quý

See also: quy, Quý, quỷ, and Quy

Vietnamese

Alternative forms

• quí
• (Southern Vietnam, obsolete) quới

Pronunciation

• (Hà Nội) IPA^(key): [kwi˧˦]
• (Huế) IPA^(key): [kwɪj˨˩˦]
• (Hồ Chí Minh City) IPA^(key): [wɪj˦˥]

Etymology 1

Sino-Vietnamese word from 貴 (“valuable”).

Adjective

quý

1. (of things) valuable; precious

   của quý ― valuable belongings

2. (of people) that one holds honorable or respectable; important

   Hôm nay nhà mình có khách quý. Mấy đứa nhớ chào hỏi lễ phép nhá.

   We're having some important guests today. You kids don't forget to give them a cordial welcome and behave yourselves.

Verb

quý

1. to treasure; to hold dear

   Synonym: trân trọng

   Mẹ nó quý nó lắm. Cái gì cũng chiều.

   His mom really loves him. She panders to his every whim.

Prefix

quý

1. (honorific, only in fixed expressions) honorific prefix

   quý ông; quý ngài ― a gentleman

   quý bà ― a lady

   quý vị ― sir; ma'am; everyone; you; our honorable audience

   Kính thưa quý vị và các bạn.

   Dear our treasured audience.

   quý ông bà anh chị em ― honorable audience

   Quý khách có muốn dùng gì nữa không ạ?

   Is there anything else you would like, sir/ma'am/our honorable customers?

Usage notes

• Used quite similarly to Japanese 御 (o, go), although not as broadly applicable.

See also

• sang (“classy”)

Etymology 2

Sino-Vietnamese word from 季.

Noun

quý

1. (of a year) a quarter

   thành tích quý 1 ― first quarter achievements

See also

• tứ quý