ừ
Definition
Interjection:
- Yes / Yeah / Uh-huh: A casual, informal, and often brief verbal response used to indicate agreement, affirmation, or acknowledgment. It is commonly used in spoken language among peers, family, or when speaking to someone of equal or lower social status.
- Okay / Alright: Used to express consent or acceptance of a statement, request, or suggestion.
Verb (informal):
- To say yes / to agree: To give an affirmative response, often implying a somewhat reluctant or non-enthusiastic consent.
Usage Examples
- Interjection:
- "Chúng ta đi xem phim nhé?" – "Ừ." ("Shall we go see a movie?" – "Yeah.")
- "Con nhớ làm bài tập đấy." – "Ừ, con biết rồi." ("Remember to do your homework." – "Uh-huh, I know.")
- Verb:
- Anh ấy đã ừ lời mời rồi. (He has already agreed to the invitation.)
- Cô ấy chỉ ừ cho xong chuyện. (She just said yes to get it over with.)
Advanced Usage
- The particle "ừm" or "ừ hử" is a lengthened, more hesitant or thoughtful variant, similar to "well..." or "hmm..." in English.
- "Ừm... để tôi suy nghĩ đã." ("Well... let me think about it first.")
Variants and Related Words
- Ừ à (interj): A more drawn-out, sometimes dismissive or absent-minded acknowledgment.
- "Ừ à, nghe rồi." ("Yeah, yeah, I heard you.")
- Gật đầu ừ (phrase): To nod in agreement (literally: to nod and say 'ừ').
Synonyms
- Vâng / Dạ: More formal and polite words for "yes," used with superiors or strangers.
- Được: Means "okay" or "alright," often used for permission.
- Đồng ý: The standard verb meaning "to agree."
Related Idioms and Phrases
- Ừ thì...: A phrase used to start a reluctant concession, similar to "Well, alright then..." or "Fine...".
- "Ừ thì tôi đi vậy." ("Fine, I'll go then.")
- Ừ hữ (or Ừ hử): An interjection showing doubt, consideration, or mild surprise.
- "Ừ hữ, lạ thật đấy." ("Huh, that's strange.")