trước sau
[t͡ɕɨək̚˧˦ saw˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(adverb) always; constantly; all along
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Sources & notes
Imported from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); community review pending. source ↗
Sense 2
Meaning · English
(adverb) sooner or later; in time
Equivalents & related
Near equivalent
sooner or later
at some unspecified time in the future
English
Near equivalent
sớm muộn
(adverb) sooner or later; in time
Tiếng Việt · via sooner or later
Near equivalent
chẳng chóng thì chầy
sooner or later
Tiếng Việt · via sooner or later
Lighter cards are two steps away in the meaning graph — equivalents of equivalents, reached via the entry shown on the card.
Common questions
What does “trước sau” mean?
(adverb) always; constantly; all along
Is “trước sau” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.
What is the closest equivalent?
“sooner or later” (English) — near equivalent.