Vietnamese 'cho' Usage (to give / to let / for)
'cho' is commonly used to express "to give", "to let", or "for". It is an important structure for learners to understand.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'cho' is commonly used to express "to give", "to let", or "for". It is an important structure for learners to understand.
English meanings
- to give
- to let
- for
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Tôi mua quà cho mẹ.
I buy a gift for my mom.
2
Nói chậm cho tôi hiểu.
Speak slowly so that I understand.
How to use it
'cho' can mean "to give" or "to let/make someone able to do something". At the A2 level, it is important to distinguish between 'cho' + person (recipient) and 'để' for expressing purpose.
- V + cho + person indicates giving or doing something for someone.
- 'cho' + clause can express enabling someone to do something.
- Do not translate all English "for" as 'cho' indiscriminately.
Compared with English
Compared with English
In English, "for mom" can mean either the recipient or purpose. Vietnamese distinguishes these: 'cho mẹ' means "to/for mom" as recipient; 'để' expresses purpose.
Common mistakes
Tôi học tiếng Việt cho làm việc.
Tôi học tiếng Việt để làm việc.
For expressing purpose "for work", use 'để'.
Tôi mua quà để mẹ.
Tôi mua quà cho mẹ.
To indicate the recipient "for mom", use 'cho'.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
What does 'cho mẹ' usually indicate in a sentence?
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Multiple choice
What does 'cho mẹ' usually indicate in a sentence?
- to/for mom (recipient or beneficiary)
- for learning
- compared to mom
Answer: to/for mom (recipient or beneficiary)
Explanation: 'cho' followed by a person usually indicates the recipient or beneficiary.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Tôi mua quà ____ mẹ.
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Tôi mua quà ____ mẹ.
Answer: Tôi mua quà cho mẹ.
Explanation: V + cho + person indicates giving or doing something for someone.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "I buy a gift for my mom." into Vietnamese.
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English to Vietnamese
Translate "I buy a gift for my mom." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Tôi mua quà cho mẹ.
Explanation: Use cho in the same structure as the example.
True or false
True or False: Tôi học tiếng Việt cho làm việc.
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True or false
True or False: Tôi học tiếng Việt cho làm việc.
Answer: False
Explanation: For expressing purpose "for work", use 'để'.
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi mua cà phê để bạn.
Show answer
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi mua cà phê để bạn.
Answer: Tôi mua cà phê cho bạn.
Explanation: The friend is the recipient, so use 'cho bạn'.