Understanding the “co … khong?” Question Structure
What Does “co … khong?” Mean?
Co … khong? is a Vietnamese question structure used to ask yes-no questions, similar to “Do you…?” or “Is it…?” in English. The word “co” functions like “do/does/is/are,” depending on the context, and “khong” at the end of the sentence turns it into a question. This structure is simple and highly effective, making it an essential tool for learners at any level.
Basic Sentence Pattern
The basic structure for forming a yes-no question in Vietnamese is:
Subject + co + verb/adjective + khong?
This pattern can be used for a wide range of questions about actions, states, and qualities.
Examples of “co … khong?” in Everyday Vietnamese
1. Asking About Actions
- Ban co hieu khong? – Do you understand?
- Ban co di hoc khong? – Are you going to school?
- Anh ay co den khong? – Is he coming?
2. Asking About States or Qualities
- Ban co vui khong? – Are you happy?
- Do an co ngon khong? – Is the food delicious?
- Nha co lon khong? – Is the house big?
3. Asking About Possession
- Ban co xe may khong? – Do you have a motorbike?
- Chi co ban trai khong? – Do you have a boyfriend?
How to Answer “co … khong?” Questions
Short and Simple Responses
To answer a “co … khong?” question, you can use:
- Co – Yes
- Khong – No
For a more natural conversation, you might repeat the verb or adjective from the question:
- Co, toi hieu. – Yes, I understand.
- Khong, toi khong di hoc. – No, I am not going to school.
Tips for Using “co … khong?” Effectively
- Practice with native speakers: Engage in simple conversations with Vietnamese friends or use language learning platforms like Talkpal to get comfortable with this structure.
- Listen actively: Watch Vietnamese movies, TV shows, or YouTube channels to hear how locals use “co … khong?” in different contexts.
- Start simple: Begin with basic yes-no questions before moving on to more complex sentences.
- Mix and match: Try forming questions about the present, past, and future to expand your range.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Omitting “co” or “khong”: Leaving out either part can make your question confusing or incomplete.
- Misplacing “co”: “Co” should come before the verb or adjective, not after the subject.
- Forgetting intonation: Vietnamese is a tonal language, so pay attention to your pronunciation, especially the rising intonation at the end of yes-no questions.
Practice Makes Perfect
The “co … khong?” structure is one of the easiest ways to get started with asking questions in Vietnamese. By integrating this pattern into your daily practice—whether through self-study, language exchanges, or interactive tools like Talkpal—you will build confidence and fluency in no time. Remember, practice and exposure are key. Start with simple questions, listen to native usage, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Soon, asking questions in Vietnamese will feel natural and effortless!
