hai bàn tay trắng
two empty hands
All languages English Tiếng Việt
Where will you be? Anywhere Hà Nội & the NorthHuế / Đà Nẵng & the CenterSài Gòn & the SouthOnline slang Bắc ↔ Nam words
Sayings you’ll hear in the North — distinctly Northern usage first, then nationwide staples.
two empty hands
women are typically loud, talkative, prone to nagging and gossiping
dangerous place that is difficult to access and full of obstacles
Close to the English saying: “Misery loves company.”.
misfortunes never come singly; it never rains but it pours
personal trainer
gym instructor; personal trainer
why the hell; why in the world; why in God's name
To wait passively for good fortune instead of working for it.
To eagerly lurk for gossip and drama — front-row seat, popcorn ready.
What’s today’s date?
What day of the week is it today?
What a lovely day!
indicating the action one's about to state is not necessary: no use
that will be explained in more detail later
to jerk the chin so as to signal an occurrence or command, otherwise to display arrogance
the later generations are very capable; never underestimate someone younger than you
a rule which dictates that black side goes first
See you tomorrow.
see you later; see you
See you soon.
Beyond words; nothing left to add — so complete (good or absurd) that even the dipping sauce ran out.
there's no cure
security alarm; burglar alarm
intercom system
central heating system
charming beauty who makes men fall and leads to disasters (such as a loss of wealth or reputation, or a toppled nation); dangerous woman; femme fatale
father tigers produce child tigers
contact lens case
to have a beginning but not an end
"A good product does not need advertising.".
The moon is ashamed in the presence of flowers
Everyone wants something desirable
Everyone appreciates and takes care of something valuable
To wait passively for opportunities
To speak carelessly and get into trouble
Singing well is not as good as knowing when to sing
A person changes because of their environment
Something done is completely forgotten or gone
tour guide
Completely break off a relationship
Completely exhausted or worn out
To learn one thing and understand many others
Knowledge must be combined with practice
Learning from friends is more valuable than learning from teachers
People from Quang province are known for their confidence and bravery
Learn social manners and etiquette
To learn continuously and endlessly
A cruel person will not harm their own family
Someone who is completely unhelpful or uninvolved
Having both a good reputation and actual substance