tý

Năm nay là năm Tý.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • The Rat (in the Earthly Branches): The first of the twelve Earthly Branches (Địa Chi) in the traditional Vietnamese and East Asian zodiac system, used to denote years, hours, and directions.
   • The Hour of the Rat: The period of time corresponding to 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM in the traditional system of dividing the day into twelve two-hour periods.

2. Adjective (colloquial):

   • A tiny bit / A little: A very common, informal word used to indicate a small quantity, amount, or degree. It often softens a request or statement.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Zodiac):

  • Bố tôi sinh năm Tý. (My father was born in the Year of the Rat.)
  • Giờ Tý là lúc nửa đêm. (The Hour of the Rat is midnight.)

• Adjective (Small amount):

  • Cho tôi xin tý muối. (Can I have a little bit of salt?)
  • Anh ấy đến muộn tý. (He arrived a tiny bit late.)

Advanced Usage

• "tí tẹo" or "tí xíu": An even more emphatic and colloquial way to say "a very tiny bit."

  • Chỉ còn tí xíu bánh thôi. (There's only a very tiny bit of cake left.)

• "tý nào": Used in negative sentences to mean "not at all" or "not a bit."

  • Tôi không mệt tý nào. (I'm not tired at all.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tí (adj): A common alternative spelling for the colloquial meaning of "a little." The meanings and usage are identical to "tý."
  • Đợi tôi tí nhé! (Wait for me a little!)

Synonyms

• Noun: Rat (zodiac), First Branch.
• Adjective: Little bit, smidgen, dash, touch.

Related Idioms

• Nói nhỏ tý: To speak a little softer.

  • Em nói nhỏ tý được không? (Can you speak a little softer?)

• Chậm một tý: To be a little late or slow.

  • Xin lỗi, tôi sẽ chậm một tý. (Sorry, I will be a little late.)