Essential pattern Grammar reference

cứ

B1 Common Southern Vietnamese 392 views

Warm, permission-giving. Goes in front of the verb (after any subject).

Definition

What it means

Illustration for the Vietnamese grammar pattern cứ
English

"cứ" goes in front of the verb to mean "go ahead and …" / "feel free to …" — it encourages someone to do something without hesitating or waiting. It often pairs with a final "đi" or "nhé/nha" for an even warmer "go right ahead."

Tiếng Việt

Đặt "cứ" trước động từ để nói "cứ … đi" / "thoải mái …" — khuyến khích ai đó làm gì mà đừng ngại, đừng chờ. Thường đi kèm "đi" hoặc "nhé/nha" ở cuối để nghe càng thân thiện.

Examples

In real Southern Vietnamese

Showing 2 of 8 — subscribe to unlock 6 more with audio and word-by-word gloss.

  1. Cứ tự nhiên nha, đừng ngại.

    Make yourself at home, don't be shy.

  2. Có gì thắc mắc cứ hỏi mình.

    If you have any questions, just ask me.

Subscribe to unlock 6 more examples

You're seeing a teaser. Subscribers get every example with native audio, word-by-word gloss, side-by-side compare panels, and common-mistake callouts.

  • Native Southern audio on every example
  • Word-by-word interlinear gloss
  • Compare panel with similar patterns
  • Common-mistake callouts & usage notes

Pay with SVFF Credit · Cancel anytime · Gift access is available when SVFF Team grants it · Learn more

Usage notes
Versatile. (1) 'Just go ahead': 'Cứ làm đi!' = Just do it! (2) 'Keep on': 'Cứ tốc độ này, trưa tới Vũng Tàu' = At this pace, we'll be in Vũng Tàu by noon. (3) Insistence/habit: 'Nó cứ nói hoài' = He keeps talking. Often pairs with 'đi' (#399) for softened invitations: 'Cứ ăn đi!' (Please, go ahead and eat).
Deep dive

Everything you need to use it like a local

Subscribe to read the full breakdown — when to use it, the natural pairings, and how it fits with the other time words.

Common mistakes

Subscribe to see the common mistakes learners make with this pattern.

Practice

Check yourself

Subscribe to practice with 6 interactive exercises on this pattern.

Was this helpful?

Your vote helps us improve this grammar reference.