thằng
guy; fellow; male classifier (informal, familiar, or derogatory term for a young male, male friend, lower-status male, or boy)
- loại từ classifier
- đại từ pronoun
Usage note
Functions as an informal male classifier or pronoun used for boys, male peers (among close companions), or younger/lower-status males. It conveys familiarity and affection among close friends or elders speaking to youths, but is rude or insulting if used toward elders, strangers, or superiors.
Contrast with ông for older men, anh for slightly older males or polite address, or cậu for informal, slightly more respectful male peers. Common collocations include thằng bé (little boy), thằng nhỏ (kid / young boy), and thằng tồi (bad guy / scoundrel).
Examples
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Nhưng nay thì thằng Lâm dường như chả hào hứng gì với những trò thú vị đó nữa.
But now, Lam didn't seem at all enthusiastic about those exciting games anymore.