# dạ meaning in Vietnamese: yes (A1)

> dạ means “yes” in Vietnamese. It can also mean polite reply. Examples with audio, in Northern and Southern wording.

Source: https://vietnamesebuddy.com/words/da-yes/ · Updated 2026-10-31

**dạ**: polite yes · polite reply

Level: A1 (our estimate)

Typed without accents: da

## 1. polite yes (particle)

yes

Polite. Southern speakers say *dạ* where Northern speakers often say *vâng*.

- Saigon: Dạ, em hiểu rồi. | Hà Nội: Vâng, em hiểu rồi ạ. — Yes, I understand.
- Saigon: Dạ, đúng rồi. | Hà Nội: Vâng, đúng rồi ạ. — Yes, that's right.

In Hà Nội you say [vâng](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/words/vang-yes/#lx_vang).

Level: A1 · Saigon only · polite

Grammar: [Polite yes dạ / vâng, casual yes ừ](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/da-vang-yes/)

## 2. polite reply (particle)

A younger person's polite opener for a reply to someone older, even when the answer is no. On its own, *Dạ?* is how you answer when an older person calls you.

- Dạ, em không biết. — I'm sorry, I don't know.
- Dạ, con ăn rồi. — Yes, I've already eaten. (to a parent)

Level: A1 · Saigon only · polite

Grammar: [Polite yes dạ / vâng, casual yes ừ](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/da-vang-yes/)

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