Hi David,

Thank you for your comment. Our lessons are not only built for Northern Vietnamese. Specifically in the beginner stage, our goals for the lessons are to bring a broad understanding and vocabulary to all of our learners, which covers the most common words in both Northern and Southern Vietnam. As explained previously, "giùm" is originally Southern word but it has become so commonly used across the country so we thought it should be included in our lesson. Hope this helps and let us know if you have any further questions!

Sincerely,

Khanh

Team VietnamesePod101.com

My question on giùm has been answered.

However, since you say it is a Southern word, and these lessons are for Northern Vietnamese, why even teach it at this beginner stage?

Chào Giang,

Yes, this makes much more sense now!

Cảm ơn nhiều lắm!

Nick

Chào Nick,

Thank you for your question.

"giúp" and "giùm" has the same meaning and usage when it comes to asking for help. The difference is that "giùm" is a Southern Vietnamese word, but nowadays it has become so common that many people in Vietnam (regardless of their region) use it too.

For example, you can say: "Làm ơn chỉ giúp tôi đường đến sân bay." or "Làm ơn chỉ giùm tôi đường đến sân bay." (Please show me the direction to the airport)

Another difference is that "giúp" itself means "to help", so it can be used as the verb "help" in English but "giùm" cannot. For example, you can say: "Hãy giúp tôi" (Please help me)" but CANNOT say "Hãy giùm tôi."

Do you understand their differences now?

Have a nice day

Giang

Team VietnamesePod101.com

Xin chào,

The most interesting thing about Vietnam is the language, of course! :wink:

Speaking of which, can you explain the difference between giúp, used in the lesson phrases, and giùm, in the lesson vocabulary? It would seem they are different conjugations of the verb meaning to help, but it has been my understanding that Vietnamese verbs aren't conjugated but change meaning based on context.

Cảm ơn nhiều lắm,

Nick