# ạ meaning in Vietnamese: polite ending (A1)

> ạ means “polite ending” in Vietnamese. Examples with audio, in Northern and Southern wording.

Source: https://vietnamesebuddy.com/words/a-polite/ · Updated 2026-10-18

**ạ**: polite ending

Level: A1 (our estimate)

Typed without accents: a

## 1. polite ending (particle)

Goes last, after the address word, to add respect when you speak to someone older or senior: *Em chào chị ạ.* It changes nothing else in the sentence.

In Saigon, politeness rests mostly on *dạ* at the start; *ạ* is heard there too, and far more in Hà Nội.

- Dạ, em hiểu rồi ạ. — Yes, I understand.
- Bác khỏe không ạ? — Are you keeping well?

polite

Grammar: [Polite ending to elders: … ạ](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/a-polite/)

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