Focus Marker 'còn' — Vietnamese Grammar

The particle is a versatile word primarily used to shift focus, create contrast between two subjects, or indicate continuity. Its meaning changes slightly depending on the context, functioning similarly to the English "as for," "whereas," "and," or "still."

Switching Focus ("As for..." or "Whereas")

When discussing two different subjects or topics, acts as a conjunction to signal a switch from the first subject to the second. It highlights a contrast or simply moves the conversation to the next person or thing. In this context, it is placed at the beginning of the second clause.

Tôi đi làm, còn cô ấy đi học.
I go to work, whereas she goes to school.
Cái này rẻ, còn cái kia đắt.
This one is cheap, but that one is expensive.
Mẹ tôi thích nấu ăn, còn bố tôi thích làm vườn.
My mother likes cooking, and (as for) my father, he likes gardening.

Asking "And what about...?"

In questions, is frequently used to bounce a question back to the listener or to ask about a new subject without repeating the full sentence. This is the equivalent of saying "And you?" or "What about...?" in English.

Tôi tên là Nam. Còn bạn?
My name is Nam. And you?
Tôi không đói. Còn bạn thì sao?
I am not hungry. What about you?
Còn ngày mai?
What about tomorrow?

Expressing Continuity ("Still")

Beyond functioning as a focus marker, is also the standard word for "still." It indicates that an action is continuing or a state has not changed. When used this way, is placed directly before the verb or adjective.

Bố tôi còn ngủ.
My father is still sleeping.
Bạn còn ở đó không?
Are you still there?
Bà ấy còn trẻ.
She is still young.

Indicating Quantity Remaining ("Left")

When referring to time, money, or objects, conveys the idea of something being "left" or "remaining."

Chúng ta chỉ còn mười phút.
We only have ten minutes left.
Trong tủ lạnh còn trứng không?
Are there any eggs left in the fridge?

In the course

Sentences from Lingora’s Vietnamese course

9 of the course's 500 sentences use this, the first in lesson 16. A few of them, with the words “Focus Marker 'còn'” is about in bold:

Anh ấy cũng đang ngủ. Còn cô ấy thì không.
He is also sleeping. She isn't.
Lesson 16

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