If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, learning a few basic phrases can make your experience even more enriching. While many people in big cities speak some English, knowing simple Vietnamese words can help you connect with locals, navigate markets, and show respect for the culture. Let’s dive into the essentials!
1. Greetings and Politeness
Politeness is highly valued in Vietnamese culture, so knowing how to greet people properly is a great start.
- Hello: Xin chào (sin chow)
- Goodbye: Tạm biệt (tahm bee-et)
- Thank you: Cảm ơn (kahm uhn)
- You’re welcome: Không có gì (khong kaw zee)
- Sorry/Excuse me: Xin lỗi (sin loy)
- Yes: Vâng (formal) / Dạ (polite) (vuhng / yah)
- No: Không (khong)
Tip: Use dạ or vâng when responding politely, especially to elders!
2. Numbers and Money
Knowing numbers helps with shopping, bargaining, and understanding prices.
- One: Một (moht)
- Two: Hai (hi)
- Three: Ba (bah)
- Four: Bốn (bohn)
- Five: Năm (nahm)
- Ten: Mười (muoi)
- One hundred: Một trăm (moht chahm)
- One thousand: Một nghìn (moht ngeen)
Prices in Vietnam are often high in number because of the Vietnamese đồng (VND), so practice big numbers!
3. Getting Around
These phrases will help you navigate Vietnam’s bustling cities and serene countryside.
- Where is…?: Ở đâu…? (uh dow…?)
- How much is this?: Cái này bao nhiêu? (kai nai bow nyew?)
- Left: Trái (chai)
- Right: Phải (fai)
- Straight ahead: Đi thẳng (dee thahng)
- Stop: Dừng lại (yoong lai)
- Hotel: Khách sạn (khak san)
- Restaurant: Nhà hàng (nyah hahng)
Tip: Show addresses on your phone to drivers or use Google Maps offline for smoother navigation!
4. Ordering Food and Drinks
Vietnam is a street food paradise, so knowing how to order your favorite dishes is a must.
- I want to eat…: Tôi muốn ăn… (toy muon ahn…)
- I want to drink…: Tôi muốn uống… (toy muon oong…)
- Delicious: Ngon (ngawn)
- Spicy: Cay (kai)
- No meat: Không thịt (khong tit)
- Vegetarian: Chay (chai)
- Check, please: Tính tiền (ting tien)
Example:
- Tôi muốn ăn phở (I want to eat pho)
- Tôi muốn uống cà phê sữa đá (I want to drink iced coffee with milk)
5. Emergency and Help Phrases
Hopefully, you won’t need these, but it’s always good to be prepared.
- Help!: Cứu tôi! (kew toy!)
- I’m lost: Tôi bị lạc (toy bee lak)
- I need a doctor: Tôi cần bác sĩ (toy kun bahk see)
- Call the police: Gọi công an (goy kong an)
- Be careful: Cẩn thận (kun than)
6. Showing Respect
Respect is key in Vietnamese culture, especially when addressing people.
- Mr./Older man: Ông (ohng)
- Mrs./Older woman: Bà (bah)
- Younger man: Anh (ang)
- Younger woman: Chị (chee)
For example:
- Cảm ơn anh (Thank you, young man)
- Xin chào bà (Hello, older woman)
Why Learning Basic Phrases Matters
Even if you only learn a few words, Vietnamese people appreciate the effort. Speaking their language — even just a little — breaks down barriers, makes locals smile, and enriches your travel experience. Plus, it might save you from getting lost in a market or overpaying for souvenirs!