Imperative Particle 'hãy'

01

Basic Structure

The structure is simple: hãy + [Verb]. This pattern is used to tell someone to perform an action in a way that sounds like a polite order or encouragement.

• Hãy chờ một chút.

  Please wait a moment.

• Hãy trả lời tôi.

  Answer me.

• Hãy cẩn thận.

  Be careful.

02

Tone and Context

Using hãy adds a tone of formality or sincerity. It is often used when giving advice, instructions, or slogans. It is softer than a blunt command but more formal than casual speech.

In the Southern dialect (Saigon), hãy can sometimes sound slightly dramatic or literary, like in song lyrics or advertising. In very casual daily conversation, people often omit hãy and just use the verb, or use the particle đi at the end of the sentence instead. However, hãy remains the standard way to give clear, polite instructions.

• Hãy tin ở chính mình.

  Believe in yourself.

• Hãy nhớ lời này.

  Remember these words.

03

Using with Subjects

While imperative sentences often drop the subject (implying "you"), you can include the subject before hãy to specifically address someone or to be more polite.

• Anh hãy nghỉ ngơi đi.

  You (older brother) should rest.

• Các bạn hãy nghe đây.

  Everyone (friends), listen here.

04

Comparison with 'đi'

It is important to distinguish hãy from the particle đi.

• hãy comes before the verb and signals the start of an instruction.
• đi comes after the verb and acts as an urging particle (like "go ahead").

You can even use them together for a complete, encouraging command.

• Hãy ăn đi.

  Go ahead and eat.

• Hãy nói đi.

  Go ahead and speak.