How to Use 'cái' as a Classifier in Vietnamese (piece/item)
'cái' is the most common classifier for objects in Vietnamese, used for general items and things you can pick up. It also appears in phrases like 'this one' or 'that one.'
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'cái' is the most common classifier for objects in Vietnamese, used for general items and things you can pick up. It also appears in phrases like 'this one' or 'that one.'
English meanings
- piece
- item
- general classifier for objects
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Tôi mua một cái bàn mới.
I bought a new table.
2
Cái này bao nhiêu tiền?
How much is this?
How to use it
'cái' is usually placed between a number and a noun, for example, 'một cái bàn' (a table). It is not a direct translation of every English 'a' or 'an.' Instead, it is used for objects, tools, and abstract things treated as objects. English speakers should not use 'cái' for people or animals, and should not omit classifiers where Vietnamese requires them.
- 'cái' is used for tables, chairs, bags, cups, and general objects.
- In demonstratives, 'cái này,' 'cái đó,' 'cái kia' are common.
- For people, animals, books, and photos, use other classifiers.
Compared with English
Compared with English
In English, we say 'a person,' 'a problem,' 'a cup.' Vietnamese uses different classifiers: 'người' for people, 'vấn đề' for problems, 'cái cốc' for cups. 'Cái' is for general objects, not for people or animals.
Common mistakes
một cái người
một người
Do not use 'cái' for people; use 'người' instead.
một người bàn
một cái bàn
'Bàn' (table) is an object, so use 'cái,' not 'người.'
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
Which noun phrase sounds most natural?
Show answer
Multiple choice
Which noun phrase sounds most natural?
- một cái bàn
- một cái người
- một cái chó
Answer: một cái bàn
Explanation: 'bàn' (table) is an object and usually takes 'cái.'
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Tôi mua một ____ bàn mới.
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Tôi mua một ____ bàn mới.
Answer: Tôi mua một cái bàn mới.
Explanation: 'cái' is commonly used for tables, chairs, bags, cups, and general objects.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "I bought a new table." into Vietnamese.
Show answer
English to Vietnamese
Translate "I bought a new table." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Tôi mua một cái bàn mới.
Explanation: Use cái in the same structure as the example.
True or false
Can 'cái' replace all English articles or measure words like 'a,' 'an,' 'piece,' 'item'?
Show answer
True or false
Can 'cái' replace all English articles or measure words like 'a,' 'an,' 'piece,' 'item'?
Answer: False
Explanation: Vietnamese classifiers have specific combinations with nouns and cannot be replaced one-for-one with English articles or measure words.
Correction
Correct this phrase: một cái người
Show answer
Correction
Correct this phrase: một cái người
Answer: một người
Explanation: For people, use 'người' as the classifier.