How to Use Degree Words and Intensifiers in Vietnamese

Understanding Degree Words in Vietnamese

Degree words in Vietnamese are used to express the intensity or degree of an adjective or verb. They help convey how strong or weak a quality or action is. These words are essential for adding emphasis and nuance to your sentences.

Common Degree Words

• Rất (very)
• Quá (too, very)
• Hơi (a little)
• Cực kỳ (extremely)
• Khá (quite)

For example, in the sentence "Cô ấy rất đẹp", rất intensifies the adjective đẹp (beautiful), meaning "She is very beautiful."

Placement of Degree Words

Degree words usually come before the adjective or verb they modify. For example, "Anh ấy hơi mệt" means "He is a little tired," where hơi modifies mệt (tired).

Using Intensifiers to Add Emphasis

Intensifiers in Vietnamese function similarly to degree words but often add stronger emphasis or emotional coloring to a statement.

Examples of Intensifiers

• Quá (too, very)
• Cực kỳ (extremely)
• Vô cùng (extremely)
• Thật sự (really)
• Rất là (very)

For instance, "Thật sự tuyệt vời!" means "Really wonderful!" where thật sự intensifies the adjective tuyệt vời (wonderful).

Combining Degree Words and Intensifiers

Sometimes, degree words and intensifiers can be combined for stronger emphasis, such as "Rất là đẹp" (very beautiful) or "Cực kỳ quan trọng" (extremely important). However, be careful not to overuse them as it can sound unnatural.

Tips for Using Degree Words and Intensifiers in Vietnamese

• Start with common degree words like rất and quá to express intensity.
• Pay attention to the placement before adjectives or verbs.
• Avoid stacking too many intensifiers to keep your speech natural.
• Listen to native speakers to understand the natural use of these words.
• Practice by creating sentences using different degree words and intensifiers.

Examples of Degree Words and Intensifiers in Sentences