Aspect marker "chưa" in Vietnamese

Aspect marker "chưa" in Vietnamese

Janpha Thadphoothon

One of the markers that we should learn when we learn Vietnamese is the marker -- chưa (Not Yet / Not Yet)

Some call this a negative marker. But it is not only used in a negative sentence, it can be found in questions, as well.

Normally, "chưa " is used in negative sentences to mean 'not yet'

Ex.

Tôi không đói. I am not hungry.
Tôi chưa đói. I am not yet hungry.

chưa  is also used in questions.

Ex.

Susan có chồng chưa? Susan has got a husband already?

Bạn chưa ngủ hả?  You have not slept yet? Or You are still up?

 ăn cơm chủa? Have you eaten yet?



Note:

chưa  is often compared with another aspect marker - rồi

rồi - already

Ex.

lâu rồi không gặp‎
long time no see

Tôi hiểu rồi.  I already know. or I got it.

Tôi có vợ rồi . I already have a wife. (vợ  = wife)/ (có  = have)