Vietnamese Grammar Bank
SEEM TO IN VIETNAMESE
In Vietnamese, expressions like “hình như”, “dường như”, and “có vẻ như” are used to convey uncertainty or make assumptions, similar to “seem to be” in English.
This lesson will show you how to use these structures naturally in different contexts.
HÌNH NHƯ = APPARENTLY
“Hình như” is used when the speaker suspects something might be true based on unofficial information. It’s equivalent to “it seems like” or “apparently” in English.
PATTERN
Hình như + Subject + Verb/Adjective
For example:
| Hình như anh ấy đang buồn. | It seems he’s feeling sad |
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| Hình như anh ấy đang buồn. | It seems he’s feeling sad. |
| Hình như họ chưa biết tin này. | It seems they don’t know this news yet. |
| Hình như cô ấy không thích món này. | It seems she doesn’t like this dish. |
| Hình như trời sắp mưa. | It seems like it’s going to rain. |
| Hình như anh ta quên mất cuộc họp. | It seems he forgot about the meeting. |
| Hình như họ chưa quyết định xong. | It seems they haven’t finished deciding. |
CÓ VẺ = SEEM TO
“Có vẻ” is used when you give a statement/ an opinion/ prediction which is based on your own observation.
PATTERN
Subject + có vẻ + Verb/Adjective
For example:
| Anh ấy có vẻ lo lắng. | He seems worried. |
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| Cô ấy có vẻ vui hôm nay. | She seems happy today. |
| Cuốn sách này có vẻ thú vị | This book seems interesting. |
| Họ có vẻ thích nơi này | They seem to like this place. |
| Chúng tôi có vẻ đã đến muộn | We seem to be late. |
| Bữa tiệc có vẻ đông vui | The party seems lively. |
DƯỜNG NHƯ = IT APPEARS THAT…
“Dường như” is slightly more formal and literary, often used to express a thoughtful or reflective observation.
PATTERN
Dường như + Clause
For example:
| Dường như anh ấy đang suy nghĩ điều gì. | It appears that he is thinking about something. |
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| Dường như cô ấy đã quên hẹn. | It appears that she forgot the appointment |
| Dường như họ không hài lòng. | They don’t seem satisfied |
| Dường như trời sắp tối. | It appears that it’s getting dark |
| Dường như anh ta biết trước điều này. | It appears that he knew this beforehand |
| Dường như không ai quan tâm đến việc đó. | It appears that no one cares about that |
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FAQs
What is the difference between “hình như” and “dường như”?
Both mean “seem” or “apparently,” but hình như is more commonly used in spoken Vietnamese and can suggest a bit more uncertainty.
Dường như tends to sound slightly more formal or literary.
Can I use “hình như” and “dường như” at the beginning of a sentence?
Yes!
Both expressions usually appear at the beginning of the sentence to indicate uncertainty or assumption, similar to “It seems that…” in English.
Are there other ways to say “seem to be” in Vietnamese?
Yes.
In addition to hình như and dường như, you can use có vẻ như (it appears that) or dường như là (it seems that) depending on the context and formality.
Is “hình như” used in questions?
Yes, it can be.
Using hình như in a question implies that the speaker is unsure and seeking confirmation, e.g., Hình như bạn chưa ăn sáng? (You haven’t eaten breakfast, have you?).
Can these expressions be used with different tenses?
Yes.
Hình như, dường như, and có vẻ như are compatible with past, present, or future contexts.
The time reference is understood from the rest of the sentence.
Can I study in Vietnam with LTL?
Yes, you can!
You can study with us in Saigon or Hanoi, in both group or individual classes.
You’ll even have the opportunity to live with a Vietnamese family, thanks to our homestays.