chắc

See also: chạc and chậc

Vietnamese

Pronunciation

• (Hà Nội) IPA^(key): [t͡ɕak̚˧˦]
• (Huế) IPA^(key): [t͡ɕak̚˦˧˥]
• (Saigon) IPA^(key): [cak̚˦˥]

Etymology 1

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Adjective

chắc • (聀, 仄, 𢟘, 職, 礩)

1. (of a structure) firm; secure; steady
   1. Able to withstand mechanical force while remaining intact or firmly attached to another object without coming apart.

      Synonym: rắn chắc

   2. Having full development, forming a solid mass attached to another object without separating.

      Antonyms: kẹ, lép, óp

2. (of a person) sure; certain; positive

   Chắc hông?

   Are you sure?

   Chắc mà!

   I'm certain!

Derived terms

• chắc ăn
• chắc chắn (từ láy)
• chắc chân
• chắc cú
• chắc hẳn
• chắc mẩm
• chắc nịch
• cứng chắc
• rắn chắc

Adverb

chắc • (聀, 仄, 𢟘, 職, 礩)

1. (after a verb) firmly; securely

   nắm chắc ― to have a firm grip

2. (after a verb) surely; certainly; for sure

   biết chắc ― to know for sure

3. (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

chắc

1. (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

• As a particle, chắc carries a harsher tone than the nearly synonymous à.

Verb

chắc

1. to assume

Etymology 2

Cognate with Arem cak ("each other").

Adverb

chắc • (聀)

1. (Central Vietnam) each other, one another

   Synonym: nhau

   Tụi bay cứ đánh chắc đập chắc hoài!

   Y'all fight all the time!

2. (Central Vietnam, colloquial) only

   Synonym: mình

   Chắc hấn đi học à? ― Only them went to school?

Derived terms

• một chắc