Definition

1. Conjunction:
   • Although / Though / While: Used to introduce a subordinate clause that contrasts with or concedes a point to the main clause. It expresses a meaning similar to "it is said that... but" or "despite the fact that."
   • That it is said / Reportedly: Used to introduce a reported statement, rumor, or common belief, often followed by a contrasting clause.

Usage Examples

• Conjunction (contrast):

  • Tiếng rằng đã học xong đại học, nhưng cậu ấy còn phải học hỏi thêm nhiều. (Although he has finished university, he still has a lot to learn.)
  • Tiếng rằng trời mưa, chúng tôi vẫn quyết định đi chơi. (Though it was raining, we still decided to go out.)

• Conjunction (reporting):

  • Tiếng rằng anh ấy rất giàu, thực tế thì không phải vậy. (It is said that he is very rich, but in reality, that's not the case.)
  • Một lời cũng đã tiếng rằng tương tri. (One word was enough for it to be said that they understood each other.)

Advanced Usage

• Literary and formal tone: "Tiếng rằng" is primarily used in formal, literary, or older styles of Vietnamese. In modern spoken Vietnamese, words like "mặc dù," "tuy," or "nghe nói" are more common.
• Structure: It typically appears at the beginning of a clause, setting up a concession or reported information that the main clause will contrast with or clarify.

Variants and Related Words

• Tuy rằng (conj): although, even though. A more modern and common synonym.

  • Tuy rằng khó, nhưng tôi sẽ cố gắng. (Although it's difficult, I will try.)

• Nghe nói rằng (phrase): it is heard that, people say that. Used for reporting hearsay.

  • Nghe nói rằng cô ấy sắp chuyển đi. (It is said that she is about to move away.)

Synonyms

• Although: in spite of the fact that.
• Though: despite the fact that.
• While: although (used to show contrast).
• It is said that: used to report a rumor or common belief.

Related Idioms

• Tiếng rằng... nhưng mà...: A common correlative structure meaning "Although it is said that... but in fact..."
  • Tiếng rằng là bạn thân, nhưng mà họ chẳng giúp đỡ gì. (Although they are said to be close friends, they don't help each other at all.)