biết

/bjɛ̯t/
verbIntermediate
general

To know, be aware of, or understand something

Tôi biết anh đã đến.

I know you've arrived.

Bạn biết cách đi đến nhà tôi không?

Do you know how to get to my house?

💡

Can be used to express knowledge of facts, people, or how to do something.

general

To realize or become aware of something

Tôi mới biết anh đã bị bệnh.

I just found out you're sick.

💡

Often used with 'mới' to emphasize recent awareness.

Collocations

biết trướcto know in advancebiết rõto know clearlybiết đượcto be able to know

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

biết ơnphrase
to be grateful
biết ơn aiphrase
to be grateful to someone

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Biết' is often used with 'được' to indicate the ability to know something, e.g., 'Tôi biết được tin này từ bạn.' (I found out this news from you.)

Gold Rule

Knowledge vs. Ability

'Biết' can refer to both factual knowledge and the ability to perform an action, e.g., 'Tôi biết cách làm món này.' (I know how to make this dish.)

📖Word Origin

From Middle Vietnamese *biet*, from Old Vietnamese *biet*, from Proto-Vietic *biet* (to know).

📝Usage Notes

Often used with the particle 'được' to indicate the ability to know something.

Word Breakdown

biết
to know
root
Noted on May 2, 2026VIEN