Learning idioms is an essential part of mastering any language. Idioms are phrases or expressions that have a figurative meaning different from their literal meaning. They reflect cultural nuances and often provide insight into the way native speakers think and communicate. Vietnamese, like any other language, has its own unique set of idioms that can be both intriguing and challenging for language learners. In this article, we will explore some common Vietnamese idioms, their meanings, and how to use them effectively in conversation.
Understanding Vietnamese Idioms
Vietnamese idioms often draw from everyday life, nature, and traditional folklore. They can be poetic and vivid, making the language rich and expressive. Learning these idioms will not only help you understand spoken Vietnamese better but will also enable you to speak more naturally and fluently.
Idioms Related to Everyday Life
1. **”Nước đến chân mới nhảy”**
– **Literal Translation:** Jump only when water reaches your feet.
– **Meaning:** This idiom describes someone who procrastinates until the last minute before taking action. It is similar to the English idiom “Wait until the eleventh hour.”
– **Example:** “Anh ấy luôn nước đến chân mới nhảy, lúc nào cũng làm bài tập vào đêm trước ngày nộp.” (He always waits until the last minute, doing his homework the night before it’s due.)
2. **”Đứng núi này trông núi nọ”**
– **Literal Translation:** Standing on one mountain, looking at another.
– **Meaning:** This idiom is used to describe someone who is never satisfied with what they have and always desires something else, similar to the English saying “The grass is always greener on the other side.”
– **Example:** “Cô ấy cứ đứng núi này trông núi nọ, không bao giờ hài lòng với công việc hiện tại.” (She is never satisfied with her current job and always looks for something else.)
3. **”Cá lớn nuốt cá bé”**
– **Literal Translation:** Big fish eat small fish.
– **Meaning:** This idiom reflects the idea of survival of the fittest, where the strong dominate the weak. It can be used in various contexts, such as business or social hierarchies.
– **Example:** “Trong thương trường, cá lớn nuốt cá bé là chuyện bình thường.” (In the business world, it’s common for the strong to dominate the weak.)
Idioms Related to Nature and Animals
4. **”Chó cắn áo rách”**
– **Literal Translation:** Dog bites a torn shirt.
– **Meaning:** This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone takes advantage of someone else’s misfortune or weakness. It is similar to the English idiom “Kick someone when they’re down.”
– **Example:** “Trong lúc anh ấy gặp khó khăn, nhiều người lại chó cắn áo rách, không giúp đỡ mà còn chỉ trích.” (When he was in trouble, many people took advantage of his situation instead of helping him.)
5. **”Đầu voi đuôi chuột”**
– **Literal Translation:** Elephant’s head, mouse’s tail.
– **Meaning:** This idiom describes something that starts grandly but ends poorly or insignificantly. It is similar to the English idiom “A flash in the pan.”
– **Example:** “Dự án của họ đầu voi đuôi chuột, ban đầu rất hoành tráng nhưng kết thúc chẳng ra gì.” (Their project started grandly but ended poorly.)
6. **”Mèo khen mèo dài đuôi”**
– **Literal Translation:** Cat praises its own long tail.
– **Meaning:** This idiom is used to describe someone who boasts about themselves or their achievements. It is similar to the English idiom “Blow one’s own trumpet.”
– **Example:** “Anh ấy lúc nào cũng mèo khen mèo dài đuôi, tự ca ngợi bản thân mà không khiêm tốn.” (He always boasts about himself and is never humble.)
Idioms Related to Human Behavior and Relationships
7. **”Ăn cháo đá bát”**
– **Literal Translation:** Eat porridge and then kick the bowl.
– **Meaning:** This idiom describes someone who is ungrateful and turns their back on those who have helped them. It is similar to the English idiom “Bite the hand that feeds you.”
– **Example:** “Anh ấy ăn cháo đá bát, quên hết công ơn của những người đã giúp đỡ mình.” (He is ungrateful and forgets the help he received from others.)
8. **”Ném đá giấu tay”**
– **Literal Translation:** Throw stones and hide one’s hands.
– **Meaning:** This idiom describes someone who does something bad or harmful but tries to avoid taking responsibility for it. It is similar to the English idiom “Backstab.”
– **Example:** “Cô ấy ném đá giấu tay, làm hại người khác nhưng không bao giờ nhận lỗi.” (She backstabs others but never takes responsibility.)
