phải
[faːj˧˩]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adjective) right (side, direction) (in bên phải)
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Đi bên phải đường.Go on the right side of the road.
Rẽ (tay) phải. Quẹo (tay) phải.Turn right.
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
Examples
Không phải như thế.Not so.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(adjective) obverse
Examples
mặt phải của tấm vảithe obverse of a piece of cloth
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(verb) must, have to, should
Examples
Tôi phải đi ngay.I must go right away.
Phải đủ điểm mới được lên lớp.One must earn high enough grades to be promoted to the next grade.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “phải” mean?
(adjective) right (side, direction) (in bên phải)
Is “phải” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.