dạ

Meanings

Highlighted words are what Saigon and Hà Nội say differently.

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.

   A1Saigon onlypoliteGrammar: Polite yes dạ / vâng, casual yes ừ

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)

   A1Saigon onlypoliteGrammar: Polite yes dạ / vâng, casual yes ừ