nên

From Dutch neen, from Middle Dutch neen, from Old Dutch *nēn.

• IPA^(key): /neɪn/

nên

1. no

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium. Particularly: “The Common-Viet-Muong form can be reconstructed as *ɗeːɲ.”) Cognate with Muong Bi điênh.

• (Hà Nội) IPA^(key): [nen˧˧]
• (Huế) IPA^(key): [nen˧˧]
• (Saigon) IPA^(key): [nəːn˧˧]

nên • (年, 𢧚, 𫻽, 𱚑)

1. to develop into; to change into
2. (by extension) should; ought to (the speaker intends for the subject to execute the sentence predicate)
3. (by extension, occult, chiefly in the negative) to be auspicious

   Cầm cây đũa vẫy vẫy trước mặt người ta vậy là không nên!

   You shouldn't waving around a single chopstick in front of someone else like that.

nên • (年, 𢧚, 𫻽, 𱚑)

1. therefore; so