vừa

Meanings

Highlighted words are what Saigon and Hà Nội say differently.

1. just

   adverb

   Before the verb, for something that has only just happened; often vừa mới.

   • Xe buýt vừa đi.

     The bus has just left.

   • Chị vừa ăn xong.

     I've just finished eating.

   A1Grammar: Just happened: vừa / mới / vừa mới

2. fitting

   adjective

   just right, the right size

   For clothes and shoes: Cái áo này vừa không? Does this shirt fit?

   • Đôi giày này vừa lắm.

     These shoes fit perfectly.

   • Áo này không vừa em.

     This shirt doesn't fit me.

   A2

3. both … and

   conjunction

   Said twice, each before a word, vừa … vừa means 'both … and' for two qualities (vừa rẻ vừa ngon, cheap and good) and 'while' for two actions at once (vừa ăn vừa nói chuyện, talking while eating).

   • Căn nhà này vừa rộng vừa mát.

     This house is both roomy and cool.

   • Saigon

     Ba vừa lái xe vừa hát.

     Hà Nội

     Bố vừa lái xe vừa hát.

     Dad sang while he drove.

   A2Grammar: Both … and, at the same time: vừa … vừa