chứ
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
(particle) Compares a predicate or clause stated before it to its supposed alternative, which is nullified in the predicate or clause after. Provides clarification, or implies high credibility, of either or both clauses (or predicates).
Examples
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
(particle) if what comes after is an interrogative word or phrase, implies that you highly doubt there is any alternative to an affirmative answer of the question
Examples
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
(particle) at the end of a question, hints that you think what you have said before this particle is true, although you still want to confirm it
Examples
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “chứ” mean?
(particle) Compares a predicate or clause stated before it to its supposed alternative, which is nullified in the predicate or clause after. Provides clarification, or implies high credibility, of either or both clauses (or predicates).
Is “chứ” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.