hẳn hoi

[han˧˩ hɔj˧˧]

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

(adjective) proper

Where it’s used: Used Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora

Examples

Làm ăn hẳn hoi vô, thì người ta mới tín nhiệm.Only by properly doing your job will others hold their trust on you.

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) distinct

Examples

Chính mắt tôi thấy hẳn hoi, nhầm sao được.It could not be a mistake since I witnessed the event with my bare eyes.

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Common questions

What does “hẳn hoi” mean?

(adjective) proper

Is “hẳn hoi” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.