Definition

1. Adverb:

   • Yes; All right: A polite word used to respond, expressing agreement, acceptance, or acknowledgment. It is a respectful form of "yes."

2. Verb (archaic/literary):

   • To obey; to comply with: To follow an order, command, or advice respectfully. This usage is now primarily found in fixed phrases or classical literature.

Usage Examples

• Adverb:

  • "Con sẽ làm bài tập ngay ạ." - "Vâng." ("I will do my homework right away." - "Yes.")
  • "Bác có khỏe không ạ?" - "Vâng, tôi khỏe." ("How are you, sir/ma'am?" - "Yes, I am well.") (Here, 'vâng' acknowledges the question politely before answering.)
  • "Chúng ta sẽ gặp nhau lúc 8 giờ nhé?" - "Vâng, được ạ." ("Shall we meet at 8 o'clock?" - "Yes, that's fine.")

• Verb (in fixed phrases):

  • Anh ấy luôn vâng lời cha mẹ. (He always obeys his parents.)
  • Chiến sĩ vâng lệnh chỉ huy tiến quân. (The soldier complied with the commander's order to advance.)

Advanced Usage

• "Vâng ạ": A more polite and deferential form, often used by younger people when speaking to elders or by subordinates. The particle "ạ" adds a layer of respect.

  • "Cháu về nhà sớm nhé." - "Vâng ạ." ("Please go home early." - "Yes, I will.")

• "Dạ, vâng": A common, very respectful combined response, especially in Southern Vietnamese. "Dạ" is an interjection showing attentiveness.

  • "Con ăn cơm chưa?" - "Dạ, vâng con ăn rồi." ("Have you eaten yet?" - "Yes, I have eaten.")

Variants and Related Words

• Vâng vâng: A repeated form sometimes used to show eager or submissive agreement, but can sound impatient or insincere if overused.

  • "Vâng vâng, con biết rồi." ("Yes, yes, I already know.")

• Vâng lời (verb phrase): To obey, to be obedient.

• Vâng lệnh (verb phrase): To follow an order/command.

Synonyms

• Dạ: A respectful interjection meaning "yes" or used to show you are listening, common in speech.
• Ừ / Ừm: A casual, informal "yes" or "uh-huh" used among peers, close friends, or with younger people. It lacks the politeness of "vâng."
• Được: "Okay," "alright." Can be neutral or informal.
• Phải: "Right," "correct." Used to affirm a statement.

Notes on Usage

• Vâng is a key marker of politeness in Vietnamese hierarchical communication. It is used when speaking to someone older, of higher status, or to show general respect.
• Its use is less common among equals in casual settings, where ừ, dạ, or được might be more natural.
• The verbal meaning ("to obey") is largely archaic in modern standalone use but remains alive in compound phrases like vâng lời.

adv

1. Yes ; All right