# cho meaning in Vietnamese: for (A1)

> cho means “for, to” in Vietnamese. It can also mean give, let. Examples with audio, in Northern and Southern wording.

Source: https://vietnamesebuddy.com/words/cho-for/ · Updated 2026-10-31

**cho**: for · give · let

Level: A1 (our estimate)

## 1. for (preposition)

for, to

After the verb and the thing: *mua hoa cho mẹ*, buy flowers for Mum. It isn't the 'for' of 'wait for' (*chờ em*).

- Anh mua cái này cho vợ. — I'm buying this for my wife.
- Em gọi cho chị sau nha. — I'll call you later.

Level: A1

Grammar: [To or for someone: verb + thing + cho + person](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/cho-to-for/)

## 2. give (verb)

The person comes straight after it: *cho em cái này*. *Cho em …* is also how you order: *Cho em một ly cà phê.*

- Saigon: Cho em một ly cà phê sữa đá. | Hà Nội: Cho em một cốc cà phê sữa đá. — An iced milk coffee, please.
- Saigon: Chị cho em cái này hả? | Hà Nội: Chị cho em cái này à? — You're giving me this?

Level: A1

## 3. let (verb)

to let, to allow

*Cho em hỏi …* (let me ask) is the polite way to start a question to a stranger.

- Cho em hỏi, nhà vệ sinh ở đâu? — Excuse me, where's the restroom?
- Saigon: Ba mẹ không cho em đi. | Hà Nội: Bố mẹ không cho em đi. — My parents won't let me go.

Level: A1

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Next: [chó](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/words/cho-dog/)

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