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Vietnamese grammar · A1

Copula 'là'

Alexander StebnerCreator of Lingora · Updated 14 October 20262 min readComments

is the Vietnamese equivalent of the English verb "to be" when linking a subject to a noun or noun phrase. It identifies or classifies the subject.

01

Identifying with 'là'

  • Đây là bạn của tôi.

    This is my friend.

  • Anh ấy là giáo viên.

    He is a teacher.

  • Tên tôi là Alex.

    My name is Alex.

02

When NOT to use 'là'

Do not use before adjectives. In Vietnamese, adjectives act as verbs on their own:

  • Cô ấy đẹp.

    She is beautiful.

  • Món này ngon.

    This dish is delicious.

Using before an adjective is a common mistake. Remember: + noun, no + adjective.

In the course

Sentences from Lingora’s Vietnamese course

82 of the course's 500 sentences use this, the first in lesson 2. A few of them, with the words “Copula 'là'” is about in bold:

  • Đây là bạn của tôi, Anna. Cô ấy là sinh viên.

    This is my friend, Anna. She is a student.

    Lesson 2

  • Ấn tượng đầu tiên của tôi là cô ấy rất thông minh.

    My first impression is that she is very smart.

    Lesson 333

  • Chị là người đầu tiên chú ý!

    You are the first person to notice!

    Lesson 337

All 35 Vietnamese grammar topics

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