travel phrases in vietnamese

69 Vietnamese Phrases Every Traveller Should Know

Going to Vietnam? This Vietnamese phrase guide is the perfect travellers companion. Experience the best of Vietnam, make friends, and avoid being lost in translation.

Before you take that trip to Vietnam,  you should definitely learn some survival Vietnamese phrases. This travel phrase guide teaches you over 60 useful phrases that will help you get around, make friends, order food, ask for directions and ensure you have an amazing time in Vietnam.

To help me create this new addition to my collection of  free travel phrase guides , I asked my friend and Vietnamese speaker Trang from Travel with Trang to provide accurate Vietnamese translations and pronunciation tips. She’s even provided audio clips for each phrase to make things even easier for you.

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Let’s take a closer look at the Vietnamese language. Here’s what we’ll cover:

Table of Contents

Where is vietnamese spoken, how many people speak vietnamese, vietnamese alphabet, vietnamese pronunciation, vietnamese tonal system, vietnamese grammar.

• Getting Around
• Emergencies
• Useful Vietnamese Phrases for Travellers [Infographic]

Not only is Vietnamese the official language of Vietnam, but it is also widely spoken in areas where the Vietnamese have immigrated, including Australia , France , the United States , South East Asia, and Western Europe. Vietnamese has also been officially recognised as a minority language in the Czech Republic.

Vietnamese is one of the most spoken languages in the world with approximately 85 million speakers worldwide.

Rice field in Vietnam

Vietnamese uses the same alphabet as Latin languages with a few modifications which include tone and vowel markers. French missionaries changed the written language from Chinese characters in the 17th-century, but their system didn’t become widespread until the 20th-century. Because of this shift to the Roman alphabet, learning to read and write Vietnamese is much easier than most other Asian languages.

The Vietnamese alphabet has a 29-letter phonetic alphabet which includes all letters of in the English alphabet except j, f, w, and z. Vietnamese has 12 vowels and 17 consonants as shown below.

Vietnamese spelling is phonetic and very similar to Portuguese (which it is based on). Once you figure out how to pronounce each letter and tone, you will have a pretty good grasp of how to correctly pronounce Vietnamese words. Compared to English, Vietnamese has few exceptions to these rules. There are three main varieties of spoken Vietnamese including Northern (used around Hanoi), which is quite different from Southern (Saigon/Ho Chi Minh City ), and Central (Hue) Vietnamese. This guide used the Northern (Hanoi) pronunciation.

If you listen closely to a Vietnamese speaker, you will notice that some words are pronounced with a high or low pitch and other sound more musical. This is because Vietnamese uses tones to make distinctions between words. Other tonal languages include Norwegian , Swedish and Thai , just to name a few. Vietnamese syllables can have six different tones, with five of them indicated by tone marks applied to the syllable’s main vowel. Tone marks can be combined with the other diacritics.

Here’s an example of the letter a’ with it’s various sounds a – flat á – high rising; example: đấy, like saying “day?” à – low ã – creaky ả – falling, then rising ạ – a low “a’ah”

Because tones are so important in being correctly understood, Trang and I have included audio clips for each phrase to help you with your pronunciation.

One of the fascinating things about the Vietnamese is its grammar. As a whole, Vietnamese grammar is very simple in that nouns and adjectives don’t have genders and verbs aren’t conjugated. This is a welcome change for learners of European languages such as French, Italian, and Spanish where you live and die by nailing these rules.

Vietnamese has its own quirks, if you will, that I find super interesting. For example, it might sound strange but Vietnamese is spoken almost entirely in the second and third persons. So, instead of saying “I think you are very beautiful” to a girl you like, you might say, “This older male thinks you (the younger female) very beautiful”.

To Western ears, talking in the third person can sound very pretentious, but to Vietnamese ears it is totally normal. Vietnamese has a word for “I”, (tôi) but it’s only used in formal situations such as public speaking, talking to a TV camera, or writing a book. Foreigners, naturally tend to use tôi in conversation, which to Vietnamese ears sounds unnatural but they understand why we do it and almost expect it.

