Lesson 25: Giving and receiving (cho, đưa, nhận)

Transactions—moving something from one person to another—center around three key verbs: cho, đưa, and nhận.

The Act of Giving with "cho"

Cho is the general word for "giving." It applies to gifts, favors, or even permission.

Bố cho con tiền.
"Dad gives me money."

Cho tôi một ly nước.
"Give me a glass of water."

Physical Hand-off with "đưa"

Đưa implies a physical transfer—passing something from hand to hand.

Làm ơn đưa tôi cái chén.
"Please hand me the bowl."

Anh ấy đưa mẹ đi bệnh viện.
"He takes/transports Mom to the hospital."

Acceptance with "nhận"

To receive or accept something, use nhận.

Tôi đã nhận được quà.
"I (successfully) received the gift."

Bạn có nhận ra tôi không?
"Do you recognize (receive) me?"

Transaction Order

You have flexibility in where you place the recipient.

Tặng hoa cho bạn.
"(I) give flowers to you."

Tặng bạn hoa.
"(I) give you flowers."

Examples

Chị cho em mượn sách nhé?
"Can you give (let) me borrow the book?"

Cho mình hỏi một chút.
"Give (let) me ask a bit."

Note on nuance

Cho is incredibly common. It isn't just for objects; you "give" permission, "give" a refund, or "give" a ride. Start noticing how often cho appears even when nothing physical is changing hands.