Vietnamese 'là sao' Usage (What does it mean / What's going on)
'là sao' is used to ask for the meaning of a phrase, word, or situation.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'là sao' is used to ask for the meaning of a phrase, word, or situation.
English meanings
- What does it mean
- What's going on
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Câu này là sao?
What does this sentence mean?
2
Bạn nói “mà” ở đây là sao?
What do you mean by 'mà' here?
How to use it
Using 'là sao' focuses on expressing 'what does it mean' or 'what's going on'. It is common in spoken language and can express simple confusion, surprise, or questioning tone.
- Used in spoken language to ask for meaning.
- Can ask about words, sentences, or situations.
- Tone is more casual than 'là gì'.
Compared with English
Compared with English
In English, 'What does this mean?' corresponds to 'cái này là sao' in casual speech. Do not confuse it with 'là gì', which is more formal or neutral.
Common mistakes
Câu này là gì sao?
Câu này là sao?
The fixed question form is 'X là sao'.
Bạn là sao học?
Bạn học như thế nào?
Do not use 'là sao' when asking about manner or method.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
Which sentence correctly uses 'là sao'?
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Multiple choice
Which sentence correctly uses 'là sao'?
- Câu này là sao?
- Câu này là gì sao?
- Bạn là sao học?
Answer: Câu này là sao?
Explanation: Used in spoken language to ask for meaning.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Câu này ____?
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Câu này ____?
Answer: Câu này là sao?
Explanation: Used in spoken language to ask for meaning.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "What does this sentence mean?" into Vietnamese.
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English to Vietnamese
Translate "What does this sentence mean?" into Vietnamese.
Answer: Câu này là sao?
Explanation: Use là sao in the same structure as the example.
True or false
Is 'Câu này là gì sao?' correct?
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True or false
Is 'Câu này là gì sao?' correct?
Answer: False
Explanation: The fixed question form is 'X là sao'.
Correction
Correct this sentence: Câu này là gì sao?
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Correction
Correct this sentence: Câu này là gì sao?
Answer: Câu này là sao?
Explanation: The fixed question form is 'X là sao'.