qua
[kwaː˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(preposition) through, across (from one side to the other)
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
ô-tô chạy qua cầuthe car crosses the bridge
xe vượt qua đèothe car crosses the mountain pass
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
(preposition) by way of
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(preposition) by means of, by, over, using
Examples
nói chuyện qua điện thoạito converse over the telephone
học tập qua kinh nghiệmto learn by experience
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(adjective) last (most recent)
Examples
Đêm qua chớp bể mưa nguồn, hỏi người quân tử có buồn hay không?literally, "Last night, it rained thunderously; I wonder, my love, if you are blue?"
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “qua” mean?
(preposition) through, across (from one side to the other)
Is “qua” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.