Definition

1. Adverb:
   • While you're at it / since you're going there anyway: Used to indicate that a secondary action is conveniently performed in conjunction with a primary action, taking advantage of the opportunity or situation.
   • Incidentally / by the way (opportunistic): Used to introduce a related request or action that is convenient given the current circumstances.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:
  • Anh lên phố, tiện thể mua cho tôi một ít tem thư. (You're going to town; while you're at it, buy me some stamps.)
  • Đi qua cửa hàng bách hóa tiện thể mua hộ cái quạt. (Since you're passing by the department store, could you conveniently buy a fan for me?)
  • Tôi đang đi siêu thị, tiện thể tôi sẽ mua sữa luôn. (I'm going to the supermarket; I'll buy milk while I'm there.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is used to make a request or state an intention that leverages an existing plan or action, minimizing extra effort. It implies a logical, convenient addition rather than an unrelated or burdensome task.
• It often appears in the structure: [Primary Action Clause], tiện thể [Secondary Action Clause].

Variants and Related Words

• Nhân thể (adv): A very close synonym, also meaning "taking the opportunity," "while you're at it." The usage is nearly identical.

  • Nhân thể anh ra ngoài, lấy hộ tôi báo nhé. (Since you're going out, get the newspaper for me, will you?)

• Tiện (adj): Convenient, handy. This is the root adjective from which tiện thể is derived.

  • Cái kéo này rất tiện. (These scissors are very handy.)

• Nhân dịp (adv): On the occasion of. This is used for actions taken advantage of during a specific event or time, not just a physical errand.

  • Nhân dịp sinh nhật, chúng ta hãy đi ăn tối. (On the occasion of your birthday, let's go out for dinner.)

Synonyms

• While you're at it: Used to ask someone to do something extra while they are doing something else.
• Since you're there / going that way: Indicates an action is convenient due to location or planned movement.
• Incidentally (in the sense of "by the way, and related to this"): Used to introduce a minor related point or request.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Tiện đây / Tiện thể đây: A more casual, conversational filler meaning "since we're on the topic" or "while we're at it (in this conversation)."

  • Tiện thể đây, tôi muốn hỏi về dự án mới. (While we're at it, I want to ask about the new project.)

• Một công đôi việc: An idiom meaning "to kill two birds with one stone," which captures the efficient, opportunistic spirit of tiện thể.

  • Đi đường này vừa ngắn vừa tiện thể thăm bạn, đúng là một công đôi việc. (Taking this route is shorter and allows me to visit a friend; it's killing two birds with one stone.)