của — meaning in English: belong to

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đổi mới

điều này

chân thành

của

phát triển

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers use the word 'của' in everyday conversations to indicate ownership or possession. For example, when discussing personal belongings, someone might say 'Cái áo này là của tôi' (This shirt is mine). Additionally, in formal contexts, such as legal documents, 'của' is often used to specify ownership rights.

Synonyms & nuances

'Của' is often compared to 'thuộc về,' which also means 'belong to.' However, 'thuộc về' is slightly more formal and is used in contexts where the relationship or belonging is emphasized, such as in legal or historical discussions. In casual speech, 'của' is your go-to choice.

Culture

'Của' is derived from Old Vietnamese, where it originally signified possession in a more abstract sense. In Vietnamese culture, the concept of ownership is closely tied to family and community, making 'của' not just a word, but a reflection of social relationships. Fun fact: 'của' plays a pivotal role in forming possessive structures, which can be a key element in expressing identity in Vietnamese society.

FAQ

Q.What does 'của' mean in English?

'Của' means 'belong to' or 'of' in English and is used to indicate possession or ownership.

Q.How do I use 'của' in a sentence?

You can use 'của' to show ownership, such as in 'Đây là quần của tôi' (These are my pants). It typically follows the noun that indicates the item owned.

Q.Are there common mistakes when using 'của'?

A common mistake is forgetting to place 'của' correctly in compound nouns. Make sure to use it directly before the noun to clarify possession, like 'sách của bạn' (your book).

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Vietnamese Vocabulary