Imperative Particle 'hãy' — Vietnamese Grammar

The particle is placed before a verb to turn a statement into a polite command, a piece of advice, or an encouraging suggestion. It functions similarly to the English "Do..." or "Let's...", indicating that the speaker wants the listener to perform an action.

Forming Commands and Advice

To use this structure, simply place directly in front of the main verb. Unlike a harsh order, using implies that the action is beneficial, necessary, or simply a strong recommendation. It is softer than a direct military-style command but more formal than casual speech.

Hãy đợi một chút.
Wait a moment.
Hãy tin vào chính mình.
Believe in yourself.
Hãy cẩn thận.
Be careful.

Adding a Subject

While English imperatives usually drop the subject (e.g., "Sit down" rather than "You sit down"), Vietnamese frequently includes the personal pronoun before . Including the pronoun (such as , , or ) targets the advice specifically to the listener and maintains a polite tone.

Bạn hãy đọc sách này.
You should read this book.
Anh hãy nghỉ ngơi.
You should rest. (addressed to an older male)

Suggestions with "Let's"

When used with the pronoun (we/us), creates a proposal for the group to do something together, translating to "Let's".

Chúng ta hãy bắt đầu.
Let's start.
Chúng ta hãy đi về nhà.
Let's go home.

Combining with 'đi'

In spoken Vietnamese, is often combined with the particle placed at the very end of the sentence. While marks the sentence as a request or advice at the beginning, adds a sense of urging or encouragement at the end. This combination makes the sentence sound complete and natural.

Em hãy ngủ đi.
Go to sleep. (addressed to a younger person)
Hãy nói cho tôi biết đi.
Do tell me.

Usage in Formal Contexts

Because is prescriptive, it is the standard way to give instructions in formal writing, advertising slogans, or public signs. In these contexts, it urges the general public to take a specific action.

Hãy bảo vệ môi trường.
Protect the environment.
Hãy gọi ngay cho chúng tôi.
Call us right away.

In the course

Sentences from Lingora’s Vietnamese course

21 of the course's 500 sentences use this, the first in lesson 46. A few of them, with the words “Imperative Particle 'hãy'” is about in bold:

Đúng. Hãy ăn đồ ăn Trung Quốc.
Yes. Let's eat Chinese food.
Lesson 127

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