từng

Friendly

The Vietnamese word "từng" is primarily used as an adverb. It can mean "once," "ever," or "previously," depending on the context in which it is used. Here’s a detailed explanation to help you understand and use "từng" effectively:

Basic Meaning:

• "Từng" as "once" or "ever": It indicates that something happened at some point in the past. It can express that an action occurred one time or in a previous experience.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "từng" when talking about past experiences. It often appears with verbs to describe something that has happened before.
• It is commonly used with the perfect aspect of a verb, showing that the action was completed at some time before now.

Examples:

1. Tôi từng sống ở Hà Nội.
   (I once lived in Hanoi.)

2. Bạn đã từng gặp cô ấy chưa?
   (Have you ever met her?)

Advanced Usage:

• "Từng" can also be used to reflect on past experiences that are significant to the present. It helps to show how past experiences have shaped current situations or feelings.
• In storytelling or when sharing memories, "từng" can help convey nostalgia or reflection.

Variants:

• Từng + Verb + Subject: This structure helps emphasize the past experience.
  • Example: Tôi từng học tiếng Pháp. (I once studied French.)

Different Meanings:

• While "từng" mainly means "once" or "ever," in some contexts, it can also imply "in the past" or "previously" without specifying frequency.
  • Example: Họ từng là bạn thân. (They were once close friends.)

Synonyms:

• Some synonyms for "từng" in different contexts include:
  • "đã" (already) when emphasizing completion but less about experience.
  • "trước đây" (before) which can also indicate something that happened in the past.

Summary:

"Từng" is a versatile adverb used in Vietnamese to discuss past experiences or actions. It helps convey that something occurred previously, and it’s a useful word for sharing stories or memories.

Academic

verb

1. used to

adv

1. ever