In addition to this, there is a proper way to refer to yourself and others depends. This all depends on hierarchy, age, and sex. Many of these terms have literal translations that refer to family relationships, though they are used for all people on all occasions. Without going into too much detail for each, it’s important to be aware of such distinction. Options include:

• Bạn-  friend, pronounced “bhang” with a heavy A
• Con  – child, pronounced “ghone”
• Em  – literally, younger person, generally reserved for a younger sister, younger female relative, or a younger female acquaintance. This is the equivalent of “my dear”.
• Anh  – older brother
• Chị  – older sister – woman older than you by up to 10-20 years
• Chú (literally, “Mister” with implications toward “uncle”)
• Cô (literally, “Miss” or “Young Mrs.” – woman older than you by 10+ years)
• Bác (unisex term, used for both Sir and Madam, – refers to a mature person, generally 40 to 60 years old)
• Ông (literally, “old gentleman”, grandfather)
• Bà (literally, “Madam” or “elderly lady”, grandmother)

Useful Vietnamese Phrases for Travellers

P.S. If you’re reading this on your phone and can’t see the pronunciation column, turn it to landscape mode. For some reason, tables aren’t mobile friendly. Sorry!

Useful Vietnamese Phrases for Travellers  [ Infographic]

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Sources VietnamesePod101 | Instant Vietnamese |  Survival Vietnamese |  Wikipedia |  Lonely Planet Vietnamese Phrasebook & Dictionary

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Over to you!

Which of these Vietnamese phrases did you find the most useful? Are you planning a trip to Vietnam or have already been?  Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post. Like what you see? Subscribe using the form below to have all of my posts delivered directly to your email.

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Michele creates language learning guides and courses for travel. What separates her from other instructors is her ability to explain complex grammar in a no-nonsense, straightforward manner using her unique 80/20 method. Get her free guide 9 reasons you’re not fluent…YET & how to fix it! Planning a trip? Learn the local language with her 80/20 method for less than the cost of eating at a tourist trap restaurant Start learning today!

Survival Dutch Travel Phrase Guide with Pronunciation

69 most-used swedish travel phrases with pronunciation [plus audio].

Very good word lists! Useful with the correct Viet spelling and pronounciation sound files make it much easier to read and remember the ăccents used! I like the variety of words in each list and I know after studying these word lists that my knowledge of Viet will have grown significantly and thanks to the study I’ve been doing on these word lists my reading has improved and so has my pronounciation! I’d like it if the were word lists for Romance, Nightclubs and other activities. All together a lot of thought went into this work and I am grateful for it!

Hey Chris! Thank you so much for your lovely feedback 🙂 I’m so glad you found it useful. Duly noted on the translations. It’s hard to know when to stop putting in phrases/words. The idea is just to get the language juices flowing for those new to the language and using it for travel.

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Vietnam Daily

Learn Vietnamese - One word a day

15 Essential Vietnamese Phrases for Travelers in Vietnam

After travelling in Vietnam for a number of months, I continuously find myself needing a core set of phrases. Here, we present audio and tonal-annotations to help you learn 15 key expressions for travellers in Vietnam: from “Help!” to “Wifi password please” to “That’s too expensive!”

TIP FOR VIETNAM

Make a mobile bookmark of this page so you can play the audio recordings for Vietnamese people who can’t understand what you are saying.

These expressions also serve as great mini-lessons to learn a little Vietnamese grammar and tones : below the play button, be sure to follow the tonal-annotations to learn the words’ proper tones. We use the following key:

• – flat tone
• u up-tone (á)
• d down-tone (à)
• ub up-broken tone (ã)
• sd short-down tone (ạ)
• w “weird” tone (ả)

Read more about the Vietnamese tones here .

1) How much is it?

Bao nhiêu tiền?

