bận — meaning in English: busy

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for busy

mát

bận

hành lý

hi vọng

thành công

Skip this question

🎓

Learn Vietnamese for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'bận' when discussing their daily schedules, such as when explaining why they can't meet up with friends or when expressing their workload at the office. You might hear someone say, 'Xin lỗi, mình bận rồi,' meaning 'Sorry, I'm busy,' during a casual conversation.

Synonyms & nuances

While 'bận' means busy, another similar word is 'bận rộn,' which emphasizes a more chaotic or overwhelming sense of busyness. You would choose 'bận' for general use, while 'bận rộn' conveys that your schedule is not only full but perhaps a bit stressful.

Culture

'Bận' has roots in Vietnamese culture, reflecting the importance of productivity and social obligations. In Vietnamese society, being busy is often equated with being important or successful, and it’s common for friends to check in on each other's busyness, making it a significant part of social interactions.

FAQ

Q.What does 'bận' mean in English?

'Bận' translates to 'busy' in English, commonly used to describe someone's schedule or activity level.

Q.How do you use 'bận' in a sentence?

You can use 'bận' in sentences like 'Tôi bận việc' which means 'I am busy with work.'

Q.Are there any common mistakes with 'bận'?

'Bận' is often confused with 'nhàn' (free or idle). Remember that 'bận' conveys a sense of occupation, while 'nhàn' indicates leisure.

Learn vietnamese with Maspeak →

Vietnamese Vocabulary