Vietnamese · Question Words
phải không
Right? (question tag)
Beginnerparticle
Definition
Placed at the end of a sentence to ask for confirmation.
Example
Bạn là người Anh, phải không?
You are English, right?
Etymology
'Phải không' literally translates to 'isn't it?' or 'right?' where 'phải' means 'must' or 'to be right' and 'không' serves as a negation. It has historically facilitated confirmation questioning.
How & Where It’s Used
'Phải không' is used in spoken Vietnamese, primarily in informal contexts to seek affirmation or agreement. It is a common phrase recognized by speakers across regions in Vietnam.