tự dưng
[tɨ˧˨ʔ zɨŋ˧˧]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
(adverb) suddenly, unexpectedly, out of the blue
Adverb
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
Hai đứa tự dưng cãi nhau.The two suddenly began bickering.
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 ↗
Equivalents & related
Near equivalent
out of the blue
By surprise.
English
Near equivalent
đang không
(adverb) out of the blue
Tiếng Việt · via out of the blue
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 “tự dưng” mean?
(adverb) suddenly, unexpectedly, out of the blue
Is “tự dưng” 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?
“out of the blue” (English) — near equivalent.