Vietnamese Classifiers Flashcards

What is the classifier 'cái' used for?

What is the classifier 'con' typically used for?

Which classifier is used for compositions like songs and poems?

What does the classifier 'cây' refer to?

What type of objects does the classifier 'chiếc' refer to?

What is the classifier 'tòa' used for?

What does the classifier 'quả/trái' denote?

What is the purpose of the classifier 'quyển/cuốn'?

What type of objects does the classifier 'tờ' refer to?

What does the classifier 'việc' refer to?

What is a classifier in Vietnamese?

Vietnamese Classifiers

The Vietnamese language uses classifiers to categorize nouns, crucial for grammatical structure.
Classifiers provide context about the quantity and nature of nouns, similar to certain features in Chinese.

Common Classifiers

cái:
- Used for most inanimate objects.
- Can extend other classifiers (e.g., cái con, cái chiếc).
con:
- Typically denotes animals.
- Can also apply to select inanimate objects (e.g., con dao = knife, con đường = street).
bài:
- Refers to compositions like songs, poems, drawings, and essays.
cây:
- For stick-like objects including plants and tools (e.g., guns, canes).
chiếc:
- Used for items worn or moved by people (e.g., cars, chairs, shoes).
tòa:
- Associated with authoritative buildings such as courts and governmental halls.
quả/trái:
- Designates globular objects, including fruits and planets.
quyển/cuốn:
- Pertains to book-like objects (e.g., books, journals).
tờ:
- Used for thin objects made of paper (e.g., newspapers, calendars).
việc:
- Represents events or ongoing processes, highlighting activities.

Importance of Classifiers

Vietnamese classifiers are essential for conveying the meaning and specificity of nouns.
Their variability reflects cultural and linguistic nuances, contrasting with the more fixed nature of English classifiers.

Test your knowledge of Vietnamese classifiers with these flashcards. Each card presents a classifier, its usage, and examples to help you understand their application in the language. Enhance your vocabulary and grasp the nuances of Vietnamese grammar.