How to Say “Stop” in Vietnamese: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning how to say “stop” in Vietnamese is crucial for effective communication, whether you’re traveling, studying the language, or interacting with Vietnamese speakers. This seemingly simple word can convey a variety of meanings and nuances depending on the context.

Understanding the different ways to express “stop” in Vietnamese, along with their proper usage, will significantly enhance your ability to understand and be understood. This guide is designed for learners of all levels, from beginners to advanced students, and aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this essential phrase.

By exploring various forms, usage rules, and common mistakes, you’ll gain the confidence to use “stop” effectively in various situations.

This article covers the various ways to say “stop” in Vietnamese, including the most common and polite forms, as well as more informal and emphatic expressions. We’ll delve into the grammatical structures, contextual nuances, and practical examples to help you master this fundamental element of the Vietnamese language.

Additionally, we’ll address common mistakes that learners often make and provide practice exercises to reinforce your understanding. Whether you’re a tourist needing to halt a taxi, a student engaging in conversation, or simply curious about the language, this guide will equip you with the necessary knowledge to confidently use “stop” in Vietnamese.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Definition of “Stop” in Vietnamese
3. Structural Breakdown
4. Types of “Stop” in Vietnamese
   • Dừng Lại
   • Ngừng
   • Thôi
   • Cấm
5. Examples
   • General Use
   • Traffic and Transportation
   • Prohibition and Warnings
   • Emotional Contexts
   • Formal Contexts
6. Usage Rules
7. Common Mistakes
8. Practice Exercises
9. Advanced Topics
10. FAQ
11. Conclusion

Definition of “Stop” in Vietnamese

The concept of “stop” in Vietnamese, like in English, encompasses a range of meanings, including ceasing an action, halting movement, preventing something from happening, or ending a process. However, the specific word used to convey “stop” in Vietnamese depends heavily on the context and desired nuance.

There isn’t one single word that universally translates to “stop” in all situations. Instead, Vietnamese utilizes several different words, each with its own specific connotations and applications.

Understanding the subtle differences between these words is crucial for effective communication. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion or even convey an unintended meaning.

For example, using a formal term in an informal setting might sound overly stiff, while using an informal term in a formal setting might be considered disrespectful. Therefore, it’s essential to learn the various ways to say “stop” and when to use each one appropriately.

The appropriate choice also depends on the type of action being stopped. Is it a vehicle, a person’s action, a process, or something else?

The primary words for expressing “stop” in Vietnamese include: dừng lại, ngừng, thôi, and cấm. Each of these words carries a distinct meaning and is used in specific contexts. The following sections will explore these words in detail, providing examples and explanations to help you understand their proper usage. The classifications can be broadly broken down as follows: Dừng lại is often used for physical stopping. Ngừng is used for stopping a process or activity. Thôi is used for stopping an action in the sense of “enough” or “quit.” And Cấm is used for prohibiting something.

Structural Breakdown

Vietnamese grammar generally follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure, although this can be flexible depending on the context. When using “stop” in a sentence, the word typically functions as a verb or part of a verb phrase.

The structure can vary depending on which word for “stop” is used and what you are trying to express.

For instance, when using dừng lại (to stop), the structure often involves specifying what is stopping and then using “dừng lại.” For example: Xe dừng lại (The car stops). Here, “xe” (car) is the subject, and “dừng lại” (stops) is the verb. The word order is consistent with SVO, though because “dừng lại” acts as one verb, it is treated as such.

With ngừng (to cease), the structure is similar. For example: Mưa ngừng rơi (The rain stops falling). Here, “mưa” (rain) is the subject, and “ngừng rơi” (stops falling) is the verb phrase. “Rơi” (falling) modifies “ngừng” to specify the action that is ceasing.

Thôi (enough, quit) is often used as an interjection or at the end of a sentence to indicate that something should stop. For example: Thôi đi! (Stop it!). In this case, “thôi” functions as an imperative, urging someone to cease an action. “Đi” (go) in this context emphasizes the command.

Cấm (prohibit) is used to express prohibition. For example: Cấm hút thuốc (Smoking is prohibited). Here, “cấm” (prohibit) functions as the verb, and “hút thuốc” (smoking) is the object. It’s a straightforward and direct way to indicate that something is not allowed.

