is it that...?
• Chăng: (archaic/literary) An interrogative particle.

Notes on Usage

• Register: The word "rư" is obsolete in modern spoken and written Vietnamese. It belongs to a highly archaic or poetic register. Learners will encounter it almost exclusively in classical texts, folk poetry, or occasionally in artistic works aiming for a historical feel.
• Function: It does not change the core meaning of a sentence but adds a specific interrogative or contemplative nuance. Its closest English equivalents are question tags like "isn't it?", "won't you?", "don't you think?", or reflective phrases like "you see", "I wonder".

1. (từ cũ) như ru