phụ
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) to aid, to help, to assist
Register: formal
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
phụ mẹ làm việc nhàto help one's mother with housework
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
(adjective) side, secondary, ancillary
Register: formal
Examples
Việc chính là học hành, còn câu lạc bộ chỉ là việc phụ thôi.Your main task is to study, your club activities are secondary.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(verb) to disappoint; to betray
Register: formal
Examples
Cậu không phụ kỳ vọng của gia đình.He did not disappoint his family.
Tháo nói: - Thà rằng ta phụ người, còn hơn để người phụ ta.[Cao] Cao said: I'd rather betray others than let others betray me.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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Common questions
What does “phụ” mean?
(verb) to aid, to help, to assist
Is “phụ” formal or informal?
phụ is generally formal.
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