Vietnamese Grammar Bank

VIETNAMESE SUGGESTIONS

In Vietnamese, making suggestions can be done using various expressions, such as …nhé! and Hay là…?.

Understanding these patterns will help you communicate more effectively. 

…NHÉ!

“…nhé!” is often used at the end of a sentence to make a suggestion in a friendly manner, similar to “Let’s” in English.

PATTERN

Clause, nhé!

Chúng ta đi xem phim nhé!Let’s go watch a movie!
Đi ăn pizza nhé!Let’s eat pizza
Học bài cùng nhau nhé!Let’s study together
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Ba ăn tối với con nhé!Let’s have dinner together
Con đừng về muộn nhé!Don’t come home late, okay
Chúng ta đi ngủ nhé!Let’s go to sleep

HAY LÀ…?

“Hay là…?” is used to introduce an alternative suggestion, such as “how about…” in English.

PATTERN

Hay là + clause?

Hay là chúng ta đi ăn tối?How about going out for dinner?
Hay là xem phim này?How about watching this movie?
Hay là mình cùng chơi game?How about playing games together?
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Hay là chúng ta đi biển?How about going to the beach together?
Hay là mình cùng học bài?How about studying together?
Hay là chúng ta đi mua sắm?How about going shopping? 

SAO KHÔNG…?

“Sao không…?” is a way to propose an idea or option, often used informally, similar to “why not…?”.

PATTERN

Sao + (subject) + không + verb?

Sao chúng ta không đi ăn tối?Why don’t we go out for dinner?
Sao không xem phim này?Why not watch this movie?
Sao mình không cùng chơi game?Why don’t we play games together?
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Sao chúng ta không đi biển?Why don’t we go to the beach?
Sao mình không cùng học bài?Why don’t we study together?
Sao chúng ta không đi mua sắm?Why don’t we go shopping?

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FAQs

How to use nhé in Vietnamese?

Adding “…nhé” at the end of a sentence softens the tone, making the suggestion sound friendly and inviting.

For example, “Chúng ta đi ăn nhé?” (Let’s go eat, okay?) feels gentle and polite.

How to use hay là in Vietnamese?

“Hay là…” is often used to offer an alternative or a suggestion.

For example, “Hay là chúng ta xem phim?” (How about we watch a movie?) allows for a choice and is casual and friendly.

How to use sao không in Vietnamese?

“Sao không…” (Why not…) suggests something that could or should be done, often to nudge someone toward an idea.

For instance, “Sao không đi dạo một chút?” (Why not take a walk?) gently encourages an action.

Is hay là suitable for both formal and informal?

“Hay là…” is more casual and typically used in informal settings, like with friends or family.

It may feel too familiar in formal contexts.

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