quý

See also: quy, Quý, quỷ, and Quy

Vietnamese

Alternative forms

• quí
• (Southern Vietnam, obsolete) quới

Pronunciation

• (Hà Nội) IPA^(key): [kwi˧˦]
• (Huế) IPA^(key): [kwɪj˨˩˦]
• (Hồ Chí Minh City) IPA^(key): [wɪj˦˥]

Etymology 1

Sino-Vietnamese word from 貴 (“valuable”).

Adjective

quý

1. (of things) valuable; precious

   của quý ― valuable belongings

2. (of people) that one holds honorable or respectable; important

   Hôm nay nhà mình có khách quý. Mấy đứa nhớ chào hỏi lễ phép nhá.

   We're having some important guests today. You kids don't forget to give them a cordial welcome and behave yourselves.

Verb

quý

1. to treasure; to hold dear

   Mẹ nó quý nó lắm. Cái gì cũng chiều.

   His mom really loves him. She panders to his every whim.

   Synonym: trân trọng

Prefix

quý

1. (honorific, only in fixed expressions) honorific prefix

   quý ông; quý ngài ― a gentleman

   quý bà ― a lady

   quý vị ― sir; ma'am; everyone; you; our honorable audience

   Kính thưa quý vị và các bạn.

   Dear our treasured audience.

   quý ông bà anh chị em ― honorable audience

   Quý khách có muốn dùng gì nữa không ạ?

   Is there anything else you would like, sir/ma'am/our honorable customers?

Usage notes

• Used quite similarly to Japanese 御 (o, go), although not as broadly applicable.

See also

• sang (“classy”)

Etymology 2

Sino-Vietnamese word from 季.

Noun

quý

1. (of a year) a quarter

   thành tích quý 1 ― first quarter achievements

See also

• tứ quý