tên
[ten˧˧]
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(noun) given name
Register: informalConnotation: offensive or derogatory to many
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Tôi tên là Vân. / Tên tôi là Vân.My name is Vân.
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
Register: informalConnotation: offensive or derogatory to many
Sense 3
Register: informalConnotation: offensive or derogatory to many
Examples
Băng đó có tám tên.There are eight people in that gang.
Có tên [địch] trốn dưới gậm giường của đồng bào, anh em chúng tôi vừa vô thì bà con đã đưa mắt ra hiệu chỉ cho anh em bắt.
Wiktionary example (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Sense 4
Meaning · English
(classifier) Indicates hostile people, such as (enemy) soldiers (lính), criminals (tội phạm), etc.
Register: informalConnotation: offensive or derogatory to many
Common questions
What does “tên” mean?
(noun) given name
Is “tên” formal or informal?
tên is generally informal; connotation: offensive or derogatory to many.