chăng

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The Vietnamese word "chăng" can be a bit tricky for new learners, but it has specific usages that are important to understand.

Basic Explanation

"Chăng" is an adverb and can also function as a verb. It is often used to express doubt or to seek confirmation, similar to phrases in English like "isn't it?", "doesn't it?", or "surely?".

Usage Instructions

You typically use "chăng" at the end of a statement or a question to imply that you are expecting confirmation from the listener or to indicate that something is likely true.

Examples

1. Chậm rồi chăng?

   • Translation: "Is it late, surely?"
   • Context: You might ask this when you feel the time has passed, but you want to confirm with someone else.

2. Việc ấy nên chăng?

   • Translation: "Should we do that, shouldn't we?"
   • Context: You’re suggesting an action and looking for agreement from others.

3. Nước non một gánh chung tình nhớ ai, ai có nhớ mình chăng ai?

   • Translation: "The whole land is pervaded with our constant love; I think of him, and he does of me, doesn't he?"
   • Context: This poetic usage reflects a deep emotional connection and seeks affirmation of mutual feelings.

Advanced Usage

In more complex sentences, "chăng" can also serve to soften statements, making them more polite or tentative. For instance, if you’re unsure about a fact, you can say something like "Cô ấy đã đến chưa, chăng?" meaning "Has she arrived, perhaps?"

Word Variants

"Chăng" can appear in different forms, such as "chăng nữa" which intensifies the meaning, often implying "even if" or "no matter what".

Different Meanings

While "chăng" primarily serves as a way to seek confirmation, it can also be used in rhetorical questions to express uncertainty or to prompt thought.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for "chăng" include: - "phải không?" (isn't it?) - "có phải không?" (is it or not?) - "chắc hẳn?" (surely?)

Summary

In summary, "chăng" is a versatile Vietnamese word that helps convey doubt, confirmation, or politeness in conversation.

Academic

verb

1. như giăng

adv

1. Not any
   • nghe lõm câu được câu chăng
     to overhear one sentence and not the other, to overhear every other sentence

từ đệm

1. Surely; isn't it, is it, doesn't it, does it.
   • chậm rồi chăng
     is it late, surely
   • việc ấy nên chăng?
     we should do that, shoudn't we?
   • Nước non một gánh chung tình Nhớ ai, ai có nhớ mình chăng
     ai? the whole land is pervaded with our constant love, I think of him, and he does of me, doesn't he?