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nhiều — meaning in English: much

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Guess the translation for much
nhiều
máy bay
điều trăn trở
điểm mạnh
mặt
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers commonly use the word 'nhiều' in everyday conversations when discussing quantities, such as when ordering food or describing how much of something is needed. For example, a Vietnamese person might say, 'Tôi muốn nhiều phở,' which translates to 'I want a lot of pho.' It's also frequently used in casual chats among friends to express abundance, like 'Có nhiều bạn bè ở đây' meaning 'There are many friends here.'
Synonyms & nuances
'Nhiều' is often compared with 'khá nhiều,' which means 'quite a lot.' While both express a significant amount, 'khá nhiều' suggests a more moderate quantity, making it more suitable for contexts where exactness matters. You would choose 'nhiều' when you want to emphasize abundance without reservation.
Culture
The word 'nhiều' has deep roots in the Vietnamese language, deriving from the Old Vietnamese lexicon where it originally expressed not only quantity but also a sense of richness and variety, reflecting the diverse nature of Vietnamese culture. Interestingly, 'nhiều' is often associated with hospitality; Vietnamese people take pride in offering 'nhiều' food when guests visit, showcasing their generosity and warmth.
FAQ
Q.How do I use 'nhiều' in a sentence?
'Nhiều' can be used with both countable and uncountable nouns. For example, 'Có nhiều sách trên kệ' means 'There are many books on the shelf.' Just remember that it usually comes before the noun it modifies.
Q.Is 'nhiều' used in formal speech?
'Nhiều' is primarily used in neutral contexts and is appropriate for both informal and formal speech. However, in very formal writing, you might encounter synonyms like 'đa dạng' or 'phong phú' that convey a similar meaning but with a more sophisticated tone.
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 'nhiều'?
One common mistake is omitting the noun after 'nhiều.' For clarity, always follow 'nhiều' with the noun you are quantifying, such as 'nhiều người' for 'many people.'
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Vietnamese Vocabulary