Tôi đi chợ.

I go to the market.

Breakdown of Tôi đi chợ.

• tôi: I
• đi: to go
• chợ: the market

Questions & Answers about Tôi đi chợ.

How do I pronounce Tôi đi chợ?

• Tôi: Pronounced somewhat like toy (with a closed “ô” sound), using a level tone.
• đi: Pronounced like dee, also in a level tone.
• chợ: Pronounced like chuh or chuh? with a falling tone (a quick drop in pitch).

Is it necessary to include Tôi in every sentence?

No, not always. In everyday conversation, Vietnamese speakers often omit the subject when it is clear from context. However, when you’re learning or want to be clear, using Tôi is perfectly fine and helps reinforce the proper structure.

Why is there no preposition like "to" in Tôi đi chợ?

Vietnamese tends to omit prepositions where English might use one. The verb đi ("go") is directly followed by the destination chợ ("market") without needing a preposition. It’s a common pattern in Vietnamese.

What does chợ specifically refer to in Vietnamese culture?

chợ usually means an open-air market where locals buy and sell fresh produce, meats, and other daily essentials. These markets can be bustling community spaces, distinct from modern supermarkets.

Can I say Tôi đi chợ to mean general grocery shopping?

Yes. Tôi đi chợ can mean "I am going to the market" or generally "I am going shopping for groceries," especially in a traditional market sense. If you're heading to a supermarket, you could say Tôi đi siêu thị for clarity.