Definition

Adverb (Sentence-final particle): A modal particle used at the end of a statement to express a tentative or soft assertion. It indicates the speaker's belief that something is likely true, but with a degree of uncertainty, as if checking their own memory, judgment, or subtly seeking confirmation from the listener. It translates to "I suppose," "it seems," "probably," or "must be."

Usage Examples

• Expressing a tentative conclusion:
  • Anh ấy là bác sĩ thì phải. (He is a doctor, I suppose.)
  • Chuyện này xảy ra hôm Chủ nhật thì phải. (This happened on Sunday, if I remember correctly.)
• Seeking subtle confirmation:
  • Trời sắp mưa thì phải? (It's going to rain, don't you think?)
  • Cô ấy mệt lắm thì phải. (She seems very tired.)

Advanced Usage

• In narrative or recalling memories: Often used when the speaker is reconstructing past events with some uncertainty.
  • Lần đó là vào năm 2010 thì phải. (That time was in 2010, if I'm not mistaken.)
• Softening a statement: Makes an observation or guess sound less forceful and more polite.
  • Cách làm này sai rồi thì phải. (This way of doing it is wrong, it seems.)

Variants and Related Words

• Hình như: An adverb meaning "seemingly" or "as if," often used at the start of a sentence. It expresses similar uncertainty but is not a sentence-final particle.
  • Hình như trời sắp mưa. (It seems like it's going to rain.)
• Có lẽ: An adverb meaning "perhaps" or "maybe," used at the start of a sentence.
  • Có lẽ anh ấy đã về. (Perhaps he has gone home.)

Synonyms

• Probably: Used to express likelihood.
• I suppose: Used to express a hesitant opinion.
• It seems: Used to indicate appearance or impression.
• Must be: Used to express a logical deduction (though with less certainty than "ắt hẳn").

Related Idioms and Phrases

• ...phải không?: The standard tag question meaning "...right?" or "...isn't it?". This directly asks for confirmation, whereas thì phải is a softer, more self-reflective ending.
  • Anh thích cà phê, phải không? (You like coffee, don't you?)
• ...đúng không?: Another common tag question meaning "...correct?".
  • Hôm nay là thứ Hai, đúng không? (Today is Monday, right?)

adv

1. perhaps