riêng

Riêng is a Vietnamese word that functions as both an adjective and an adverb, with meanings centered on exclusivity, privacy, or personal scope. It is a native term used in a range of formal and informal contexts and often appears in phrases that distinguish private or individual aspects from public or shared ones. The word also occurs in combinations such as riêng tư and riêng biệt, which expand its sense to private life and distinctness, respectively.

As an adjective, riêng modifies a noun to indicate private, personal, or own ownership. Examples include nhà riêng (a private house), giấy tờ riêng (private documents), and tài sản riêng (private property). In these uses, riêng helps mark something as belonging to an individual or having a personal or exclusive character, in contrast with things that are public or collective.

As an adverb, riêng can introduce a personal stance or scope, often conveying a speaker’s emphasis or exception. A common construction is Riêng tôi, meaning “Personally” or “As for me.” For instance, Riêng tôi nghĩ kế hoạch này cần xem xét thêm translates to “Personally, I think this plan needs further consideration.” Beyond personal stance, riêng can function to limit reference to a specific part, as in riêng phần này (“this particular part”).

Usage notes: riêng frequently appears in formal writing and opinionated speech, and it coexists with related terms such as riêng tư (private, confidential) and riêng biệt (distinct, separate). The word’s etymology is generally treated as native Vietnamese, with nuanced meanings shaped by context and collocations.

See also: riêng tư, riêng biệt.