Videován đã đóng thuyền

The Vietnamese idiom ván đã đóng thuyền literally translates to the wood is already made into a boat, but its figurative meaning is much more profound. It describes a situation that has reached the point of no return, where a decision or action is now irreversible. Whether you are discussing a signed business contract or a major life change, this expression helps you solemnly acknowledge that the die is cast and one must accept the consequences. While it shares similarities with the English phrase what's done is done, this idiom carries a unique cultural weight rooted in classical literature like the epic poem Truyen Kieu. In this lesson, we explore how to use it in both formal and everyday contexts, and compare it to related phrases like those involving spilled water or cooked rice. Watch the full lesson to master this essential expression of finality.