Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Ready, prepared: In a state where something can be used or an action can be taken immediately because it has been prepared in advance.
   • Available, at hand: Present and accessible for use; existing in sufficient quantity.

2. Adverb:

   • Readily, conveniently: Used to indicate that an action is done while taking advantage of an existing, convenient condition or opportunity.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Cửa hàng bán quần áo may sẵn. (The store sells ready-made clothes.)
  • Cơm đã có sẵn trong bếp. (The rice is already ready in the kitchen.)
  • Mùa hè, hoa quả rất sẵn. (In summer, fruit is very plentiful/available.)

• Adverb:

  • Sẵn có anh ở đây, chúng ta hãy bàn công việc. (Since you are here already/conveniently, let's discuss the work.)
  • Tôi sẵn đang đi chợ, nên sẽ mua giúp. (I am going to the market anyway, so I'll buy it for you.)

Advanced Usage

• "sẵn sàng" (ready, prepared): This is a fixed compound adjective meaning fully prepared and willing.

  • Anh ấy luôn sẵn sàng giúp đỡ. (He is always ready to help.)

• "có sẵn" (to have available): A common phrase meaning "to have on hand" or "to be in stock."

  • Chúng tôi có sẵn tất cả các loại vải. (We have all types of fabric available/in stock.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sẵn lòng (adj): Willing, ready (in spirit). Often used interchangeably with "sẵn sàng" but can emphasize willingness.

  • Tôi sẵn lòng chờ đợi. (I am willing to wait.)

• Sẵn dịp (adv): Taking the opportunity, while one is at it.

  • Sẵn dịp về quê, tôi sẽ thăm họ hàng. (Taking the opportunity of going back to my hometown, I will visit my relatives.)

Synonyms

• Ready: Prepared for immediate use.
• Available: Able to be used or obtained.
• On hand: Present and accessible.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Tiền trao cháo múc: Literally "money handed over, porridge ladled out." This idiom implies an immediate, transactional exchange. It is conceptually related to sẵn as it describes a situation where both sides are ready for an instant transaction.

  • Họ làm ăn kiểu tiền trao cháo múc. (They do business on a cash-on-delivery basis.)

• Sẵn nước sẵn cái: This phrase describes a situation where all the necessary conditions are conveniently ready, making it easy to proceed with an action.

  • Nhà có hồ cá, sẵn nước sẵn cái, nên nuôi thêm cá dễ lắm. (The house has a pond, with everything ready, so raising more fish is very easy.)

adj

1. ready, available
2. at hand