Definition

Conjunction: - That is, meaning, in other words: A conjunction used to introduce an explanation, clarification, or rephrasing of what has just been stated. It connects a statement with its interpretation or equivalent meaning.

Usage

• "Tức là" is used to explain, define, or restate a previous idea more clearly. It is equivalent to "i.e.," "that is to say," or "in other words" in English.
• It often follows a comma or a pause in speech.
• It can be used to confirm understanding or to draw a logical conclusion from a given statement.

Usage Examples

• Explaining a term:
  • "Anh ấy là một bác sĩ đa khoa, tức là anh ấy điều trị nhiều loại bệnh khác nhau." (He is a general practitioner, that is, he treats many different kinds of illnesses.)
• Clarifying a statement:
  • "Cô ấy không trả lời, tức là cô ấy không đồng ý." (She didn't answer, which means she doesn't agree.)
• Rephrasing for emphasis:
  • "Tôi sẽ đi vào thứ Hai, tức là ngày mai." (I will leave on Monday, that is, tomorrow.)

Advanced Usage

• Logical Conclusion: Used to state what something logically implies or results in.
  • "Trời mưa to, tức là chúng ta không thể đi dã ngoại." (It's raining heavily, so that means we can't go on the picnic.)
• Defining Acronyms or Terms: Commonly used to define abbreviations or specialized terms.
  • "WHO, tức là Tổ chức Y tế Thế giới, đã đưa ra cảnh báo." (WHO, that is, the World Health Organization, issued a warning.)

Variants and Related Words

• Nghĩa là: A very close synonym, also meaning "that means" or "meaning." It is often interchangeable with "tức là," though "tức là" can sound slightly more explanatory or conclusive.
  • "Từ 'nhanh' nghĩa là 'fast'." (The word 'nhanh' means 'fast'.)
• Có nghĩa là: A fuller form meaning "has the meaning of."
  • "Dấu hiệu này có nghĩa là đường bị cấm." (This sign means the road is closed.)

Synonyms

• Có nghĩa là: Means, signifies.
• Nói cách khác: In other words.
• Hay là: Or, meaning (used less formally for clarification).

Related Phrases / Structures

• "..., tức là sao?": A common question structure meaning "..., what does that mean?" or "..., meaning what?".
  • "Anh nói anh bận, tức là sao?" (You say you're busy, what does that mean?)
• "Tức là..." (at the start of a sentence): Used in conversation to rephrase or summarize what the speaker understands, often to confirm.
  • "Tức là chúng ta gặp nhau lúc 8 giờ?" (So, you mean we meet at 8 o'clock?)

1. that is, it means that