Cũng - Also, Quite
Cũng means also, too, either, or as well in Vietnamese. It also means quite.
Let's explore the two meanings in detail.
First, just like the word "also", "too/either", or "as well", cũng expresses similarity. You can use it by putting it after the subject. Let's look at some examples.
Note: You can highlight the Vietnamese text to listen to it. Tôi là học sinh nhưng tôi cũng là bác sĩ. (I am a student but I also am a doctor.) Tùng: Mình thích cà-phê sữa. (Tung: I like Vietnamese coffee.) Trang: Mình cũng thích cà-phê sữa! (Trang: I also like Vietnamese coffee.) Bà: Con ăn cơm chưa? Bà chưa ăn. (Grandma: Did you eat? I didn't eat yet.) Cháu: Con cũng chưa ăn. Mình ăn chung nha bà! (Grandson: I didn't eat either. Let's eat together!) Mẹ: Hôm nay mẹ phải đi làm. (Mom: Today, I have to go to work.) Con: Con cũng vậy. (Son: Me, too.)
Second, cũng also means quite, or pretty. You can use it by putting it in front of adjectives or verbs to express something fairly. Let's look at some examples.
Note: You can highlight the Vietnamese text to listen to it. Trời hôm nay cũng đẹp. (The weather is pretty nice today.) Tôi cũng no rồi. (I'm quite full already.) Trà cũng còn nóng. (The tea is still quite hot.) Cảm giác này cũng lạ. (This feeling is quite strange.) Mình cũng thích cái đó. (I quite like it.)
As you can see, cũng can mean different things depending on the context. If you are responding in a conversation, it most likely expresses similarity. If you are not responding, it might mean you're trying to express something fairly. Worry not because you will get used to it in no time.
Do you notice other uses of cũng? Let me knoư in the comment below. Keep practicing! <3