Definition

Conjunction: - Then, in that case, so: Used to indicate a logical consequence or result based on a previously stated condition or situation. It connects a premise to its conclusion.

Usage

• Position in Sentence: Typically used at the beginning of a clause that states the consequence.
• Function: Expresses a deduction, a decision, or an action that follows naturally from the preceding context. It often carries a tone of resignation, conclusion, or a shift in plans.

Usage Examples

• Logical Consequence:
  • Anh không đi, thế thì tôi đi một mình. (You're not going, then I'll go alone.)
  • Trời mưa rồi, thế thì chúng ta ở nhà thôi. (It's raining now, so we should just stay home.)
• Deduction or Conclusion:
  • Bị khinh miệt, thế thì ai không tức? (Being looked down upon, then who wouldn't be angry?)
  • Máy tính hỏng rồi, thế thì không làm việc được. (The computer is broken, so we can't work.)

Advanced Usage

• "Thế thì thôi": An expression meaning "then forget it," "then let it be," or "in that case, never mind," often showing resignation or giving up on a plan.
  • Cậu không muốn hợp tác thế thì thôi. (You don't want to cooperate, then forget it.)
• "Thế thì được/được rồi": Means "Alright then" or "That's fine then," accepting a situation, sometimes reluctantly.
  • "Tôi chỉ có thể giúp vào ngày mai." – "Thế thì được." ("I can only help tomorrow." – "Alright then.")

Variants and Related Words

• Vậy thì: A very close synonym, interchangeable in most contexts. The choice between "thế thì" and "vậy thì" can be regional or stylistic.
  • Anh đã nói vậy, vậy thì tôi tin. (You said so, therefore I believe.)
• Thế: A shorter, more informal form often used in spoken Vietnamese. It can imply "so," "well then," or "in that case" on its own.
  • "Tôi mệt rồi." – "Thế nghỉ đi." ("I'm tired." – "Well then, rest.")

Synonyms

• Do đó: Therefore, consequently (more formal, common in writing).
• Cho nên: So, therefore (common in both speech and writing).
• Vì vậy: Because of that, therefore (neutral formality).

Related Phrases

• Thế thì sao?: Then what? So what? Used to challenge a point or express indifference to a consequence.
  • "Nếu cậu bỏ đi, công việc sẽ đình trệ." – "Thế thì sao?" ("If you leave, the work will stall." – "So what?")
• Thế thì tốt/quá: That's good/great then. Expressing positive acknowledgment of the consequence.
  • "Tôi đã hoàn thành bài tập rồi." – "Ồ, thế thì tốt!" ("I've finished the homework." – "Oh, that's good then!")

conj

1. then