cần — meaning in English: need

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Guess the translation for need

tắm

hi vọng

phù hợp

cần

tâm lý

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neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'cần' in both everyday conversations and more formal situations. For instance, a student might say 'Tôi cần sách' (I need a book) when asking a librarian for help, while a business professional might use it in a meeting to express a requirement, such as 'Chúng tôi cần tài liệu này' (We need this document).

Synonyms & nuances

'Cần' is often synonymous with 'thích' (to like) when discussing desires, but 'cần' implies a necessity. For example, you 'thích' a new phone, but you 'cần' it if your current one is broken and you rely on it for work.

Culture

'Cần' has roots in the Proto-Mon-Khmer language family, showcasing the deep historical connections between different Southeast Asian languages. Interestingly, the concept of 'need' in Vietnamese culture often reflects communal values, where personal needs are frequently tied to the well-being of the group, emphasizing togetherness and support.

FAQ

Q.How do you use the word cần in a sentence?

'Cần' is used to indicate necessity, and you can use it like this: 'Tôi cần đi ngủ' (I need to sleep). It’s followed by a noun or verb to show what is needed.

Q.What are some common phrases using cần?

Some popular phrases include 'cần giúp' (need help) and 'cần làm gì đó' (need to do something), which are useful in a variety of situations.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word cần?

A common mistake is using 'cần' incorrectly with nouns that imply preference rather than necessity. Remember, you use 'cần' when something is essential, not just desired.

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Vietnamese Vocabulary