được (cho phép)

In Vietnamese, the word được is incredibly common and has a few different functions depending on where it sits in a sentence. At its root, as a main verb, được means "to get, receive, or achieve" (e.g., getting a gift, achieving a high score). This core meaning helps explain its other uses.

When you place được immediately before a verb, it acts as a modal marker of permission or opportunity. It translates to "may," "to be allowed to," or "to get to." In this context, được is essentially the shortened, everyday version of the verb được phép (to be permitted/allowed).

• Subject + được + Verb

The Positive Nuance:
A key feature of được is that it inherently carries a positive or benefactive meaning. It implies that the action being permitted is a good thing for the subject—like getting a day off work, or being allowed to study abroad. This contrasts with bị, which is used for negative or unwelcome situations.

The Golden Rule of Word Order:
This is one of the most important distinctions in Vietnamese grammar:

• được + Verb = Permission / Opportunity (I am allowed to go / I get to go). Note: This applies when the subject is the doer of the action. If the subject receives the action, this structure forms the positive passive voice instead.
• Verb + được = Ability / Success (I am able to go / I managed to go)

Negation:
To say someone is not allowed to do something, use không được before the verb. This translates to "must not" or "not allowed to." It acts as a strict prohibition (often used for rules, signs, or parents scolding children), sitting on a spectrum between đừng (don't / advice) and cấm (strictly forbidden). Additionally, because được also marks opportunity, không được + V frequently translates to "did not get to [do something]" (missing out on an opportunity due to circumstances). Conversely, to say someone is unable to do something, use không + V + được.

Asking for Permission:
To ask if you are allowed to do something, you can use the có ... không? question frame: Subject + có được + Verb + không? Alternatively, a highly common conversational way to ask for permission is to add ... được không? at the end of your statement. Note that this does not contradict the "Verb + được = Ability" rule; here, được không? acts as a standalone tag question meaning "Is that okay?" or "Is that permitted?" rather than modifying the verb directly. To answer these permission questions, simply reply with Được (Yes / Allowed) or Không được (No / Not allowed). Remember to add Dạ (e.g., Dạ được / Dạ không được) when speaking to elders or in formal situations to avoid sounding blunt.

Passive Voice Overlap:
Because of its positive nature, placing được before a verb is also how Vietnamese forms the favorable passive voice (e.g., "to be rewarded" or "to be praised"). You will learn more about this in the favorable passive pattern.