Vietnamese Grammar: Using riêng (Specifically / As for / Particularly)
riêng is used to single out a subject for emphasis or distinction.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
riêng is used to single out a subject for emphasis or distinction.
English meanings
- Specifically
- As for
- Particularly
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Riêng tôi, tôi thích học buổi sáng.
As for me, I like studying in the morning.
2
Riêng phần phát âm, bạn đã tiến bộ nhiều.
Specifically regarding pronunciation, you have improved a lot.
How to use it
riêng often means 'specifically' or 'just for this person/thing,' carrying a stronger sense of separation or special emphasis than về phần. It highlights a difference or special case compared to others.
- Used to emphasize a single subject.
- Usually placed at the beginning of a sentence.
- Often implies a difference from others.
Compared with English
Compared with English
Similar to English phrases like 'as for me' or 'speaking for myself,' riêng emphasizes a contrast with others.
Common mistakes
Tôi riêng thích học sáng.
Riêng tôi, tôi thích học sáng.
riêng + object is commonly used as a sentence-initial topic.
Riêng trời mưa nên tôi ở nhà.
Vì trời mưa nên tôi ở nhà.
riêng is not used to mark reasons or causes.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
Which sentence correctly uses riêng?
Show answer
Multiple choice
Which sentence correctly uses riêng?
- Riêng tôi, tôi thích học buổi sáng.
- Tôi riêng thích học sáng.
- Riêng trời mưa nên tôi ở nhà.
Answer: Riêng tôi, tôi thích học buổi sáng.
Explanation: Used to emphasize a single subject.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: ____ tôi, tôi thích học buổi sáng.
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: ____ tôi, tôi thích học buổi sáng.
Answer: Riêng tôi, tôi thích học buổi sáng.
Explanation: Used to emphasize a single subject.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "As for me, I like studying in the morning." into Vietnamese.
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English to Vietnamese
Translate "As for me, I like studying in the morning." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Riêng tôi, tôi thích học buổi sáng.
Explanation: Use riêng in the same structure as the example.
True or false
True or False: Tôi riêng thích học sáng.
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True or false
True or False: Tôi riêng thích học sáng.
Answer: False
Explanation: riêng + object is commonly used as a sentence-initial topic.
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi riêng thích học sáng.
Show answer
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi riêng thích học sáng.
Answer: Riêng tôi, tôi thích học sáng.
Explanation: riêng + object is commonly used as a sentence-initial topic.