At least it has this: được cái

the one good thing is

Pattern: [drawback], (nhưng) được cái + [good point]

A2 · estimate

Typed without accents: duoc cai

Được cái points out the one good thing about something that isn't perfect: Phòng hơi nhỏ, được cái sạch sẽ. The room's a bit small, but at least it's clean. It's like "the good thing is …" or "at least …" in English.

It comes second, after the drawback, often with nhưng (but) in front: Quán này hơi chật, nhưng được cái đồ ăn ngon. After được cái comes the good point: an adjective such as rẻ, gần or yên tĩnh, or a short sentence: Xe tôi cũ rồi, được cái chạy êm.

It works for people too: Ảnh nói hơi nhiều, được cái tốt bụng. He talks a bit much, but he's kind-hearted.

It's everyday speech, warm and a little forgiving: you're making the best of things. Keep it for the good side. For the one drawback in something good, people say chỉ có điều: Nhà đẹp, chỉ có điều hơi xa. The house is lovely; the only thing is, it's a bit far.

Examples

Highlighted words are what Saigon and Hà Nội say differently.

  • Phòng hơi nhỏ, được cái sạch sẽ.

    The room's a bit small, but at least it's clean.

  • Quán này hơi chật, nhưng được cái đồ ăn ngon.

    This place is a bit cramped, but the food's good.

  • Xe tôi cũ rồi, được cái chạy êm.

    My motorbike is old, but at least it runs smoothly.

  • Saigon

    Ảnh nói hơi nhiều, được cái tốt bụng.

    Hà Nội

    Anh ấy nói hơi nhiều, được cái tốt bụng.

    He talks a bit much, but he's kind-hearted.

Compare

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