sao
[saːw˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Sao nó bảo không đến?Why did he say he wouldn’t come?
19th century, Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Tale of Lục Vân Tiên
公浪昆篤𠖈詩牢空結伴麻𠫾𠓨塲
Công rằng: "Con dốc xuống thi,Sao không kết bạn mà đi vào trường?"
Công said: "You are here to take the examination,So why don't you find some companion to go along with?"
Tối nay nhiều sao quá!There are so many stars tonight!
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 ↗ Local usage: Sao is usually understood as singular or plural from context. [contributed-collins-enriched]
Sense 2
Examples
Sao tao biết được?How should I know?
Sao làm được hay vậy?How did you do that?
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 3
Meaning · English
(adverb) what; what is it; what now
Examples
Sao?
Sao trăng gì !?Wut?
The hell you mean, "wut"?
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(adjective) problematic, bad
Examples
Có sao lắm không?Is it very bad?
Không sao đâu.No problem.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common questions
What does “sao” mean?
(adverb) why
Is “sao” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.