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cả
/kaː˧˩˧/
all
Cả gia đình đều thích xem phim.
The whole family likes watching movies.
general
Used to refer to the whole extent of something or everyone in a group.
Cả lớp đều im lặng.
The whole class was silent.
Cả thành phố ngạc nhiên trước tin tức.
The whole city was surprised by the news.
Can precede nouns (cả + noun) or stand alone as a pronoun (e.g., 'Cả đều đồng ý'). Often emphasizes totality.
general
Used before a noun to indicate the entire duration of a period.
Cả ngày hôm nay trời mưa.
It rained all day today.
Cả năm qua tôi không gặp anh ấy.
I haven't met him all year.
Commonly used with time expressions like 'ngày', 'tuần', 'năm'.
general
Used to emphasize a singular entity among many, often in contrast.
Trong số họ, chỉ có cô ấy là cả tin.
Among them, only she is gullible.
Implies 'the one' or 'the only one' in a critical or humorous tone.
Pro Tip
Avoid repetition with 'tất cả'
'Cả' alone is sufficient for emphasis; adding 'tất cả' (e.g., 'cả tất cả') is redundant in most cases.
Gold Rule
Position matters
When 'cả' modifies a noun, it precedes the noun (e.g., 'cả lớp'). When used as a pronoun, it stands alone (e.g., 'Cả đều vui').
Word Origin
Vietnamese, from Proto-Vietic *kaːʔ (all, whole), related to Muong *kaː and Chứt languages.
Usage Notes
1) 'Cả' is more emphatic than 'tất cả' and often used in speech. 2) In formal writing, 'toàn bộ' or 'tất cả' may be preferred. 3) When used with pronouns (e.g., 'cả tôi'), it can express surprise or contrast ('even I').
Word Breakdown
cả
all / whole
rootTừ Điển Việt Anh