Types of “Stop” in Vietnamese

As mentioned earlier, Vietnamese has several words to express “stop,” each with distinct nuances. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective communication.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each word:

Dừng Lại

Dừng lại is perhaps the most common and versatile way to say “stop” in Vietnamese. It generally refers to a physical stop or halt, such as stopping a vehicle, stopping walking, or stopping an object from moving. It can also be used in a more general sense to mean “to pause” or “to take a break.” The phrase literally means “stop and stay”.

For example, you might use dừng lại to tell a taxi driver to stop: “Dừng lại ở đây, làm ơn” (Stop here, please). Or, you might use it to tell someone to stop walking: “Dừng lại! Chờ tôi!” (Stop! Wait for me!).

Ngừng

Ngừng is used to indicate the cessation of an activity, process, or state. It’s often used in more abstract contexts than dừng lại. For example, you might use ngừng to say that the rain has stopped: “Mưa đã ngừng” (The rain has stopped). Or, you might use it to say that a company has stopped production: “Công ty đã ngừng sản xuất” (The company has stopped production).

Unlike dừng lại, ngừng is less commonly used for physical stopping. It focuses more on the termination of an ongoing action or condition. The word usually refers to something that was in motion and has now ceased that motion.

Thôi

Thôi is often translated as “enough,” “quit,” or “stop it.” It’s used to indicate that something should cease because it’s excessive, annoying, or no longer desired. It can also be used to express resignation or acceptance. It often carries a sense of finality or a desire to end something immediately. For example, if someone is bothering you, you might say: “Thôi đi!” (Stop it!). Or, if you’ve had enough to eat, you might say: “Thôi, tôi no rồi” (Enough, I’m full).

Thôi can also be used to indicate that you’re giving up on something. For example: “Thôi, tôi không làm nữa” (I quit, I won’t do it anymore). It emphasizes the decision to cease the activity.

Cấm

Cấm means “to prohibit” or “to forbid.” It’s used to indicate that something is not allowed or is against the rules. It’s often seen on signs indicating prohibited activities. For example: “Cấm hút thuốc” (No smoking). Or, “Cấm vào” (No entry). Cấm is a strong and direct way to express prohibition.

Cấm is used to create rules and communicate things that are not allowed. It’s a very direct and strong signal to cease an activity.

Examples

To further illustrate the usage of these words, here are some examples categorized by context:

General Use

This section provides general examples of using “stop” in various everyday situations.

The following table provides a comprehensive list of examples showcasing the general usage of the different words for “stop” in Vietnamese.

Vietnamese	English Translation	Explanation
Dừng lại ở đây!	Stop here!	Telling someone to halt their physical movement.
Xin hãy dừng lại!	Please stop!	A polite way to ask someone to stop.
Dừng lại ngay!	Stop immediately!	An urgent command to stop at once.
Ngừng làm ồn!	Stop making noise!	Asking someone to cease the activity of making noise.
Ngừng lại!	Cease!	A more formal way to tell someone to cease.
Ngừng than vãn đi!	Stop complaining!	Asking them to stop complaining.
Thôi đi! Đừng làm nữa!	Stop it! Don’t do it anymore!	Expressing annoyance and wanting an action to stop.
Thôi, đủ rồi!	Enough, that’s enough!	Indicating that something has reached its limit.
Thôi mà!	Stop it (whining)!	Usually used with children.
Cấm nói chuyện trong lớp!	No talking in class!	Prohibiting talking in the classroom.
Cấm đỗ xe ở đây!	No parking here!	Prohibiting parking in a specific location.
Cấm vào khu vực này!	Entry to this area is prohibited!	Preventing entry to an area.
Dừng lại suy nghĩ một chút.	Stop and think for a moment.	Pausing to reflect.
Hãy ngừng lo lắng về nó.	Stop worrying about it.	Ceasing the worry.
Thôi, đừng khóc nữa.	Enough, stop crying.	Ceasing the crying.
Cấm sử dụng điện thoại ở đây.	Phone use is prohibited here.	Prohibiting the use of phones.
Dừng lại việc đó ngay lập tức!	Stop that immediately!	Stopping a physical action.
Ngừng việc in ấn lại.	Stop the printing.	Ceasing the action of printing.
Thôi đi, đủ lắm rồi.	Stop it, that’s quite enough.	Ceasing something that is too much.
Cấm vượt đèn đỏ.	Running a red light is prohibited.	Prohibiting running a red light.
Dừng lại ở ngã tư tiếp theo.	Stop at the next intersection.	Halting movement at an intersection.
Ngừng bắn!	Cease fire!	Ceasing the action of firing.
Thôi, không cần nữa.	Stop, no need anymore.	Ceasing the need for something.
Cấm mang đồ ăn vào.	No outside food allowed.	Prohibiting bringing food in.

