Vietnamese Classifiers Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the classifier 'cái' used for?

Buildings of authority

Most inanimate objects (correct)

Animals

Compositions like songs

What is the classifier 'con' typically used for?

Usually for animals

Which classifier is used for compositions like songs and poems?

bài

What does the classifier 'cây' refer to?

Stick-like objects Signup and view all the answers

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

Objects worn or moved by people Signup and view all the answers

What is the classifier 'tòa' used for?

Buildings of authority Signup and view all the answers

What does the classifier 'quả/trái' denote?

Globular objects Signup and view all the answers

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

Used for book-like objects Signup and view all the answers

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

Sheets and other thin objects made of paper Signup and view all the answers

What does the classifier 'việc' refer to?

An event or an ongoing process Signup and view all the answers

What is a classifier in Vietnamese?

A system to indicate word classes of nouns Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

Description

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.