Vietnamese song Usage (However / But)
song is a more formal and literary word for 'however' or 'but', often found in writing and formal speech.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
song is a more formal and literary word for 'however' or 'but', often found in writing and formal speech.
English meanings
- However
- But
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Kế hoạch này khả thi, song cần thêm thời gian.
This plan is feasible, but it needs more time.
2
Dữ liệu khá đầy đủ, song kết luận vẫn chưa chắc chắn.
The data is quite complete, however the conclusion is still uncertain.
How to use it
song indicates contrast with a tone more formal and concise than nhưng. It is uncommon in casual spoken conversation.
- More formal and literary.
- Usually placed before the second clause.
- Suitable for reports, reviews, and formal writing.
Compared with English
Compared with English
Comparable to English 'however' or 'nevertheless' in formal writing; not suitable for all spoken contexts.
Common mistakes
Mình muốn đi song mình mệt quá.
Mình muốn đi nhưng mà mình mệt quá.
song is too formal for everyday spoken language.
Song kế hoạch này khả thi, cần thêm thời gian.
Kế hoạch này khả thi, song cần thêm thời gian.
song typically introduces the contrasting clause, not the first.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
Which sentence correctly uses song?
Show answer
Multiple choice
Which sentence correctly uses song?
- Kế hoạch này khả thi, song cần thêm thời gian.
- Mình muốn đi song mình mệt quá.
- Song kế hoạch này khả thi, cần thêm thời gian.
Answer: Kế hoạch này khả thi, song cần thêm thời gian.
Explanation: More formal and literary.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Kế hoạch này khả thi, ____ cần thêm thời gian.
Show answer
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Kế hoạch này khả thi, ____ cần thêm thời gian.
Answer: Kế hoạch này khả thi, song cần thêm thời gian.
Explanation: More formal and literary.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "This plan is feasible, but it needs more time." into Vietnamese.
Show answer
English to Vietnamese
Translate "This plan is feasible, but it needs more time." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Kế hoạch này khả thi, song cần thêm thời gian.
Explanation: Use song in the same structure as the example.
True or false
True or False: Mình muốn đi song mình mệt quá is correct.
Show answer
True or false
True or False: Mình muốn đi song mình mệt quá is correct.
Answer: False
Explanation: song is too formal for everyday spoken language.
Correction
Correct this sentence: Mình muốn đi song mình mệt quá.
Show answer
Correction
Correct this sentence: Mình muốn đi song mình mệt quá.
Answer: Mình muốn đi nhưng mà mình mệt quá.
Explanation: song is too formal for everyday spoken language.