được làm vua, thua làm giặc
might makes right; the winner is always in the right and the loser is always in the wrong.
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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 South — distinctly Southern usage first, then nationwide staples.
might makes right; the winner is always in the right and the loser is always in the wrong.
Given something great, to immediately demand something even greater — insatiable escalating demands.
it's all-or-nothing; you either go big or go home
packed like sardines
the customs and habits of each region must be respected
a safe haven; a place with beneficial living conditions, suitable for growth
the customs and habits of each region must be respected
details in a story or event
a thug (a criminal who treats others violently or roughly)
apparently healthy, stout and sturdy even, but very stupid
synonym of đụ má (“fuck”)
synonym of đụ má
very thoroughly, without half-assing
to show one's gratitude; to repay a kindness (usually in reference to war-time sacrifices made)
In order to.
The peak of the peak — absolutely top-tier.
people who suffer the same illness look out for each other
to share the joys and sorrows (usually emphasising the “sorrow” part)
people live or work together but have very different interests or agendas
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see pour, oil, fire.
to add insult to injury; literally "to add kerosene to fire"
get a new master but still remain a slave
synonym of địt mẹ (“fuck”)
to take responsibility for the hardest part of a common task; to bear the brunt; to take the helm
to be restless; to feel uneasy; to be on tenterhooks; to fidget
to be rooted to the spot; to be unable to move due to fear, surprise, or other strong emotions.
synonym of đứng núi này trông núi nọ
Never satisfied with what you have; always thinking somewhere or something else is better.
Someone with a narrow worldview who mistakes their limited experience for the whole world.
One good turn deserves another.
When the person in charge is away, those left behind misbehave or run wild.
Everyone wants to show their good side, not their bad side
Someone who laughs a lot is likely hiding something
Wealth and hardship can affect multiple generations
Those who make a mistake must accept the consequences
It's easy to talk, but hard to act
Whoever goes to Ha Tinh will return
Those who are not wanted should leave
Remember one's hometown
Someone who has been away for a long time
Someone is entrusted to take care of something
Everyone has their own strengths
to reach a critical point
Who helps someone cross the river
One who suffers is to blame
Call out to someone for help or attention
Those who are closely related will help each other
Brothers fight with swords, not words
Respect within the family comes first, then respect from the community
Brothers are as helpful as hands and feet
Brothers are not necessarily from the same hometown
Brothers and sisters unite
brave, courageous people
A false or pretended hero
study hard to gain knowledge
Brothers are reminded of their roots
One remembers their hometown when away
Be determined and work hard in agriculture
Even a foolish person can be wise in their own home
Spending freely when having money, but seeking help when poor