chắc

• (Hà Nội) IPA^(key): [t͡ɕak̚˧˦]
• (Huế) IPA^(key): [t͡ɕak̚˦˧˥]
• (Saigon) IPA^(key): [cak̚˦˥]

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

chắc • (聀, 仄, 𢟘, 職, 礩)

1. (of a structure) firm; secure; steady
   1. Able to withstand mechanical force while remaining intact or firmly attached to another object without coming apart.

      Synonym: rắn chắc

   2. Having full development, forming a solid mass attached to another object without separating.

      Antonyms: kẹ, lép, óp

2. (of a person) sure; certain; positive

   Chắc hông?

   Are you sure?

   Chắc mà!

   I'm certain!

chắc • (聀, 仄, 𢟘, 職, 礩)

1. (after a verb) firmly; securely

   nắm chắc ― to have a firm grip

2. (after a verb) surely; certainly; for sure

   biết chắc ― to know for sure

3. (at the start of a clause) probably; maybe

   Chắc nó không đến đâu.

   I don't think he's coming.

   Chắc chẳng có ai ở nhà.

   Maybe nobody's home.

chắc

1. (colloquial) Marks a rhetorical question, often with an indignant or surprised tone

   Synonym: à

   Nó tưởng nó ngon lắm chắc?

   He really thinks he's all that, huh?

   Tưởng có tiền thì muốn làm gì thì làm chắc?

   They think they can get away with anything just because they have money?

• As a particle, chắc carries a harsher tone than the nearly synonymous à.

chắc

1. to assume

Cognate with Arem cak ("each other").

chắc • (聀)

1. (Central Vietnam) each other, one another

   Synonym: nhau

   Tụi bay cứ đánh chắc đập chắc hoài!

   Y'all fight all the time!

2. (Central Vietnam, colloquial) only

   Synonym: mình

   Chắc hấn đi học à? ― Only them went to school?