ngược lại
[ŋɨək̚˧˨ʔ laːj˧˨ʔ]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adverb) on the contrary; conversely; instead
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(adverb) vice versa
Examples
hoặc ngược lạior vice versa
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “ngược lại” mean?
(adverb) on the contrary; conversely; instead
Is “ngược lại” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.