lính
[lïŋ˧˦]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(noun) enlisted servicemember
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
lính đánh thuêmercenary
Anh ấy từng là lính.He used to be a soldier.
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 ↗ Local usage: Common everyday word; quân nhân is more formal and broader. [contributed-collins-enriched]
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(noun) subordinate; drone
Common questions
What does “lính” mean?
(noun) enlisted servicemember
Is “lính” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.