2) I want to buy this

Tôi muốn mua cái này

Notice the similar “subject – verb – verb – object” form, as in English, for simple declarative statements. But the definite article (“this”) comes after the noun (“thing”) and not before, unlike in English.

3) What is the WIFI password?

Pass WIFI là gì?

Notice that English words absorbed into Vietnamese always lose their their final consonant (like in French). The word “Password” is an extreme example of this kind of elaison, whereby the entire word is truncated to just “Pass”.

Note: if you find it strange that “gì” is pronounced like “zee” in Vietnamese, be sure to read our Audio Guide to Vietnamese Consonants .

4) Does this bus go to Hanoi?

Xe bus này đi đến Hà Nội phải không?

Notice that the word “bus” isn’t pronounced as in English; rather, the terminal-s is almost silent, resulting in a “bwe(s)” sound.

The words “phải không” convert the expression into a question; they roughly corresponds to an English “Does …?” or “Do …?”

5) I don’t eat meat/pork/dog

Tôi không ăn thịt/ thịt heo/ thịt chó.

Remember that the Vietnamese “th” is not pronounced like the English th (as in th ick). Instead, “th” is a hard-t with an aspirated “h”. In the accompanying audio, try to listen for that “h”.

6) Do you understand me?

Bạn hiểu ý tôi chứ?

Notice that “chứ” is like “không” in that it converts a declarative statement into a question, but it is considered more polite than không. Notice also that this kind of question is considered a “what” question, and not a “do” question.

An alternative and informal way to ask “do you understand” is “hiểu không?” You could ask this among friends and family, but, assuming you are a tourist, this would be slightly rude to ask strangers.

7) I don’t understand

Tôi không hiểu

Notice that in this case, “không” means “no” or “don’t” when placed after the pronoun, and not as a question indicator, when placed at the end of the sentence.

This phrase is so important for travellers in Vietnam, we have a full post dedicated to How to say “I don’t understand” in Vietnamese.

8) Could you repeat that?

Bạn nói lại được không?

9) Where is it on the map?

Đây là đâu trên bản đồ?

Notice the d with the diacritic line through it (đ) is a hard English d. All other Vietnamese d’s are actually pronounced like a “z” sound (in the North).

10) It is too expensive!

“Đắt quá” (too expensive!) is a short & sweat expression that will you definitely need to know in Vietnam if you go shopping as a foreigner. See our article on how to haggle in Vietnam for more on this topic.

11) Help me!

Giúp tôi với!

There are two versions of this expression: “Giúp tôi với!” is for non-life-threatening situations, whereas “Cứu tôi với!” conveys more seriousness. Both will get people’s attention. Notice that the terminal “với” is a non-translatable word that imparts a degree of politeness, yet doesn’t reduce the urgency of the request.

This phrase is so important to travellers in Vietnam, see our full post on How to ask for help in Vietnamese.

12) I’ve been robbed

Tôi bị cướp

Vietnamese is interesting in that there are two expressions for “I’ve been robbed!”, which differ based on on whether you know the guilty party:

• tôi bị cướp – someone robbed me, but I don’t know who did it
• tôi đã bị trấn lột – I was robbed and I know who did it

Fun fact: the word for theif is “người ăn cướp” – which makes sense if you’ve read our post on the word for người .

13) Please give me back my passport

Vui lòng trả lại hộ chiếu cho tôi

In the West, you may have been instructed to never leave your passport in someone else’s possession. In Vietnam, however, if you want to stay at a hotel, they will try to hold onto your passport in their safe-keeping during your stay (it may even be the official policy in Vietnam). With a little confidence and tact, you can use this expression to try to get your passport back and keep it.

The larger 3-star to 5-star hotels and resorts generally don’t do this, whereas many smaller establishes are more afraid of breaking compliance with the law. However, once they have a copy and have written down the information, they are not legally required to hold onto your passport. If they still insist, you can try offering to pay upfront for your stay.

14) I am sick

15) what are you doing tonight.

