có
[kɔ˧˦]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) to have, to possess
Register: informal
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Tao có hai con xe.I have two motorbikes. / I have two cars.
Tôi có chồng rồi.I've already had a husband. / I'm a married woman. / I'm married.
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
Register: informal
Examples
Nhà tôi có hai con.There are two kids in my family.
Có hai người trong phòng.There are two people in that room.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(noun) the left side of the balance sheet records the existing capital (fixed capital, working capital, etc.)
Register: informal
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(adjective) relatively rich
Register: informal
Common questions
What does “có” mean?
(verb) to have, to possess
Is “có” formal or informal?
có is generally informal.