lạ

[laː˧˨ʔ]

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

Sense 1

Meaning · English

(adjective) strange; unfamiliar

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

Examples

người lạa stranger

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) strange; odd; weird

Examples

Lạ thật.How strange.
hương thơm là lạa smell that is a little bit strange

Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Common questions

What does “lạ” mean?

(adjective) strange; unfamiliar

Is “lạ” formal or informal?

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