bao giờ
[ʔɓaːw˧˧ zəː˨˩]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adverb) when, how long until
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Bao giờ bạn về?When will you come home?
Vietnamese folk poem (ca dao)
Bao giờ cho đến tháng ba ? / Ếch cắn cổ rắn tha ra ngoài đồng.
How long until March comes? / A frog bites at a snake's neck and carries it to the paddies.
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
(adverb) ever, at some unspecified time
Examples
không bao giờnever
chẳng bao giờnever
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “bao giờ” mean?
(adverb) when, how long until
Is “bao giờ” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.