vái
[vaːj˧˦]
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
(verb) to express one's respect or worship by pressing the palms together in front of one's chest while bowing, to perform a wai
Where it’s used:
Used
Toàn quốc & hải ngoại · Vietnam-wide & diaspora
Examples
– Bần đạo quả thật rất thô lỗ, xin tạ lỗi ở đây. / Nói xong lại vái dài một vái."I'm really very rude, please accept my apologies," he said and gave a long bow, his hands together in front of his chest.
Nhiều người chỉ biết đứng lặng ở ngoài cửa đền chắp tay vái ba vái rồi lặng lẽ ra về.Many people have no choice but to stand outside the temple doors in silence, bring their hands together, do the three bows of worship, and silently go home.
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
(noun) instance of such an expression, a wai
Common questions
What does “vái” mean?
(verb) to express one's respect or worship by pressing the palms together in front of one's chest while bowing, to perform a wai
Is “vái” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.