Vietnamese 'dường như' Usage (Seem/Appear)
'dường như' means "seem/appear." Its actual function and register depend on the sentence structure and examples in this lesson.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'dường như' means "seem/appear." Its actual function and register depend on the sentence structure and examples in this lesson.
English meanings
- seem
- appear
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Dường như cô ấy không đồng ý.
She seems to disagree.
2
Dường như vấn đề này phức tạp hơn tôi nghĩ.
This problem seems more complicated than I thought.
How to use it
'dường như' expresses "seem/appear to be," often based on observation or signs, making a more subtle judgment. It tends to be used in written or formal contexts.
- 'dường như' is followed by a complete clause.
- Commonly used in articles, analyses, or formal descriptions.
- In casual conversation, 'hình như' is usually more natural.
Compared with English
Compared with English
English 'seem' is common in both spoken and written forms; Vietnamese 'dường như' is more formal and subtle than 'hình như', which is more colloquial.
Common mistakes
Dường như.
Dường như cô ấy không đồng ý.
'dường như' cannot stand alone; it must be followed by speculative content.
Dường như tôi đã gặp anh ấy ở đâu đó.
Hình như tôi đã gặp anh ấy ở đâu đó.
For casual spoken memory or impression, 'hình như' is more natural.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
Compared to 'hình như', 'dường như' is usually more?
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Multiple choice
Compared to 'hình như', 'dường như' is usually more?
- Formal and subtle
- Rude and commanding
- Casual and playful
Answer: Formal and subtle
Explanation: 'dường như' is often used in formal or analytical expressions.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: ____ cô ấy không đồng ý.
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Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: ____ cô ấy không đồng ý.
Answer: Dường như cô ấy không đồng ý.
Explanation: 'dường như' is followed by a complete clause.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "She seems to disagree." into Vietnamese.
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English to Vietnamese
Translate "She seems to disagree." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Dường như cô ấy không đồng ý.
Explanation: Use dường như in the same structure as the example.
True or false
Is this sentence correct? Dường như.
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True or false
Is this sentence correct? Dường như.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'dường như' cannot stand alone; it must be followed by speculative content.
Correction
Correct this sentence: Dường như vấn đề này.
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Correction
Correct this sentence: Dường như vấn đề này.
Answer: Dường như vấn đề này phức tạp hơn tôi nghĩ.
Explanation: A complete judgment must follow.