còn (đối lập)

Whereas

Level 2

Còn is used to link two clauses that contrast different topics or situations. It translates to whereas, while, or as for.

How It Works

In Vietnamese, when you want to compare two different topics doing different things or having different traits, you use còn.

Structure:
[Clause 1], còn + [Topic 2 / Subject 2] + [Predicate 2].

It is very common to pair it with the topic marker thì to emphasize the contrast:
[Clause 1], còn + [Topic 2 / Subject 2] + thì + [Predicate 2].

Key Distinctions:

  • Use còn for parallel contrast or shifting topics (e.g., 'I like tea, whereas he likes coffee', or 'I like tea, as for coffee, I don't like it').
  • Use nhưng for unexpected contradictions (e.g., 'I like tea, but I am drinking coffee').
  • Use và for pure, neutral addition, such as unified scenes or parallel, non-contrasting events (e.g., 'The wind blows and the rain falls').

Important: English speakers often use 'and' when shifting to a new topic (e.g., 'I am a teacher, and my wife is a doctor'). In Vietnamese, you should use còn (not và) for this kind of topic shift.

Còn is also the most natural way to ask return questions like 'And you?' (Còn bạn?) because you are shifting the topic to the other person.

Heads Up: The word còn can also function as an adverb meaning 'still' or a verb meaning 'to remain' (see còn (still)).

Examples (4)

  1. Tôi thích cà phê, còn anh ấy thích trà.

    I like coffee, whereas he likes tea.

    Word by Word: I like coffee, whereas he like tea.

    Shows a classic parallel contrast between two people's preferences.

  2. Mùa hè thì nóng, còn mùa đông thì lạnh.

    Summer is hot, while winter is cold.

    Word by Word: Summer [topic] hot, while winter [topic] cold.

    Demonstrates the common pairing of 'còn' with the topic marker 'thì'.

  3. Tôi đi làm. Còn bạn thì sao?

    I am going to work. And as for you?

    Word by Word: I go work. As for you then how?

    The most natural way to ask 'And you?' in Vietnamese.

  4. Chị gái tôi là giáo viên, còn tôi là sinh viên.

    My older sister is a teacher, and I am a student.

    Word by Word: Older sister my is teacher, whereas I am student.

    Even though this translates to 'and' in English, 'còn' is required because the subject changes.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'nhưng' (but) instead of 'còn' for parallel contrast.

    Tôi là người Mỹ, nhưng anh ấy là người Anh.
    Tôi là người Mỹ, còn anh ấy là người Anh.

    'Nhưng' implies a contradiction or unexpected outcome. When simply stating differing facts about two subjects, 'còn' is the natural choice.

  • Using 'và' (and) to introduce a new, contrasting subject.

    Different MeaningTôi ăn phở và bạn tôi ăn bún.
    Tôi ăn phở, còn bạn tôi ăn bún.

    'Tôi ăn phở và bạn tôi ăn bún' is correct. 'Và' is used for neutral addition. When your intention is to highlight a contrast or shift the topic to a new subject doing a different action, use 'còn'.

  • Directly translating 'And you?' as 'Và bạn?'.

    Tôi khỏe, cảm ơn. Và bạn?
    Tôi khỏe, cảm ơn. Còn bạn?

    To ask a return question, you are shifting the topic to the other person. This requires 'còn' (as for), not 'và' (and).

How It Connects

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còn (đối lập)Level 2Whereas

Learn This First

To use 'còn' for contrast, you need to be able to construct two independent clauses and understand how conjunctions link ideas. It functions similarly to 'và' (and) and 'nhưng' (but) by sitting between two statements to highlight a difference between them.

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