Bạn sẽ làm gì tối nay?

Note that the similarity between “tối nay” and “tonight” is just a coincidence.

BONUS: Do you speak English?

Ong/bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?

Learning how to say “Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?” is actually not very useful, because if you do ask “Do you speak English” in English, and your Vietnamese interlocutor remains confused, then you already have your answer.

Nonetheless, there is some value in attempting to speak the proper VIetnamese expression, as a sign of respect.

Other Helpful Vietnamese Expressions

Interested in learning more? Please see our Word Of The Day blog that provides more expressions and key cultural insights about Vietnam, through the lens of helpful words and phrases.

• Hello! – Xin Chào
• Good-bye – Tạm biệt
• How are you today? – Ăn cơm chưa?
• Please excuse me – Xin lỗi
• Thank you – Cảm ơn
• I don’t understand – Tôi không hiểu
• Yes/no in Vietnamese –  Có / Không

Are there other expressions that are helpful in Vietnam? Leave us a comment below.

Will is a researcher in Toronto who has lived and worked in Vietnam. On his own journey learning Vietnamese, he realized the best way to learn a language is to embed the lessons in stories, cultural insights and history.

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100 basic Vietnamese phrases for a smooth travel (Updated 2023)

Knowing basic Vietnamese phrases is undoubtedly a privilege for travelers. The closer you get to the locals, the more you are unlocked from the country's hidden gems, hospitality, and also discounts.

Vietnamese people are renowned for their hospitality and generosity. Though the country's secondary language is English, only a minority uses it daily, especially in suburban areas. Knowing basic Vietnamese phrases is undoubtedly a privilege for travelers. The closer you get to the locals, the more you are unlocked from the country's hidden gems, hospitality, and discounts.

Though the Vietnamese language uses Latin alphabets, mastering it is not a cake due to the tone system and its variation. As a result, you get a lot to learn and practice. But, not to fear, you don't necessarily invest that much effort for a 2-weeks trip; we are about to get you covered with these essential, quick basic phrases to nail your first trip to this beautiful country.

Top things to do in Vietnam

Basic Vietnamese phrases for greetings.

Like many other Asian countries, Vietnamese people do not hug or kiss someone they meet for the first time. Most people don't feel comfortable with it, especially older folks. However, Vietnamese are fast at picking up new things, so you can do this next time after explaining them. For your first impression, use a friendly wave or handshake together with these greeting phrases.

• Hello (politely) = Xin chào (Sin chow)
• How are you doing? = Bạn khoẻ không? (Ban Kwe Khom)
• Thank you = Cảm on (kahm uhn)
• Sorry = Xin lỗi (Sin Loy)
• No Problem = Không có gì (Khong koh zi)
• Goodbye = Tạm biệt (Tarm Byeet)
• No, Thank You! = Không! Cảm ơn (Khom, kahm uhn)
• Can you speak English? = Bạn nói Tiếng anh được không? (Banh noi thien an durkh khom)
• How old are you? = Bạn bao nhiêu tuổi (Ban ban nyew twoi)
• I am __ years old = Tôi  ___ tuổi (toy ___ doyy)
• What is your name? = Tên bạn là gì? (Ten bang la zi)
• My name is ___ =   Tên tôi là  ___ (Ten toy la ___)

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Basic words to address people

When addressing younger people, regardless of gender, you use "em," and for yourself, you use "tôi." If you are addressing an older person, or in a formal scenario, you use "chị" for female and "anh" for male. In general, Vietnamese are very understanding and tend to forgive foreigners if they mix this up.

• I = tôi /toy/
• You = bạn /ban/
• Female (junior) = em
• Female (senior) = chị /ji/
• Male (junior) = em
• Male (senior) = anh

Basic Vietnamese phrases for direction and transportations

Vietnamese traffic is one of the attention-catching topics for first-time travelers—as one of the countries with the most scooters in the world, traveling through the city by scooter is a must-try experience. Public transportation and modern ride-hailing Apps are also available for your choices. Learn these essential phrases to get your driver better navigation of your destination.

