Expressing “or” in questions with “hay”

In Vietnamese, hay is used to offer choices in questions, similar to “or” in English.

Simple form

Place hay between two things to present them as options in questions.

Structure

A + hay + B

Examples

  • Đi hay ở?Leave or stay?
  • Đi bộ hay chạy bộ tốt hơn?Walking or jogging, which is better?
  • Bạn chọn bóng đá hay cầu lông?Do you choose football or badminton?
  • Tối nay mình đi ăn ngoài hay ăn ở nhà?Will we eat out or eat at home tonight?
  • Anh muốn uống nóng hay đá?Do you want it hot or iced?

Extended form

Là can be added after hay to express almost the same thing (albeit with a subtle difference, if any). However, there are some situations in which hay là may be preferred to just hay:

  • To add a tone of urgency (combined with intonation).
  • When the options are long (long phrases, clauses, etc.).
  • When the speaker pauses to think of the following option.

Note that, in all of these situations, using just hay is also fine.

Structure

A + hay là + B

Examples

  • Bạn muốn tổ chức bữa tiệc ở nhà hay là thuê một địa điểm bên ngoài?Do you want to host the party at home, or rent an outside venue?

Usage note

Note that hay is for offering choices in questions, not for expressing “or” in statements.

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