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Grammar point
A2CommonParticlesNeutralElementary

Vietnamese particle 'mới' usage (just / only then / just now)

'mới' can indicate recent occurrence or emphasize 'only then' as a focus particle.

Quick explanation

Quick explanation

'mới' can indicate recent occurrence or emphasize 'only then' as a focus particle.

English meanings

  • just
  • only then
  • just now

Grammar pattern

S + mới + V/Adj

Examples

1

Như vậy mới tự nhiên.

This is only natural.

2

Tôi mới học cấu trúc này hôm qua.

I just studied this structure yesterday.

How to use it

'mới' is not only a time marker for recent events but also emphasizes conditions or results that have just been met.

  • Indicates recent occurrence.
  • Also expresses 'only then' or 'just.'
  • Position affects meaning.

Compared with English

Compared with English

Like English 'only then' in 'this is only natural,' expressed as 'như vậy mới tự nhiên,' not just 'just' in time.

Common mistakes

Như vậy tự nhiên mới.

Như vậy mới tự nhiên.

'mới' as 'only then' precedes the adjective.

Tôi học mới hôm qua cấu trúc này.

Tôi mới học cấu trúc này hôm qua.

'mới' as time marker precedes the verb.

Commonly confused grammar

Practice

Multiple choice

Which sentence correctly uses 'mới'?

Show answer
  • Như vậy mới tự nhiên.
  • Như vậy tự nhiên mới.
  • Tôi học mới hôm qua cấu trúc này.

Answer: Như vậy mới tự nhiên.

Explanation: Indicates recent occurrence or focus.

Fill in the blank

Fill in the blank: Như vậy ____ tự nhiên.

Show answer

Answer: Như vậy mới tự nhiên.

Explanation: Indicates recent occurrence or focus.

English to Vietnamese

Translate "This is only natural." into Vietnamese.

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Answer: Như vậy mới tự nhiên.

Explanation: Use mới in the same structure as the example.

True or false

True or False: 'Như vậy tự nhiên mới.' is correct.

Show answer

Answer: False

Explanation: 'mới' as 'only then' precedes the adjective.

Correction

Correct this sentence: 'Như vậy tự nhiên mới.'

Show answer

Answer: Như vậy mới tự nhiên.

Explanation: 'mới' as 'only then' precedes the adjective.

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