Vietnamese 'cần' Usage (need)
'cần' is commonly used to express need, meaning "need". It is essential for learners to master.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'cần' is commonly used to express need, meaning "need". It is essential for learners to master.
English meanings
- need
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Tôi cần học thêm từ vựng.
I need to study more vocabulary.
2
Bạn cần giúp gì không?
Do you need any help?
How to use it
'cần' means "to need" and can be followed by a verb or a noun. It emphasizes necessity without implying obligation or advice.
- S + cần + V expresses needing to do something.
- S + cần + N expresses needing something.
- For obligation, use 'phải'; for advice, use 'nên'.
Compared with English
Compared with English
In English, "need" can be followed by a noun or verb. Vietnamese 'cần' works similarly, e.g., cần tiền (need money), cần học thêm (need to study more).
Common mistakes
Tôi phải tiền.
Tôi cần tiền.
To express needing money (a noun), use 'cần'.
Bạn cần nghỉ ngơi đi.
Bạn nên nghỉ ngơi.
For simple advice to rest, 'nên' is more natural.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
What types of words can 'cần' be followed by?
Show answer
Multiple choice
What types of words can 'cần' be followed by?
- noun or verb
- only location
- only comparison target
Answer: noun or verb
Explanation: 'cần' can be followed by nouns or verbs naturally.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Tôi ____ học thêm từ vựng.
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Tôi ____ học thêm từ vựng.
Answer: Tôi cần học thêm từ vựng.
Explanation: S + cần + V expresses needing to do something.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "I need to study more vocabulary." into Vietnamese.
Show answer
English to Vietnamese
Translate "I need to study more vocabulary." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Tôi cần học thêm từ vựng.
Explanation: Use cần in the same structure as the example.
True or false
True or False: Tôi phải tiền.
Show answer
True or false
True or False: Tôi phải tiền.
Answer: False
Explanation: To express needing money, use 'cần' + noun, not 'phải'.
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi nên một cái bút.
Show answer
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi nên một cái bút.
Answer: Tôi cần một cái bút.
Explanation: To express needing an object, use 'cần'.