Vietnamese Grammar Bank
GIVING ADVICE IN VIETNAMESE
Giving advice is a common part of everyday conversation in Vietnamese.
In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use expressions like khuyên, thử, and nghĩ to offer suggestions, make recommendations, and gently guide others in a natural and culturally appropriate way.
TÔI NGHĨ BẠN NÊN… = I THINK YOU SHOULD…
This is one of the most direct ways to offer advice in Vietnamese. It translates to “I think you should…” and is followed by the verb in its root form. This phrase is polite and widely used.
PATTERN
Subject 1 + nghĩ + Subject 2 + nên + verb/adjective
For example:
| Tôi nghĩ bạn nên quên anh ấy đi vì anh ấy không yêu bạn đâu! | I think you should forget him because he doesn’t love you! |
| Tôi nghĩ bạn nên cố gắng hơn | I think you should try harder. |
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| Tôi nghĩ anh ấy nên nói xin lỗi và giải thích tất cả cho bạn | I think he should apologize and explain everything to you. |
| Anh ấy nghĩ bạn nên xem anh ấy chỉ là kỷ niệm đẹp | He thinks you should see him as just a beautiful memory. |
| Mẹ nghĩ tôi nên học đại học trước, sau đó đi làm | My mom thinks I should go to college first, then work. |
| Ba nghĩ mẹ nên bình tĩnh trước khi nói | My dad thinks my mom should calm down before speaking. |
BẠN THỬ…XEM SAO? = YOU SHOULD TRY…?
This phrase suggests that the other person should give something a try. It is more casual and often used when offering suggestions or alternatives.
PATTERN
Subject + thử + verb + xem sao?
For example:
| Bạn cô đơn. Bạn thử yêu xem sao? | You are lonely. You should try loving someone. |
| Anh chưa viết CV bao giờ. Anh thử viết CV xem sao? | He has never written a CV. He should try writing one. |
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| Em khó ngủ. Em thử ăn táo trước khi ngủ xem sao? | You have trouble sleeping. You should try eating an apple before bed. |
| Em mệt mỏi. Em thử đi spa thư giãn xem sao? | You’re tired. You should try going to a spa to relax. |
| Bạn nhớ cô ấy. Bạn thử nhắn tin cho cô ấy xem sao? | You miss her. You should try texting her. |
| Bạn mông lung. Bạn thử viết nhật ký xem sao? | You’re confused. You should try writing a journal. |
KHUYÊN… = TO RECOMMEND / TO ADVISE
This phrase is a more formal way to give advice. It is suitable for serious or professional contexts
PATTERN
Subject + khuyên + clause
For example:
| Chị khuyên em đi học đi! | I advise you to go to school! |
| Anh khuyên em nên có ước mơ của riêng mình! | I advise you to have your own dreams! |
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| Họ khuyên tôi nên cưới anh ấy | They advise me to marry him. |
| Ba mẹ khuyên tôi không nên yêu anh ấy | My parents advise me not to love him. |
| Tôi khuyên bạn nên từ bỏ vì chuyện tình yêu này không có tương lai | I advise you to give up because this relationship has no future. |
| Tôi khuyên bạn nên lựa chọn chúng tôi thay vì họ | I advise you to choose us instead of them. |
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FAQs
What’s the difference between “khuyên” and “góp ý”?
Khuyên is used for giving advice with the intent to help or guide someone, often from a position of more experience.
Góp ý is more about offering suggestions or constructive feedback, often in a neutral or collaborative tone.
Can I use “nên” instead of “khuyên” when giving advice?
Yes. Nên is often used directly in sentences to suggest what someone should do (e.g. Bạn nên nghỉ ngơi.). Khuyên typically introduces the act of advising (e.g. Tôi khuyên bạn nên nghỉ ngơi.).
Is “thử” always used to suggest something?
Not always.
Thử literally means “to try.” It can be used to suggest trying something (Bạn thử làm cái này đi.), but can also describe an attempt (Tôi thử học tiếng Việt.).
How do I soften my advice to make it sound more polite?
You can add softeners like nhé, xem sao, or use a questioning tone (e.g. Bạn thử làm như vậy xem sao nhé?) to avoid sounding too direct.
When should I use “nghĩ là” in giving advice?
Nghĩ là (I think that…) introduces a personal opinion and is often used to gently suggest an action, especially when you don’t want to impose (e.g. Tôi nghĩ là bạn nên nói chuyện với cô ấy.).
Can I study in Vietnam with LTL?
Yes, you can!
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