mà

Meanings

Highlighted words are what Saigon and Hà Nội say differently.

1. but

   conjunction

   A 'but' with a twist: what follows isn't what you'd expect (nhỏ mà đông khách, tiny and yet packed). Nhưng just sets two facts side by side.

   • Em học nhiều mà vẫn quên.

     I study a lot, but I still forget.

   • Saigon

     Nhà gần mà anh tới trễ.

     Hà Nội

     Nhà gần mà anh đến muộn.

     You live close by, and yet you're late.

   A1Grammar: But (unexpectedly), and yet: mà

2. that, which

   conjunction

   Links a noun to a description after it; in speech it is often left out.

   • Cái áo mà em mua hôm qua đẹp lắm.

     The shirt I bought yesterday is really nice.

   • Người mà chị gặp là ai?

     Who's the person you met?

   A2

3. so that

   conjunction

   to, so as to

   Between two verbs in speech, as when you hand someone something and say what it's for; để is the everyday word.

   • Cầm tiền này mà đi taxi.

     Take this money for a taxi.

   • Mua thêm bánh mì mà ăn sáng.

     Buy some more bread for breakfast.

   A2to recognizeGrammar: So as to (spoken): verb + mà + verb

4. if

   conjunction

   After the person or thing, with thì before the result: Anh mà đi thì em buồn lắm.

   • Em mà biết thì em đã nói rồi.

     If I'd known, I'd have told you.

   • Trời mà mưa thì mình ở nhà.

     If it rains, we'll stay home.

   A2Grammar: If (you) were to: person + mà + verb … thì

5. insisting

   particle

   At the end of a statement, mà insists it is true when someone doubts or has forgotten it, like 'I told you!' or a stressed 'really': Ngon mà!, it really is good. Said softly it reassures; said sharply it can sound impatient.

   • Tui đóng cửa rồi mà.

     I did shut the door!

   • Dễ mà, em làm thử đi.

     It's easy, really, give it a try.

   A2to recognizeGrammar: I told you! … mà at the end