See also: chạc and chậc

Vietnamese

edit

Pronunciation

edit

Etymology 1

edit

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

Adjective

edit

chắc (, , 𢟘, , )

  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
edit

Adverb

edit

chắc (, , 𢟘, , )

  1. (after a verb) firmly; securely
    nắm chắcto have a firm grip
  2. (after a verb) surely; certainly; for sure
    biết chắcto 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

edit

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

Verb

edit

chắc

  1. to assume

Etymology 2

edit

Cognate with Arem cak ("each other").

Adverb

edit

chắc ()

  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
edit