9. **”Một giọt máu đào hơn ao nước lã”**
– **Literal Translation:** A drop of red blood is worth more than a pond of clear water.
– **Meaning:** This idiom emphasizes the importance of family ties and blood relations over other relationships. It is similar to the English saying “Blood is thicker than water.”
– **Example:** “Dù xảy ra chuyện gì, một giọt máu đào hơn ao nước lã, gia đình vẫn luôn quan trọng nhất.” (No matter what happens, family is always the most important.)
Idioms Related to Wisdom and Knowledge
10. **”Học ăn học nói, học gói học mở”**
– **Literal Translation:** Learn to eat, learn to speak, learn to wrap, learn to open.
– **Meaning:** This idiom emphasizes the importance of learning and acquiring skills in all aspects of life. It suggests that good manners and proper behavior must be learned and practiced.
– **Example:** “Bố mẹ luôn dạy con cái học ăn học nói, học gói học mở để trưởng thành.” (Parents always teach their children proper manners and skills for adulthood.)
11. **”Biết thì thưa thốt, không biết thì dựa cột mà nghe”**
– **Literal Translation:** If you know, speak; if you don’t, lean on a post and listen.
– **Meaning:** This idiom advises people to speak only when they have knowledge and to listen and learn when they don’t. It is similar to the English saying “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”
– **Example:** “Trong cuộc họp, anh ấy luôn biết thì thưa thốt, không biết thì dựa cột mà nghe.” (In meetings, he always speaks when knowledgeable and listens when he doesn’t know.)
12. **”Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn”**
– **Literal Translation:** Travel a day, learn a basket of wisdom.
– **Meaning:** This idiom highlights the value of travel and experience in gaining knowledge and wisdom. It is similar to the English saying “Travel broadens the mind.”
– **Example:** “Cô ấy luôn thích đi du lịch vì đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn.” (She loves traveling because it broadens her mind and knowledge.)
Idioms Related to Luck and Fortune
13. **”Phúc bất trùng lai, họa vô đơn chí”**
– **Literal Translation:** Fortune does not come twice, misfortune does not come alone.
– **Meaning:** This idiom suggests that good luck is rare and often singular, while bad luck tends to come in multiples. It is similar to the English saying “When it rains, it pours.”
– **Example:** “Anh ấy vừa mất việc lại gặp tai nạn, đúng là phúc bất trùng lai, họa vô đơn chí.” (He lost his job and then had an accident, truly when it rains, it pours.)
14. **”Cầu được ước thấy”**
– **Literal Translation:** Pray to get, wish to see.
– **Meaning:** This idiom describes a situation where someone’s wishes or prayers come true. It is similar to the English saying “Dreams come true.”
– **Example:** “Sau bao nỗ lực, cuối cùng cô ấy cũng cầu được ước thấy, đạt được học bổng du học.” (After much effort, her dream came true, and she received a scholarship to study abroad.)
15. **”Số hưởng”**
– **Literal Translation:** Enjoyable fate.
– **Meaning:** This idiom describes someone who is lucky and enjoys a comfortable and fortunate life. It is similar to the English saying “Born with a silver spoon in one’s mouth.”
– **Example:** “Anh ấy thật số hưởng, sinh ra trong gia đình giàu có và không phải lo lắng gì.” (He is truly fortunate, born into a wealthy family without any worries.)
How to Learn and Use Vietnamese Idioms
1. **Contextual Learning:**
– Pay attention to how idioms are used in context. Watch Vietnamese movies, listen to songs, and read books or articles to see how native speakers use idioms naturally.
2. **Practice Regularly:**
– Incorporate idioms into your daily conversations. Practice using them with native speakers or language partners to get comfortable with their usage.
3. **Create Flashcards:**
– Make flashcards with the idiom on one side and its meaning and an example sentence on the other. Review them regularly to reinforce your memory.
4. **Understand the Culture:**
– Learning about Vietnamese culture, traditions, and history can help you understand the origins and nuances of idioms, making them easier to remember and use correctly.
5. **Use a Language App:**
– Utilize language learning apps that focus on idioms and expressions. Some apps offer interactive lessons and quizzes to help you master idioms effectively.
Conclusion
Vietnamese idioms are a fascinating and essential part of the language, offering insights into the culture and mindset of Vietnamese people. By learning and using these idioms, you can enhance your language skills, communicate more naturally, and gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of the Vietnamese language. Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to context, and enjoy the process of discovering and mastering these colorful expressions. Happy learning!