Traffic and Transportation

This section provides examples related to traffic and transportation scenarios.

The subsequent table illustrates the use of “stop” in the context of traffic and transportation, highlighting specific vocabulary and phrases.

Vietnamese	English Translation	Explanation
Dừng xe lại!	Stop the car!	Commanding someone to stop their vehicle.
Dừng đèn đỏ!	Stop at the red light!	Indicating the need to stop at a red traffic light.
Xe buýt dừng ở trạm kế tiếp.	The bus stops at the next station.	Describing the action of a bus stopping.
Ngừng chạy quá tốc độ!	Stop speeding!	Warning against driving over the speed limit.
Tàu ngừng hoạt động vì bão.	The train stopped operating due to the storm.	Describing a train’s cessation of activity.
Thôi, không đi xe máy nữa, nguy hiểm lắm.	Stop riding the motorbike, it’s very dangerous.	Ceasing to ride because it is dangerous.
Cấm đi vào đường một chiều!	Do not enter the one-way street!	Prohibiting entry to a one-way street.
Dừng lại kiểm tra giấy tờ!	Stop for document check!	Commanding a stop for checking documents.
Ngừng việc xây dựng cầu!	Stop the construction of the bridge!	Ceasing construction.
Thôi, không đậu xe ở đây!	Stop, do not park here!	Ceasing the action of parking here.
Cấm vượt!	No overtaking!	Prohibiting overtaking.
Dừng lại khi có tín hiệu!	Stop when signaled!	Halting movement when signaled.
Ngừng việc vận chuyển hàng hóa!	Stop transporting goods!	Ceasing the transportation of goods.
Thôi, không lái xe sau khi uống rượu!	Stop driving after drinking alcohol!	Ceasing the action of driving after drinking.
Cấm sử dụng còi trong khu dân cư!	No honking in residential areas!	Prohibiting the use of horns.
Dừng lại để nhường đường cho người đi bộ.	Stop to yield to pedestrians.	Halting the movement to allow pedestrians to cross.
Ngừng việc nhập khẩu xe cũ.	Stop importing used cars.	Ceasing the action of importing used cars.
Thôi, không đi xe đạp vào đường cao tốc!	Stop riding bicycles on the highway!	Ceasing the action of riding bikes on the highway.
Cấm đi ngược chiều!	Do not go against traffic!	Prohibiting going against traffic.
Dừng lại trước vạch kẻ đường.	Stop before the crosswalk.	Halting movement before the crosswalk.
Ngừng việc sản xuất xe máy.	Stop manufacturing motorcycles.	Ceasing the manufacture of motorcycles.
Thôi, không chở quá số người quy định!	Stop carrying more than the allowed number of people!	Ceasing the action of carrying too many people.
Cấm đỗ xe trên vỉa hè!	No parking on the sidewalk!	Prohibiting parking on the sidewalk.

Prohibition and Warnings

This section provides examples emphasizing prohibitions and warnings.

The following table shows various examples of prohibitions and warnings using different forms of “stop” in Vietnamese.

