phi
[fi˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) to gallop
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Ngựa phi.The horse gallops.
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
(verb) to flee; to travel very quickly
Examples
Phi nhanh về nhà kẻo tối.Hurry home before it gets dark.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(verb) to lance (to throw in the manner of a lance)
Examples
phi dao gămto throw a dagger
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(conjunction) if it isn't
Examples
Phi anh ấy, không ai biết.If it isn't him, then who knows?
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “phi” mean?
(verb) to gallop
Is “phi” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.