tiếng rằng
Definition
- 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.)