việc gì

Definition

  1. Interrogative phrase:

    • What thing / What matter: Used to ask for specific information about an action, event, or situation. It directly questions the nature of an activity or task.
    • Why / For what reason: Used to question the reason, purpose, or necessity of an action, often expressing surprise or a lack of understanding about why something is being done.

  2. Negative/Indifferent phrase:

    • It's nothing / It doesn't matter / No problem: Used to dismiss an issue, indicate that something is unimportant, or to respond to an apology.
    • None of one's business / Not concerning someone: Used to state that a matter has no relation or relevance to a particular person.
Usage Examples

  • Interrogative:

    • Cậu đang làm việc gì thế? (What are you doing?)
    • Việc gì phải vội? (Why the rush? / What's the need to hurry?)

  • Negative/Indifferent:

    • A: "Tôi xin lỗi." B: "Việc gì." (A: "I'm sorry." B: "It's nothing.")
    • Chuyện đó việc gì đến anh? (How is that any of your business?)
Advanced Usage

  • "Có việc gì không?": Is something wrong? / Is there a problem?

    • Trông cậu buồn thế, có việc gì không? (You look so sad, is something wrong?)

  • "Việc gì cũng...": Used to mean "every little thing..." or "anything at all..."

    • Anh ấy việc gì cũng phàn nàn. (He complains about every little thing.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Chuyện gì (interrogative phrase): What story/affair? Often interchangeable with "việc gì" when asking "what happened?"

    • Đã có chuyện gì vậy? (What happened?)

  • Làm gì (interrogative phrase): To do what? More focused on the action "do."

    • Tối nay cậu định làm gì? (What do you plan to do tonight?)
Synonyms
  • What: Used to ask for information.
  • Why: For what cause or reason.
  • It's nothing: Of no importance.
Related Idioms

  • Việc gì phải nói: There's no need to say it; it goes without saying.

    • Giúp bạn là chuyện đương nhiên, việc gì phải nói. (Helping a friend is natural, it goes without saying.)

  • Việc gì đến cũng đến: What will be, will be; used to express acceptance of an inevitable event.

    • Thôi, việc gì đến cũng đến, chúng ta đối mặt thôi. (Well, what will be will be, let's face it.)

Proverbs and Idioms