Lesson 22: Equality and difference

When comparing things, you often want to say they are the "same" or "different." Vietnamese uses specific words to link these concepts.

Similarity with "giống"

To say two things look or feel the same, use giống. It implies a strong resemblance.

Hai cái này giống nhau.
"These two are alike (same as each other)."

Con giống bố.
"The child is like (resembles) the father."

Contrast with "khác"

To say things are different, use khác. It can also mean "another" or "else."

Màu này khác màu kia.
"This color is different (from) that color."

Cho tôi cái khác.
"Give me another one."

Likeness with "như"

Như is used for comparisons of manner ("like" or "as"). It’s often used in similes.

Đẹp như tranh.
"Beautiful as a painting."

Làm như vậy.
"Do it like that."

Collective Identity with "cùng"

Cùng shows that two things share the same space, time, or category (co-).

Chúng tôi cùng một lớp.
"We are in the same class."

Họ sống cùng nhà.
"They live in the same (co-reside) house."

Examples

Hai chị em nhìn giống nhau quá!
"The two sisters look so much alike!"

Mỗi người có một ý kiến khác.
"Each person has a different opinion."

Note on nuance

Giống is about resemblance, while bằng (from the previous lesson) is about equal measurement. You can be cao bằng (as tall as) someone without being giống (looking like) them.