hồi
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(noun) time, especially in the past
Register: formal
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
hồi trướcthere was a time when; back when
hồi nhỏ/trẻduring childhood
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
(noun) relatively long occurrence of an action
Register: formal
Examples
Họ nói chuyện một hồi rồi về.They talked for a while, then left.
Lão nói một thôi một hồi không nghỉ.He just kept going on and on forever.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(noun) instance of sustained sound, usually of a bell or drum
Register: formal
Examples
hồi trốnga drum roll
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(verb) to be back in good shape or a calm and collected state of consciousness
Register: formal
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Common questions
What does “hồi” mean?
(noun) time, especially in the past
Is “hồi” formal or informal?
hồi is generally formal.
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