ạ
[ʔaː˧˨ʔ]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(particle) Used at the end of the sentence to express formality or politeness, usually to older people
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Chào cụ ạ.How do you do? (to an elderly male person)
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(verb) to use the particle ạ when speaking to someone
Examples
Con hư quá! Phải ạ chú đi chứ!That's not polite of you! Don't forget to use ạ!
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “ạ” mean?
(particle) Used at the end of the sentence to express formality or politeness, usually to older people
Is “ạ” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.