• Where is the taxi rank? = Taxi ở đâu? (Taxis are dauh?)
• Where is the ATM? =   Máy ATM ở đâu? (May ATM urn dole)
• Go Straight = Đi thẳng ( Di Thaang)
• Go Left = Rẽ trái (Se chai)
• Go Right = Rẽ phảo (Se fih)
• Stop = Dừng lại ( Duhng laai)
• Go to the airport = Đi sân bay (Di sun bay)
• Can I have a map? = Cho tôi một cái bản đồ ( chor toi mot cai ban dor)
• How far is it = Bao xa (Bao seh)
• Far = Xa (seh)
• Close = Gần (Gunh)
• Downtown = Trung tâm thành phố (Trumh tam tan fo)
• District = Quận (Wung)
• Station = Ga
• Bus stop = Trạm xe bus (Tram seh butt)
• Where? = Ở đâu (uh dow?)
• Wait 5 minutes = Chờ năm phút (Churhn nam foot)

Basic Vietnamese phrases for shopping

While shopping in the traditional Vietnamese market , negotiating, or so-called "bargaining," is a fascinating experience for foreigners and locals. Chances are you get an excellent price or at least avoid being ripped-off with a 2-3 times marked up rate; you better know how to "bargain" in Vietnamese.

• How much? = Bao nhiêu? (Baow nyew)
• Too expensive = Mắc quá (Mac wa)
• Can you reduce the price? = Bớt được không? (Boat duoc khom)
• Do you want to sell? = Có bán không? ( cor ban kohm?)
• I want to buy = Tôi muốn mua (Toi mu-on mua)
• One size larger = Một size lớn hơn ( Mot size lunh hunh)
• One size smaller = Một size nhỏ hơn (Mot size nyunh hunh)
• *You are so pretty = Em đẹp quá (Em dep wah)
• *You are so handsome = Anh đẹp trai quá (Anh dep wah)

* One of the most cheeky but practical tips to earn your stuff at the best price is to give local vendors a friendly compliment. If you say something nice like "you are so pretty", they willingly consider a more affordable price.

Basic Vietnamese phrases for restaurants or coffee shops

Vietnamese people love flavorful dishes. However, when it comes to drinks, Vietnamese have a huge sweet tooth. So it's apparent that they season their food with a handful of spices & flavors, especially sugar. Make sure you ask in advance what your dishes contain and ask for a customized version. To get exactly what you want, you'll need those phrases to communicate with the waiters.

• Excuse me (to waitress) = Em ơi (for younger lady); Chi oi (for a senior)
• Excuse me (to waiter) = Anh ơi
• I am hungry = Tôi đói bụng (Toi doi bhung wa)
• What is it? = Cái gì vậy? (kai zi vai)
• The bill please = Tính tiền (Din ting)
• May I have the menu =  Cho tôi cái menu được không (cho toy khai menu duuc khom)
• I am allergic to peanut = Tôi dị ứng với đậu phộng (Doi yi ung voy dau fong)
• I can not eat pork = Tôi không ăn được thịt heo (Toi khom an duo tit hehll)
• I am vegetarian = Tôi ăn chay (Toi an chayh)
• I would like to have this = Cho tôi cái này ( Chor toi kah nai)
• Chicken = Gà (Gar)
• Rice = Cơm (Gurm)
• Rice Noodle = Bún (Bumg)
• Egg noodle = Mì (Mee)
• Pork = Heo (Heyoh)
• Beef = Bò (boh)
• Cold = Lạnh (Langh)
• Hot =  Nóng (noong)
• No Ice = Không đá (Khom dar)
• No sugar = Không đường (Khom dueng)
• Not spicy = Không cay (Khom kay)
• 1 more = Thêm một cái (tem mop kai)

One more thing as your meal ends, don't hesitate to ask for waiter and waitresses for the bill as they're likely never stop at your table as long as you call them.

