Vietnamese · Family & People
ông
Grandfather; Mr.
Beginnernoun
Definition
A grandfather; also a respectful pronoun for older men.
Example
Ông tôi thích uống trà.
My grandfather likes drinking tea.
Etymology
The term 'ông' is of Sino-Vietnamese origin, borrowed from Chinese, meaning grandfather or a respected elder man. Its usage has mirrored cultural hierarchies and respect for elders in Vietnamese society.
How & Where It’s Used
'Ông' is used in both spoken and written Vietnamese, typically in informal family interactions but also in formal contexts when addressing elder men. The term is widely recognized across regions.