Vietnamese 'gì vậy' Usage (What is it? / What's going on?)
'gì vậy' is a common colloquial way to ask 'What is it?' or 'What's going on?' in Vietnamese.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'gì vậy' is a common colloquial way to ask 'What is it?' or 'What's going on?' in Vietnamese.
English meanings
- What is it?
- What's going on?
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Cái gì vậy?
What is this?
2
Bạn đang làm gì vậy?
What are you doing?
How to use it
Using 'gì vậy' emphasizes the question 'what is it?'. The particle 'vậy' makes the question more immediate and context-related. It can ask about objects, express surprise, seek confirmation, or indicate confusion.
- Common in spoken Vietnamese.
- Used to ask about things, actions, or situations.
- In formal settings, 'gì' or 'như thế nào' may be more appropriate.
Compared with English
Compared with English
Like the English 'What is it?' or 'What's going on?', 'gì vậy' can be neutral or carry emotion depending on tone. In formal or respectful contexts, alternatives like 'gì' or 'như thế nào' may be preferred.
Common mistakes
Vậy gì cái này?
Cái gì vậy?
The fixed colloquial phrase is 'cái gì vậy'.
Bạn đang gì vậy làm?
Bạn đang làm gì vậy?
'gì' should be placed in the verb's object position.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
Which sentence correctly uses 'gì vậy'?
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Multiple choice
Which sentence correctly uses 'gì vậy'?
- Cái gì vậy?
- Vậy gì cái này?
- Bạn đang gì vậy làm?
Answer: Cái gì vậy?
Explanation: This is the common colloquial form.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Cái ____?
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Cái ____?
Answer: Cái gì vậy?
Explanation: This is the common colloquial form.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "What is this?" into Vietnamese.
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English to Vietnamese
Translate "What is this?" into Vietnamese.
Answer: Cái gì vậy?
Explanation: Use gì vậy in the same structure as the example.
True or false
The position of 'gì vậy' can be exactly like the English question word at the start of the sentence.
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True or false
The position of 'gì vậy' can be exactly like the English question word at the start of the sentence.
Answer: False
Explanation: Vietnamese question words often remain in their original grammatical position, especially words like 'ai', 'gì', 'đâu', 'bao lâu'.
Correction
Correct this sentence: Vậy gì cái này?
Show answer
Correction
Correct this sentence: Vậy gì cái này?
Answer: Cái gì vậy?
Explanation: The fixed colloquial phrase is 'cái gì vậy'.