# thưa meaning in Vietnamese: respectful opener (A1)

> thưa means “respectful opener” in Vietnamese. Examples with audio.

Source: https://vietnamesebuddy.com/words/thua-respectful-opener/ · Updated 2026-10-31

**thưa**: respectful opener

Level: A1 (our estimate)

Typed without accents: thua

## 1. respectful opener (particle)

Opens what you say to someone you respect, before their title: *Thưa cô*, *Thưa thầy*. Heard at school, in speeches and in formal letters; *Dạ thưa* is softer still.

- Thưa thầy, em có câu hỏi. — Excuse me, sir, I have a question.
- Thưa cô, em xin phép về sớm. — Excuse me, ma'am, may I leave early?

polite

Grammar: [Respectful address: thưa + title](https://vietnamesebuddy.com/grammar/thua-respectful/)

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