thưa

Meaning

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?

   politeGrammar: Respectful address: thưa + title