No. 23 in Vietnamese
mà
The Vietnamese word "mà" can mean "but," "that," "which," or serve as a connector or emphasis word, depending on context.
In a sentence
Đây là cuốn sách mà tôi yêu thích nhất.
This is the book that I like the most.
The word 'mà' is used here as a relative pronoun connecting the noun 'cuốn sách' (the book) with the clause 'tôi yêu thích nhất' (I like the most).
Tôi định đi chơi mà trời lại đổ mưa.
I was planning to go out, but then it started raining.
In this sentence, 'mà' functions to introduce a contrast or unexpected outcome following the first clause.
Đừng nói chuyện với tôi mà không giữ lịch sự.
Do not talk to me without being polite.
Here, 'mà' signifies the condition under which the main action (talking) should not occur. It implies a connection between the action and the behavior.
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