TheVietnameseword "nè" is an informaltermoftenused in conversationtodrawsomeone'sattention, similartosaying "hey" or "look" in English. It is commonlyused in everydayspeechand can add a friendly or casualtoneto a sentence.
BasicMeaning
Nè: Usedto emphasize something or todirectsomeone'sattentiontowhat is beingsaid. It can convey a sense of familiarity or casualness.
UsageInstructions
"Nè" is typicallyused at thebeginning or theend of a sentence. It can be usedwhenspeakingto friends, family, or people of similarage. It'sbesttoavoidusing it in formalsituations or withpeopleyou do notknowwell.
Examples
At thebeginning:
"Nè, bạncóbiếtđườngtớitrườngkhông?" (Hey, do youknowthewaytoschool?)
"Nè" can also be usedtosoften a request or suggestion, making it soundmorefriendly:
"Nè, có thểchomìnhmượnbútđượckhông?" (Hey, can youlend me a pen?)
WordVariants
Nè can be combinedwithotherwords or phrasestoaddemphasis or clarifythecontext:
"Nè, nghenày!" (Hey, listentothis!)
"Nè, coi chừng!" (Hey, watchout!)
DifferentMeanings
While "nè" mainlyservestoattractattention, itsmeaning can slightlychangebased on context. In some dialects, it may also be usedtoexpresssurprise or excitement: