ảo
[ʔaːw˧˩]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adjective) imaginary
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
đơn vị ảoan imaginary unit
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
(adjective) virtual
Examples
ảnh ảoa virtual image
ảo ảnha mirage
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(adjective) virtual
Examples
thế giới ảoa virtual world
sống ảoto live in a virtual world
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “ảo” mean?
(adjective) imaginary
Is “ảo” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.