chắc
Vietnamese
editPronunciation
editEtymology 1
edit(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
Adjective
edit- (of a structure) firm; secure; steady
- Able to withstand mechanical force while remaining intact or firmly attached to another object without coming apart.
- Synonym: rắn chắc
- Having full development, forming a solid mass attached to another object without separating.
- Able to withstand mechanical force while remaining intact or firmly attached to another object without coming apart.
- (of a person) sure; certain; positive
- Chắc hông?
- Are you sure?
- Chắc mà!
- I'm certain!
Derived terms
editAdverb
edit- (after a verb) firmly; securely
- nắm chắc ― to have a firm grip
- (after a verb) surely; certainly; for sure
- biết chắc ― to know for sure
- (at the start of a clause) probably; maybe
- Chắc nó không đến đâu.
- I don't think he's coming.
- Chắc chẳng có ai ở nhà.
- Maybe nobody's home.
Particle
editchắc
- (colloquial) Marks a rhetorical question, often with an indignant or surprised tone
- Synonym: à
- Nó tưởng nó ngon lắm chắc?
- He really thinks he's all that, huh?
- Tưởng có tiền thì muốn làm gì thì làm chắc?
- They think they can get away with anything just because they have money?
Usage notes
edit- As a particle, chắc carries a harsher tone than the nearly synonymous à.
Verb
editchắc
- to assume
Etymology 2
editCognate with Arem cak ("each other").
Adverb
edit- (Central Vietnam) each other, one another
- Synonym: nhau
- Tụi bay cứ đánh chắc đập chắc hoài!
- Y'all fight all the time!
- (Central Vietnam, colloquial) only
- Synonym: mình
- Chắc hấn đi học à? ― Only them went to school?