Vietnamese	English Translation	Explanation
Cấm sờ vào hiện vật!	Do not touch the exhibits!	Prohibiting touching exhibits.
Cấm bơi ở đây!	Swimming is prohibited here!	Prohibiting swimming.
Cấm đổ rác!	No littering!	Prohibiting littering.
Cấm hái hoa!	Do not pick flowers!	Prohibiting picking flowers.
Cấm cho động vật ăn!	Do not feed the animals!	Prohibiting feeding animals.
Cấm lửa!	No open flames!	Prohibiting open flames.
Cấm chụp ảnh!	No photography!	Prohibiting photography.
Cấm làm ồn sau 10 giờ đêm!	No noise after 10 PM!	Prohibiting noise after 10 PM.
Cấm tụ tập đông người!	No gathering!	Prohibiting gatherings.
Cấm mang vũ khí vào!	No weapons allowed!	Prohibiting weapons.
Dừng lại! Nguy hiểm!	Stop! Danger!	Warning of danger.
Ngừng lại! Có điện cao thế!	Stop! High voltage!	Warning of high voltage.
Thôi! Đừng làm liều!	Stop! Don’t take risks!	Preventing someone from taking risks.
Cấm xâm phạm!	No trespassing!	Prohibiting trespassing.
Dừng lại! Sạt lở đất!	Stop! Landslide!	Warning of a landslide.
Ngừng lại! Có chất độc!	Stop! Poisonous substance!	Warning of poisonous substance.
Thôi! Đừng đi tiếp!	Stop! Do not continue!	Preventing someone from continuing.
Cấm vào khu vực đang thi công!	No entry to the construction area!	Prohibiting entry to a construction area.

Emotional Contexts

This section explores how “stop” is used to express emotions or to halt emotional expressions.

The following table provides different sentences in Vietnamese that demonstrate the usage of “stop” in emotional and interpersonal contexts.

Vietnamese	English Translation	Explanation
Thôi, đừng buồn nữa!	Stop, don’t be sad anymore!	Comforting someone who is sad.
Thôi đi! Tôi không muốn nghe nữa!	Stop it! I don’t want to hear anymore!	Expressing annoyance and wanting to end a conversation.
Ngừng khóc đi!	Stop crying!	Telling someone to cease crying.
Dừng lại tranh cãi đi!	Stop arguing!	Asking people to stop an argument.
Thôi, đừng lo lắng!	Stop, don’t worry!	Reassuring someone not to worry.
Thôi, đủ rồi! Tôi không chịu được nữa!	Enough, that’s enough! I can’t take it anymore!	Expressing emotional overload.
Ngừng đổ lỗi cho người khác!	Stop blaming others!	Telling someone to cease blaming others.
Dừng lại việc tự trách mình!	Stop blaming yourself!	Asking someone to stop self-blame.
Thôi, hãy quên chuyện đó đi!	Stop, let’s forget about it!	Suggesting to forget about something.
Dừng lại sự ích kỷ của bạn!	Stop being selfish!	Asking someone to stop being selfish

Formal Contexts

This section provides examples of using “stop” in formal settings, such as business or official situations.

The subsequent table illustrates the use of “stop” in formal settings, highlighting specific vocabulary and phrases.

Vietnamese	English Translation	Explanation
Chúng tôi yêu cầu ngừng việc xây dựng ngay lập tức.	We request to stop the construction immediately.	A formal request to halt construction.
Xin vui lòng ngừng mọi hoạt động cho đến khi có thông báo mới.	Please stop all activities until further notice.	A formal instruction to cease activities.
Hội đồng quản trị đã quyết định ngừng dự án.	The board of directors has decided to stop the project.	Announcing the cessation of a project.
Chúng tôi thông báo ngừng cung cấp dịch vụ này.	We announce that we are stopping the provision of this service.	Formally announcing the end of a service.
Đề nghị ngừng các cuộc đàm phán cho đến khi có thỏa thuận.	We propose to stop the negotiations until an agreement is reached.	Suggesting a halt in negotiations.
Do tình hình kinh tế, chúng tôi buộc phải ngừng sản xuất.	Due to the economic situation, we are forced to stop production.	Explaining the reason for stopping production.
Yêu cầu ngừng đăng tải thông tin sai lệch.	Request to stop posting false information.	Formally requesting a halt in misinformation.
Chúng tôi sẽ ngừng hợp tác nếu các điều khoản không được tuân thủ.	We will stop cooperation if the terms are not followed.	Stating a condition for stopping cooperation.
Ban giám đốc đã ra lệnh ngừng mọi giao dịch với công ty đó.	The board of directors has ordered to stop all transactions with that company.	Ordering a halt in transactions.
Chúng tôi xin thông báo ngừng chương trình khuyến mãi này.	We would like to announce the termination of this promotion program.	Announcing the end of a promotional program.

