nay
[naj˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adjective) that is today, or happening today
Register: formal
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
sáng/trưa/chiều/tối/đêm naythis morning/forenoon/afternoon/evening/night
bữa/hôm naytoday
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) now, the present, as opposed to xưa (“long ago; the past”) and mai (“later in the future”)
Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt
bây giờ, hiện tại, trái với quá khứ và tương lai
Machine-translated — suggest a fix
Register: formal
Examples
Nay không lo làm thì mai không có ăn đâu.If you don't work today, you won't be able to afford to eat tomorrow.
Xưa cả làng sợ họ nhà nó lắm. Nay chẳng ai sợ cái cóc khô gì cả.The whole village used to fear their family. These days, though, nobody fears a damn thing.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(adverb) clipping of hôm nay (“today”)
Register: formal
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(adverb) clipping of bữa nay (“today”)
Register: formal
Common questions
What does “nay” mean?
(adjective) that is today, or happening today
Is “nay” formal or informal?
nay is generally formal.