Vietnamese 'sau khi' Usage (After)
'sau khi' is commonly used to express 'after', a structure English speakers should prioritize learning.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'sau khi' is commonly used to express 'after', a structure English speakers should prioritize learning.
English meanings
- after
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Uống thuốc sau khi ăn.
Take medicine after eating.
2
Sau khi học xong, tôi đi ngủ.
After finishing studying, I go to sleep.
How to use it
'sau khi' means 'after' and is followed by a completed or prior action clause; the main clause describes the subsequent action.
- 'sau khi' is followed by an action or full clause.
- To emphasize completion, add 'xong'.
- Time clauses can appear at the start, often separated by a comma.
Compared with English
Compared with English
English often emphasizes completion with 'after finishing'; Vietnamese can add 'xong' to stress completion, e.g. 'sau khi học xong'.
Common mistakes
Uống thuốc sau ăn.
Uống thuốc sau khi ăn.
When followed by an action like 'ăn', use 'sau khi', not just 'sau'.
Sau khi học xong tôi.
Sau khi học xong, tôi đi ngủ.
'sau khi' clause must be followed by a complete main clause.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
What time direction does 'sau khi' indicate?
Show answer
Multiple choice
What time direction does 'sau khi' indicate?
- after the following action
- before the following action
- indicates cause
Answer: after the following action
Explanation: 'sau khi' introduces a prior action, with the main clause following.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Uống thuốc ____ ăn.
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Uống thuốc ____ ăn.
Answer: Uống thuốc sau khi ăn.
Explanation: 'sau khi' is followed by an action or full clause.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "Take medicine after eating." into Vietnamese.
Show answer
English to Vietnamese
Translate "Take medicine after eating." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Uống thuốc sau khi ăn.
Explanation: Use sau khi in the same structure as the example.
True or false
Is 'Uống thuốc sau ăn.' correct?
Show answer
True or false
Is 'Uống thuốc sau ăn.' correct?
Answer: False
Explanation: When followed by an action like 'ăn', use 'sau khi', not just 'sau'.
Correction
Correct this sentence: Sau khi ăn tôi.
Show answer
Correction
Correct this sentence: Sau khi ăn tôi.
Answer: Sau khi ăn, tôi uống thuốc.
Explanation: The time clause must be followed by a complete main clause.