How to Use 'sắp sửa' in Vietnamese (about to/soon going to)
'sắp sửa' indicates that an action is about to happen, with a slightly more complete sense than 'sắp.'
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'sắp sửa' indicates that an action is about to happen, with a slightly more complete sense than 'sắp.'
English meanings
- about to
- soon going to
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Tôi sắp sửa thi tiếng Việt.
I'm about to take the Vietnamese exam.
2
Khóa học sắp sửa bắt đầu.
The course is about to start.
How to use it
'sắp sửa' is often used for events that are very close to happening or are being prepared for. In everyday speech, it can be shortened to 'sắp.'
- Indicates something is about to happen.
- Slightly more complete than 'sắp.'
- Followed by a verb.
Compared with English
Compared with English
In English, 'about to' or 'soon going to' matches 'sắp' or 'sắp sửa.' 'sắp sửa' is closer to 'just about to.'
Common mistakes
Tôi sắp sửa đã thi.
Tôi sắp sửa thi.
'sắp sửa' indicates the near future, do not use with 'đã' (already).
Khóa học sắp sửa bắt đầu rồi hôm qua.
Khóa học đã bắt đầu hôm qua.
Do not use 'sắp sửa' for actions that have already happened.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
Which sentence uses 'sắp sửa' correctly?
Show answer
Multiple choice
Which sentence uses 'sắp sửa' correctly?
- Tôi sắp sửa thi tiếng Việt.
- Tôi sắp sửa đã thi.
- Khóa học sắp sửa bắt đầu rồi hôm qua.
Answer: Tôi sắp sửa thi tiếng Việt.
Explanation: Indicates something is about to happen.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Tôi ____ thi tiếng Việt.
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Tôi ____ thi tiếng Việt.
Answer: Tôi sắp sửa thi tiếng Việt.
Explanation: Indicates something is about to happen.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "I'm about to take the Vietnamese exam." into Vietnamese.
Show answer
English to Vietnamese
Translate "I'm about to take the Vietnamese exam." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Tôi sắp sửa thi tiếng Việt.
Explanation: Use sắp sửa in the same structure as the example.
True or false
True or false: Tôi sắp sửa đã thi.
Show answer
True or false
True or false: Tôi sắp sửa đã thi.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'sắp sửa' indicates the near future, do not use with 'đã' (already).
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi sắp sửa đã thi.
Show answer
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi sắp sửa đã thi.
Answer: Tôi sắp sửa thi.
Explanation: 'sắp sửa' indicates the near future, do not use with 'đã' (already).