Reference guide
Vietnamese Particles Guide
Particles carry interpersonal and structural information that English often expresses through intonation, word order, or a longer phrase.
Three particle families
Final particles
ạ, nhé, nha, nhỉ, hả, chứ, and others shape the social tone of a completed utterance.
Structural particles
mà, ra, nữa, and similar words connect clauses, mark results, or add continuation depending on position.
Topic and focus markers
thì, chính, riêng, and ngay cả show what the sentence is about or which element receives contrastive focus.
Continue with detailed grammar points
mà
But; Though; You know
'mà' is frequently used to express mild contrast ('but', 'though') or as a sentence-final particle indicating reminder, explanation, or emphasis, essential for learners.
Anh ấy thông minh mà lười.
He is smart but lazy.
thì
then; so; topic marker
The particle thì is commonly used to mean "then", "so", or as a topic marker. It is an essential structure for learners to master early on.
Cà phê thì tôi thích, nhưng trà thì không.
As for coffee, I like it, but as for tea, I don't.
nhé
please; okay
The particle nhé is commonly used to express a soft command or suggestion, similar to "please" or "okay" in English. It is an important structure for learners to master.
Mai gặp lại nhé.
See you again tomorrow, okay.
nhỉ
isn't it; right
The particle nhỉ is commonly used to express "isn't it" or "right" in Vietnamese. It is an important structure for learners to master.
Hôm nay trời đẹp nhỉ.
The weather is nice today, isn't it?
ạ
polite particle; respectful
'ạ' is placed at the end of a sentence to make it more polite and respectful, often used when speaking to elders, teachers, guests, or strangers.
Em chào cô ạ.
Hello, teacher.
chứ
Of course; (used for emphasis or confirmation); Isn't it? (rhetorical question)
'chứ' often expresses something obvious, a rhetorical question, confirmation, or urging agreement.
Bạn phải đi chứ.
You obviously have to go.
nữa
More; Still; Another
'nữa' means 'more', 'still', or 'another', and is often used in negative sentences to mean 'no longer'.
Tôi muốn uống một ly cà phê nữa.
I want to drink one more cup of coffee.
ra
come out; result appears; besides
'ra' can be a directional or result complement, and appears in 'ngoài ... ra' meaning 'besides' or 'except'.
Tôi nghĩ ra một cách mới.
I thought of a new way.