Usage Rules

Understanding the specific usage rules for each word is essential for accurate communication. While the general meanings are relatively straightforward, subtle nuances can affect the overall meaning and appropriateness of your message.

Dừng lại is primarily used for physical stopping. Therefore, use it when you want someone or something to halt its physical movement. Avoid using it in abstract contexts where you’re referring to the cessation of a process or activity.

Ngừng is best suited for indicating the cessation of an ongoing process or activity. Use it when you want to convey that something that was in motion or in progress has now stopped. Avoid using it for physical stopping, as dừng lại is more appropriate in those contexts.

Thôi is used to indicate that something should cease because it’s excessive, annoying, or no longer desired. It can also express resignation or acceptance. Avoid using it in formal contexts or when you need to give a direct command to stop a physical action.

Cấm is used to express prohibition. It is a strong and direct way to indicate that something is not allowed. It’s typically used on signs, regulations, or official announcements. Avoid using it in informal contexts or when you want to make a polite request.

When using these words in sentences, pay attention to the word order and grammatical structure. Vietnamese generally follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure, so ensure that your sentences adhere to this pattern.

Also, consider the tone and formality of the situation when choosing which word to use. A polite request might require a different word than a direct command.

Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes learners make is using dừng lại in all situations where “stop” is needed. While dừng lại is versatile, it’s not always the most appropriate choice. For example, saying “Dừng lại mưa!” (Stop rain!) instead of “Mưa ngừng!” (The rain stops!) sounds unnatural and incorrect. The correct sentence would use ngừng to imply the cessation of rain.

Another common mistake is using thôi in formal contexts. Thôi is generally informal and should be avoided in professional or official settings. For instance, saying “Thôi, chúng ta không làm việc nữa!” (Stop, we don’t work anymore!) in a business meeting would be inappropriate. A more suitable phrase would be “Chúng ta sẽ tạm ngừng công việc” (We will temporarily stop the work).

Confusing cấm with other forms of “stop” is also a frequent error. Cấm specifically means “prohibit” and should only be used when something is not allowed. Using it in other contexts can lead to confusion. For example, saying “Cấm dừng lại!” (Prohibit stop!) doesn’t make sense. A better phrasing is “Không được dừng lại!” (Do not stop!).

Here are some examples of common mistakes and their corrections:

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
Dừng lại mưa!	Mưa ngừng!	Using ngừng for the cessation of rain.
Thôi, chúng ta không làm việc nữa! (in a formal setting)	Chúng ta sẽ tạm ngừng công việc.	Using a more formal phrase for stopping work.
Cấm dừng lại!	Không được dừng lại!	Using the correct structure for prohibition.
Ngừng xe ở đây!	Dừng xe ở đây!	Using dừng for stopping a vehicle.

Practice Exercises

To reinforce your understanding, here are some practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word: dừng lại, ngừng, thôi, or cấm.

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks.

Question	Answer
1. Xin hãy ______ nói chuyện khi tôi đang giảng bài.	Ngừng
2. ______ xe ở đây, có biển báo rồi mà!	Dừng
3. ______ đi! Tôi không muốn nghe thêm một lời nào nữa.	Thôi
4. ______ hút thuốc trong bệnh viện.	Cấm
5. Anh ấy bảo tôi ______ khóc.	Ngừng
6. _______ lại, nguy hiểm quá!	Dừng
7. _______ đi, tôi biết bạn đang nói dối.	Thôi
8. _______ đổ rác ở đây!	Cấm
9. Xin hãy ______ mọi hoạt động cho đến khi có thông báo mới.	Ngừng
10. _______ lại suy nghĩ một chút.	Dừng

Exercise 2: Translate the following sentences into Vietnamese using the appropriate form of “stop.”

