phải

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The Vietnamese word "phải" has several meanings and uses, making it an important word to understand in different contexts.

Basic Meanings:

1. As an Adjective (Right)

   • Meaning: Refers to something that is correct or proper.
   • Example: "Điều phải" means "a right thing" or "the right thing to do."
   • Usage: You can use "phải" when discussing moral or ethical decisions. For example, "Làm điều phải" means "Do the right thing."

2. As a Verb (Must, Should)

   • Meaning: Indicates necessity or obligation.
   • Example: "Phải làm tròn nhiệm vụ" translates to "One must fulfill one's duty."
   • Usage: Use "phải" when giving instructions or expressing what needs to be done. For instance, "Bạn phải học bài" means "You must study."

3. As a Modal Verb (All right)

   • Meaning: Used to express agreement or affirmation.
   • Example: "Phải, anh về" means "All right, just go home."
   • Usage: Use "phải" in conversations to agree with someone or to confirm a decision.

4. As a Preposition (Affected by)

   • Meaning: Indicates being influenced or affected by something.
   • Example: "Phải bệnh" means "to be affected by a disease."
   • Usage: You might use this form when talking about illnesses or conditions. For example, "Tôi phải bệnh" means "I am affected by a disease."

Advanced Usage:

• "Phải" can be used in formal contexts to express the need for adherence to rules or principles. For example, "Chúng ta phải tuân thủ luật pháp" means "We must comply with the law."
• In philosophical discussions, "phải" might refer to ethical imperatives, such as "Điều gì là phải?" which means "What is right?"

Word Variants:

• "Phải" can appear in different forms or phrases, such as:
  • "Phải không?" (Isn't it?) - used for seeking confirmation.
  • "Phải chăng?" (Could it be?) - used for speculation or questioning.

Different Meanings:

• In some contexts, "phải" can also imply a division or a side, particularly in phrases like "phải trái" (right and left) or "phải không?" (right or wrong?).

Synonyms:

• Some synonyms for "phải" depending on the context include:
  • Đúng (correct) - when discussing correctness.
  • Cần (need, necessary) - when indicating necessity.
  • Nên (should) - when suggesting something advisable.

Academic

adj

1. right
   • điều phải
     a right thing
   • cảm thán.
     all right
   • phải, anh về
     all right just go home

verb

1. must, should
   • phải làm tròn nhiệm vụ
     one must fulfil one's duty to be given to be affected by
   • phải bệnh
     to be affected by a disease