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• Taste Hanoi signature dishes in the Old Quarter's best-hidden eateries

Basic Vietnamese numbers

The Vietnamese numbering system is straightforward, and once you get the hang of numbers 1-10, you can say any number up to 99. Unlike English, numbers above ten are told as if you just put the two numbers together. So, for example, 25 would be hai name, which translates to two five.

• 1 = Một (moat)
• 2 = Hai (high)
• 3 = Ba (bah)
• 4 = Bốn (bone)
• 5 = Năm (nom)
• 6 = Sáu (shao)
• 7 = Bảy (by)
• 8 = Tám (tom)
• 9 = Chín (chin)
• 10 = Mười (mooy)
• Ten = Mươi (mooy)
• Hundred = Trăm (charm)
• Thousand = Nghìn (ngeen)
• Currency (Đồng) = dong

Basic sizes & color

• Big = Lớn (lungh)
• Small = Nhỏ (N-yor)
• Medium = Vừa (vurh)
• Less = Ít (Eet)
• More = Thêm (temh)
• Long = Dài (yai)
• Short = Ngắn (nhang)
• Blue = Xanh dương (San yoong)
• Red = Đỏ (Dorh)
• Yellow = Vàng

Basic Vietnamese phrases for emergency

• I need to see a doctor = Tôi cần gặp bác sĩ (toy can gap back szi)
• I am sick = Tôi bị bệnh (Toy bee benh)
• I need to go to the hospital = Tôi cần đi bệnh viện (Toy can di ben vien)
• I had food poisoning = Tôi bị ngộ độc thức ăn (Toy bee nyo doc thuch an)
• I was robbed = Tôi bị cướp (Toi bee cuoop)
• Call the police = Gọi cảnh sát (Goi gang sack)
• Help me = Cứu tôi với (Coo toy vuyh)

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VietnamesePod101’s Essential Vietnamese Travel Phrase Guide

Traveling to foreign countries is nearly always an exciting, enriching, and beneficial experience . Yet, some things can be real downers, such as boredom on a lengthy flight to Vietnam. Really, binge-watching onboard movies can only be interesting for so long! And jet lag – another huge downer. Did you know that jet lag is more severe when you travel from the West to the East?

Well, we won’t know how to beat that, but there are fortunately plenty of remedies around to investigate.

To beat flight boredom, though, we may have the answer for you at VietnamesePod101 ! Why don’t you take the time to study Vietnamese travel phrases? We make this super easy and fun, with great downloadables, like our PDF Cheat Sheets. Quickly memorize these, and impress your Vietnamese friends or travel guide with your flawless Vietnamese!

Table of Contents

• Importance Of Learning Travel Phrases
• 13 Must-Have Travel Phrases and Words
• Good-To-Have Travel Phrases
• Ways To Improve Communication in a Foreign Country
• VietnamesePod101 Can Help You Master Travel Phrases Easily and Effortlessly!

1. Importance Of Learning Travel Phrases

Impressing Vietnamese people or your travel partners will be the least of the benefits you reap from learning these helpful phrases. These are greater ones:

1) Eliminate Travel Frustration: First of all, you’ll be able to cut out a good chunk of travel frustration and inconvenience due to language barriers.

Know how to pronounce and use at least the basic Vietnamese phrases, and then just look foreign. This should go a long way to help you get by and win you friends, because locals would be more inclined to help someone who took the trouble to learn a smidgen of their language.

2) Emergency Readiness: In case of an emergency, you will be able to get help a lot quicker if you know how to ask for what in Vietnamese. Imagine miming to a doctor or nurse that you have a sore ear but that you’re allergic to penicillin. Not so easy, right?

Rather, you should know basic emergency travel phrases, especially if you suffer from a serious condition. Also, information about life-threatening allergies you have should always be on your person in the language of the country you’re visiting.

