Vietnamese 'gì' Usage (What)
'gì' is commonly used to ask 'what' and is placed after the noun or verb it questions, essential for learners to understand.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'gì' is commonly used to ask 'what' and is placed after the noun or verb it questions, essential for learners to understand.
English meanings
- what
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Bạn ăn gì?
What are you eating?
2
Đây là cái gì?
What is this?
How to use it
'gì' means 'what' and is usually placed in the position of the word it questions, often after the noun or verb object. It can ask about objects, content, things, or the object of an action.
- When asking 'what thing', use noun + gì.
- When asking about the object of an action, place 'gì' in the object position.
- Do not place 'gì' entirely at the beginning of the sentence.
Compared with English
Compared with English
In English, 'what' usually precedes the noun, e.g., 'what book'. In Vietnamese, the order is noun + gì.
Common mistakes
Gì bạn muốn ăn?
Bạn muốn ăn gì?
When asking 'what do you want to eat?', 'gì' is placed after the verb's object position.
Gì sách bạn đọc?
Bạn đọc sách gì?
Say 'sách gì' not 'gì sách'.
Commonly confused grammar
No closely confused forms are listed for this point.
Practice
Multiple choice
What is the natural Vietnamese sentence for 'What do you want to eat?'
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Multiple choice
What is the natural Vietnamese sentence for 'What do you want to eat?'
- Bạn muốn ăn gì?
- Gì bạn muốn ăn?
- Bạn gì muốn ăn?
Answer: Bạn muốn ăn gì?
Explanation: 'gì' is placed in the object position after the verb.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Bạn ăn ____?
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Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Bạn ăn ____?
Answer: Bạn ăn gì?
Explanation: When asking 'what thing', use noun + gì.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "What are you eating?" into Vietnamese.
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English to Vietnamese
Translate "What are you eating?" into Vietnamese.
Answer: Bạn ăn gì?
Explanation: Use gì in the same structure as the example.
True or false
Is this sentence correct? 'Gì bạn muốn ăn?'
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True or false
Is this sentence correct? 'Gì bạn muốn ăn?'
Answer: False
Explanation: 'gì' should be placed after the verb's object position.
Correction
Correct this sentence: 'Gì bạn đang làm?'
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Correction
Correct this sentence: 'Gì bạn đang làm?'
Answer: Bạn đang làm gì?
Explanation: When asking 'what are you doing?', 'gì' follows the verb.