Vietnamese, the official language of Vietnam, is a fascinating and rich language with a unique script and a tonal system that can be a challenge for learners. One of the most intriguing aspects of Vietnamese is its use of idioms. Idioms offer insights into the culture, history, and everyday life of the people who speak the language. Understanding idioms can significantly enhance your grasp of Vietnamese and make your communication more nuanced and authentic. In this article, we will explore some popular Vietnamese idioms and their meanings.
1. Ăn cơm nhà, vác tù và hàng tổng
This idiom translates to “Eat home food, carry the village’s horn.” It describes someone who uses their resources or time to help others, often at the expense of their own needs. This expression highlights the value of community service and selflessness in Vietnamese culture.
2. Cái khó ló cái khôn
Literally meaning “Difficulties bring out wisdom,” this idiom is similar to the English phrase “Necessity is the mother of invention.” It suggests that challenging situations often lead to ingenious solutions and that people tend to become more resourceful when faced with problems.
3. Chạy trời không khỏi nắng
This idiom translates to “You can’t run away from the sun.” It means that one cannot escape their fate or certain inevitable situations. Similar to the English saying “You can’t escape your destiny,” it emphasizes the idea that some things are beyond our control.
4. Con sâu làm rầu nồi canh
Literally meaning “A worm makes the pot of soup sour,” this idiom is used to describe a situation where one bad individual can ruin the whole group. It is similar to the English idiom “One bad apple spoils the bunch,” highlighting the impact of a single negative element on the overall environment.
5. Đứng núi này trông núi nọ
This phrase means “Standing on this mountain looking at another mountain,” and is used to describe someone who is never satisfied with what they have and is always looking for something better. It’s akin to the English saying “The grass is always greener on the other side,” emphasizing the human tendency to undervalue what we have.
6. Gần mực thì đen, gần đèn thì sáng
This idiom translates to “Near ink, you become black; near light, you become bright.” It means that one’s environment greatly influences their character and behavior. Similar to the English sayings “You are the company you keep” or “Birds of a feather flock together,” it underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences.
7. Một giọt máu đào hơn ao nước lã
Literally translating to “A drop of red blood is worth more than a pond of clear water,” this idiom means that blood relations and family ties are more valuable than other relationships. It is similar to the English saying “Blood is thicker than water,” emphasizing the importance of familial bonds.
8. Trời sinh voi, trời sinh cỏ
This idiom translates to “Heaven gives birth to elephants, heaven gives birth to grass.” It means that nature provides for all creatures, and everyone will find what they need to survive. It’s a comforting expression that reassures people that they will find resources to sustain themselves, similar to the English saying “Every creature has its food.”
9. Vạn sự khởi đầu nan
Literally meaning “Everything is hard at the beginning,” this idiom emphasizes that starting something new is often the most challenging part. It’s akin to the English phrase “The first step is the hardest,” reminding us that perseverance is crucial in the face of initial difficulties.
10. Yêu nhau củ ấu cũng tròn, ghét nhau quả bồ hòn cũng méo
This idiom translates to “When in love, a rough seed is round; when in hate, a sweet fruit is sour.” It means that love and hate can alter perceptions of reality. This expression highlights the power of emotions in shaping our views, similar to the English saying “Love is blind.”
11. Có công mài sắt, có ngày nên kim
This phrase means “With effort, a metal bar can become a needle.” It underscores the value of persistence and hard work in achieving goals, much like the English saying “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” It encourages people to keep working diligently, even if progress seems slow.
12. Được voi đòi tiên
Literally translating to “Having an elephant, asking for a fairy,” this idiom describes someone who is never satisfied with what they have and always wants more. It is similar to the English phrase “Give them an inch, and they’ll take a mile,” highlighting the insatiable nature of human desires.
13. Đánh trống bỏ dùi
This idiom translates to “Beating the drum, then dropping the stick,” and it describes someone who starts something but does not see it through to completion. It’s akin to the English saying “Start something and not finish it,” emphasizing the importance of commitment and follow-through.
14. Nước đến chân mới nhảy
Literally meaning “Only jump when the water reaches your feet,” this idiom describes someone who waits until the last minute to act. It is similar to the English phrase “Waiting until the eleventh hour,” highlighting procrastination and the tendency to delay action until it is absolutely necessary.
15. Cần cù bù thông minh
This idiom translates to “Diligence makes up for intelligence,” emphasizing the value of hard work over innate talent. It suggests that perseverance and effort can compensate for a lack of natural ability, much like the English saying “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
16. Chín bỏ làm mười
Literally translating to “Nine becomes ten,” this idiom encourages people to overlook minor faults or mistakes and be forgiving. It’s similar to the English phrase “Let bygones be bygones,” promoting a spirit of tolerance and understanding in interpersonal relationships.
17. Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn
This idiom means “Travel one day, learn a basket of wisdom.” It suggests that traveling and experiencing new things can provide a wealth of knowledge. Similar to the English saying “Travel broadens the mind,” it emphasizes the educational value of exploring the world.
18. Cá không ăn muối cá ươn
Literally meaning “Fish that doesn’t eat salt will rot,” this idiom suggests that those who do not listen to advice will face negative consequences. It’s akin to the English saying “He who will not be ruled by the rudder must be ruled by the rock,” emphasizing the importance of heeding wise counsel.
19. Thả mồi bắt bóng
This phrase translates to “Drop the bait to catch the shadow,” and it describes someone who loses something valuable in pursuit of an illusion or something unattainable. It’s similar to the English saying “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” highlighting the folly of forsaking sure gains for uncertain prospects.
20. Ăn cây nào, rào cây nấy
Literally translating to “Eat from which tree, fence that tree,” this idiom means that one should protect and support the source of their livelihood. It’s similar to the English saying “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” emphasizing loyalty and gratitude towards those who provide for us.
21. Mất bò mới lo làm chuồng
This idiom means “Lose the cow, then build the barn,” describing someone who takes preventive measures only after suffering a loss. It’s akin to the English phrase “Closing the stable door after the horse has bolted,” highlighting the importance of foresight and timely action.
22. Vắt chanh bỏ vỏ
Literally translating to “Squeeze the lemon, then discard the peel,” this idiom describes someone who uses others for their own benefit and then abandons them. It’s similar to the English saying “Use someone as a means to an end,” emphasizing the exploitative nature of such behavior.
23. Nước chảy đá mòn
This idiom translates to “Flowing water wears away stone,” suggesting that persistent effort can overcome great obstacles. It’s akin to the English saying “Constant dripping wears away the stone,” highlighting the power of perseverance and consistent effort.
24. Trâu buộc ghét trâu ăn
Literally meaning “The tied buffalo hates the grazing buffalo,” this idiom describes envy and resentment towards those who are free or more fortunate. It’s similar to the English saying “The grass is always greener on the other side,” emphasizing feelings of jealousy and discontent.
25. Chó cắn áo rách
This idiom translates to “Dog bites the torn shirt,” describing someone who takes advantage of those who are already in a difficult situation. It’s akin to the English phrase “Kick someone when they’re down,” highlighting the cruelty of exploiting others’ misfortunes.
Conclusion
Vietnamese idioms are rich in cultural significance and offer a window into the values and wisdom of Vietnamese society. By learning these idioms, language learners can not only enhance their vocabulary but also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural context in which the language is spoken. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, incorporating idioms into your language study can make your communication more authentic and engaging. So, take the time to explore and practice these idiomatic expressions, and you’ll find yourself speaking Vietnamese with greater fluency and cultural insight.