Question	Answer
1. Stop the car!	Dừng xe lại!
2. Stop making noise!	Ngừng làm ồn!
3. Stop it! I’ve had enough!	Thôi đi! Tôi chịu đủ rồi!
4. No parking here.	Cấm đỗ xe ở đây.
5. The rain has stopped.	Mưa đã ngừng.
6. Stop there!	Dừng lại ở đó!
7. Stop complaining.	Ngừng than vãn đi!
8. Stop lying!	Thôi nói dối đi!
9. Stop the production.	Ngừng sản xuất.
10. Stop! It’s dangerous.	Dừng lại! Nguy hiểm!

Exercise 3: Choose the correct word for “stop” in the following sentences.

Question	Answer
1. (Dừng lại/Ngừng/Thôi/Cấm) ______ nói chuyện trong thư viện!	Cấm
2. (Dừng lại/Ngừng/Thôi/Cấm) ______ lo lắng về những điều nhỏ nhặt.	Ngừng
3. (Dừng lại/Ngừng/Thôi/Cấm) ______ đi! Tôi không muốn cãi nhau nữa.	Thôi
4. (Dừng lại/Ngừng/Thôi/Cấm) ______ xe lại để kiểm tra.	Dừng lại
5. (Dừng lại/Ngừng/Thôi/Cấm) ______ việc phát triển dự án này.	Ngừng
6. (Dừng lại/Ngừng/Thôi/Cấm) ______ lại! Có xe đang đến.	Dừng lại
7. (Dừng lại/Ngừng/Thôi/Cấm) ______ đi! Đừng làm phiền tôi nữa.	Thôi

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, understanding idiomatic expressions and more nuanced uses of “stop” can further enhance your proficiency. Vietnamese, like any language, has numerous idiomatic expressions that incorporate the concept of stopping or ceasing.

These expressions often carry cultural or historical significance and can add depth to your communication.

For example, the phrase “dừng chân” (stop feet) doesn’t literally mean to stop your feet but rather to settle down or establish oneself in a particular place. Similarly, “ngừng thở” (stop breathing) is a medical term for respiratory arrest and is used in professional contexts.

Additionally, understanding the subtle differences in tone and formality can help you choose the most appropriate word for “stop” in various situations. For instance, using “xin ngừng” (please stop) is a more polite and formal way to request someone to cease an action compared to simply saying “thôi” (stop it).

Exploring regional variations can also be beneficial. While the core meanings of these words remain consistent across different regions of Vietnam, subtle differences in pronunciation, usage, and idiomatic expressions may exist.

Being aware of these variations can help you better understand and communicate with people from different parts of the country.

Finally, studying Vietnamese literature and media can provide valuable insights into how “stop” is used in various contexts. Pay attention to the dialogue, narration, and cultural references to gain a deeper understanding of the nuances of the language.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about saying “stop” in Vietnamese:

What is the most common way to say “stop” in Vietnamese?

Dừng lại is the most common and versatile way to say “stop” in Vietnamese. It’s generally used for physical stopping or halting movement.

When should I use “ngừng” instead of “dừng lại”?

Use ngừng when you want to indicate the cessation of an activity, process, or state. It’s often used in more abstract contexts than dừng lại.

Is “thôi” polite to use?

Thôi is generally informal and should be avoided in formal contexts. It’s best used in casual conversations with friends and family.

What is the difference between “cấm” and “không được”?

Cấm means “to prohibit” and is a direct way to express that something is not allowed. Không được means “not allowed” and is a more general way to express prohibition.

How do I say “stop it” in Vietnamese?

You can say “Thôi đi!” to mean “stop it” in Vietnamese. It’s an informal way to tell someone to cease an action.

How do I say “please stop” in Vietnamese?

You can say “Xin hãy dừng lại!” to mean “please stop” in Vietnamese. It’s a polite way to ask someone to stop.

Can I use “dừng lại” in all situations where I want to say “stop”?

While dừng lại is versatile, it’s not always the most appropriate choice. Consider the context and desired nuance when choosing which word to use.

Conclusion

Mastering the various ways to say “stop” in Vietnamese is crucial for effective communication. By understanding the nuances of dừng lại, ngừng, thôi, and cấm, you can confidently express yourself in a wide range of situations. Remember to consider the context, tone, and formality when choosing which word to use. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this essential aspect of the Vietnamese language. Keep practicing and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – it’s all part of the learning process!