Vietnamese 'suýt nữa' Usage (Almost)
'suýt nữa' means 'almost' or 'nearly'. Its actual function and style depend on the structure and examples in this lesson.
Quick explanation
Quick explanation
'suýt nữa' means 'almost' or 'nearly'. Its actual function and style depend on the structure and examples in this lesson.
English meanings
- almost; nearly
Grammar pattern
Examples
1
Tôi suýt nữa quên cuộc hẹn.
I almost forgot the appointment.
2
Cô ấy suýt nữa bị ngã.
She almost fell down.
How to use it
'suýt nữa' expresses that something almost happened, usually something undesirable or unexpected, but in fact it did not actually occur.
- 'suýt nữa' is followed by an action that nearly happened.
- Commonly used with danger, mistakes, or accidents.
- Avoid using 'suýt nữa' if the event actually happened.
Compared with English
Compared with English
In English, 'almost forgot' means you nearly forgot but remembered in the end; similarly, 'suýt nữa quên' indicates you nearly forgot but eventually recalled.
Common mistakes
Tôi suýt nữa quên cuộc hẹn, nên tôi không đến.
Tôi quên cuộc hẹn, nên tôi không đến.
If you really forgot and did not go, do not use 'suýt nữa'.
Cô ấy suýt nữa ngã bị.
Cô ấy suýt nữa bị ngã.
The natural order is 'suýt nữa bị ngã' for 'almost fell down'.
Commonly confused grammar
Practice
Multiple choice
What does 'suýt nữa' usually indicate about the outcome?
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Multiple choice
What does 'suýt nữa' usually indicate about the outcome?
- Almost happened but mostly did not happen
- Definitely happened
- Currently happening
Answer: Almost happened but mostly did not happen
Explanation: It is similar to English 'almost'.
Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Tôi ____ quên cuộc hẹn.
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Fill in the blank
Fill in the blank: Tôi ____ quên cuộc hẹn.
Answer: Tôi suýt nữa quên cuộc hẹn.
Explanation: 'suýt nữa' is followed by an action that nearly happened.
English to Vietnamese
Translate "I almost forgot the appointment." into Vietnamese.
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English to Vietnamese
Translate "I almost forgot the appointment." into Vietnamese.
Answer: Tôi suýt nữa quên cuộc hẹn.
Explanation: Use suýt nữa in the same structure as the example.
True or false
True or False: Tôi suýt nữa quên cuộc hẹn, nên tôi không đến.
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True or false
True or False: Tôi suýt nữa quên cuộc hẹn, nên tôi không đến.
Answer: False
Explanation: If you really forgot and did not go, do not use 'suýt nữa'.
Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi suýt nữa mất ví, và ví mất rồi.
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Correction
Correct this sentence: Tôi suýt nữa mất ví, và ví mất rồi.
Answer: Tôi bị mất ví.
Explanation: If the wallet was really lost, use 'bị mất ví', not 'suýt nữa'.