Focus Marker 'còn'

01

Contrasting Two Subjects

The most common use of còn is to compare two different people or things doing different actions. While the English word "and" simply groups things together, còn highlights a difference between the first clause and the second clause.

Structure: [Clause A] + còn + [Clause B]

• Tui là giáo viên, còn ảnh là bác sĩ.

  I am a teacher, and he is a doctor.

• Ba tui thích trà, còn mẹ tui thích cà phê.

  My dad likes tea, whereas my mom likes coffee.

• Cái này rẻ, còn cái kia mắc.

  This one is cheap, but that one is expensive.

In these examples, còn signals that the speaker is moving their attention from the first subject (me, dad, this one) to the second subject (him, mom, that one).

02

Asking "And you?"

In social interactions, còn is frequently used to "bounce" a question back to the listener. This is the equivalent of saying "And you?" or "What about...?" in English. This is very useful when introducing yourself or making small talk.

• Tui tên Nam. Còn bạn?

  My name is Nam. And you? (What is your name?)

• Tui khỏe. Còn ba mẹ bạn sao rồi?

  I am healthy. And how are your parents?

• Tui ăn cơm sườn. Còn bạn ăn gì?

  I am eating broken rice with pork chop. And what are you eating?

03

Difference between 'Và' and 'Còn'

Learners often confuse và (and) with còn (and/whereas).

• và connects items that are similar or happening together. It groups them.
• còn connects items to show a distinction or a switch in focus. It separates them.

• Nam và Lan đi học.

  Nam and Lan go to school. (They are doing the same thing, perhaps together).

• Nam đi học, còn Lan ở nhà.

  Nam goes to school, whereas Lan stays home. (They are doing different things).