lẽ ra
[lɛ˦ˀ˥ zaː˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(verb) supposed to; to do something proper in the past instead
Verb
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Lẽ ra bạn nên hỏi tôi trước.You should've asked me in the first place.
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 ↗
Common questions
What does “lẽ ra” mean?
(verb) supposed to; to do something proper in the past instead
Is “lẽ ra” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.