hay
[haj˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) to know; to get to know; to learn
Register: formal
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
合咍㝵𱍸咍把特恩盎那。Certainly, [one will] know that such a person can repay their parents' kindness.
𣈜恪咍兠群役恪
節冷馬女底朱戈Who knows on a different day if I would be busy or not,
[So] I would rather not miss out on this nice weather [right now].
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) can, could, may, might
Register: formal
Examples
合咍㝵𱍸咍把特恩盎那。Certainly, [one will] know that such a person can repay their parents' kindness.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(adjective) able, capable
Register: formal
Examples
Credo in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, Creatorem caeli et terrae,[…]I believe in God, the Father All Capable, Creator of heaven and earth, […]
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(adjective) good, as in useful, inventive, interesting or entertaining; compare tốt (good as in high-quality, skillful or ethical)
Register: formal
Examples
ý haya good idea
Phim hay quá ha !That was a great movie!
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “hay” mean?
(verb) to know; to get to know; to learn
Is “hay” formal or informal?
hay is generally formal.