A list of meanings of the word "mà" in Vietnamese

 The word "mà" is one of the most frequently encountered words in Vietnamese. Below is a list of the different meanings.


1. Equivalent to English "which/that". It can usually be omitted

Một câu chuyện mà rất quen thuộc với nhiều người.

A story that is very familiary to many people.


2. Equivalent to "but", short for "nhưng mà"

Mặc dù không thích mà vẫn phải làm.

Even though you don't like it, but you still have to do it.


3. Similar to #2 to indicate something that contrasts with the previous clause. Often can be translated as "without" or "even though".  Sometimes it is challenging to translate directly into English due to the hidden implication

Sống mà không có nước không đươc.

One can't live without water.

Có gì đâu mà giận.

Get angry even though there is nothing (to get angry about).


4. Equivalent to "in order to", short for để mà

Tôi đi làm mỗi ngày mà kiếm tiền.

I go to work every day in order to earn money.


5. Equivalent to "thus/therfore", in conjuction with another word like "vì"

Vì trời mưa mà chúng tôi phải thay đổi kế hoạch.

Because it was raining, (therefore) we had to change our plans.


6. Equivalent to "if", short for "nếu mà". Always follows right after the subject

Anh mà là em thì anh sẽ không làm như vậy.

If I were you, I wouldn't do this.


7. As a sentence-final particle after a statement that explains something

A: Wow, chị nói tiếng Anh giỏi quá!

B: Chị học đại học ở bên Mỹ mà.

A: Wow, your English is great!

B: Because I went to college in the States.


8. As a sentence-final particle, to make an "I told you so" statement

Mẹ đã nói rồi mà!

I told you so!

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