chơi
[t͡ɕəːj˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) to play (an instrument, a sport, etc.)
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
chơi ghi-tato play the guitar
chơi đá bóngto play soccer
Chiều nay bạn có muốn chơi không?Do you want to play this afternoon?
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 have fun; to hang out; to spend time idly
Examples
Nó qua nhà bạn chơi cả ngày.He was hanging out at his friend's home all day.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(verb) to be friends (with someone)
Examples
Tao chơi với nó được hơn hai năm rồi.(informal) I've been friends with him/her for over 2 years.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “chơi” mean?
(verb) to play (an instrument, a sport, etc.)
Is “chơi” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.