3) Sight-Seeing Readiness: Hopefully, you also travel to learn more about a country’s culture. Visiting the main tourist sites in Vietnam will be more interesting if you know how to ask pertinent questions in Vietnamese.

In this blog, we’ll also be giving you important travel phrases to consider – from the 13 essential must-have phrases to ones that are just generally useful and good to know.

Let’s get cracking!

2. 13 Must-Have Travel Phrases and Words

Seasoned explorers of multiple countries will tell you that certain words and phrases are absolute must-knows in anyone’s travel vocabulary. Learning from them, we collated some of the most essential ones here for you.

If you know these travel phrases and words by heart in Vietnamese, you will be much better equipped for your visit than most of your movie-binging travel mates.

1) Cảm ơn (Thank you)

As a tourist, you will be relying on the kindness of strangers to get by. Repay them with a small acknowledgment of their friendly generosity – know how to say “thank you” in Vietnamese.

2) Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không? (Do you speak English?)

While it may be a bit of a cop-out, sometimes you just can’t figure out how to communicate. Maybe you’re blanking on one specific word you need, maybe they’re speaking with a heavy accent, or maybe it’s just really late and you really want to get to the hotel. In that case, try asking if they speak English, and hopefully you can make things a little bit simpler for yourself.

Don’t abuse this phrase, though! If you just try to get by without learning any of the local language, not only will you not learn anything – you’ll be out of luck if they can’t speak English!

3) Có chuyến xe buýt nào từ sân bay vào thành phố không? (Is there a bus from the airport to the city?)

Public transit is usually cheaper, if slower, than taking a taxi or rideshare. Use this phrase to see if you can get where you’re going when you’re strapped for cash, or just when you’d like to take the scenic route into town!

4) Đây có đúng là chuyến xe buýt đến sân bay không? (Is this the right bus for the airport?)

Likewise, if you’re the kind of person who can get themselves moving early (or maybe you just have a late flight), maybe you want to take the bus to the airport rather than taking a cab. If that’s the case, you’ll want to be sure you’re actually heading the right way! You wouldn’t want to end up at a lookout point half an hour away, watching your flight take off in the distance, would you?

5) Xin lỗi, cho tôi hỏi, giá vé là bao nhiêu? (Excuse me, what’s the fare?)

If you are paying for a cab, you’ll want to know how much. Most legal taxis will have meters, but when dealing with a currency you’re not familiar with, it can be worth asking just to double check that you’re paying the right amount – especially if the currency has cents.

6) Tôi đã đặt trước (I have a reservation)

This one you can expect to use at least a few times throughout your trip, unless you’re the kind of person who travels by the seat of their pants and just goes to whatever hotel, motel, or hostel has rooms available.

7) Bạn có phòng trống nào vào đêm nay không? (Do you have any vacancies tonight?)

If that’s the case, you’ll definitely be using this phrase instead. Quite possibly a lot, depending on how lucky you are!

8 ) Làm ơn cho hỏi, ga tàu ở đâu? (Where is the train station?)

If you’re in a country with an expansive commuter rail system (or maybe just a fan of other types of locomotives), you may want to know where the closest station is. Just don’t go looking for pennies on the rails!

9) Tôi bị dị ứng với đậu phộng (I am allergic to peanuts)

Replace “peanuts” with whatever the word for your allergen may be. If your allergy is serious, you probably already know the importance of stating this very clearly in Vietnamese.

If the condition is life-threatening, be sure to have a letter or prescription from a medical professional in Vietnamese on your person at all times . Consider getting a medical alert bracelet specially made in Vietnamese if your stay will be longer than a month or so.

10) Bạn có bán đồ ăn chay không? (Do you have any vegetarian dishes?)

If you dislike eating certain things, or you have certain dietary restrictions, it would be best if you knew how to convey this clearly in Vietnamese.

Remember, though, that saying “I’m vegan” or “I’m diabetic” may not be enough to get you what you want. The rules for veganism and vegetarianism are not standard everywhere in the world. Also, your patron might not understand what “diabetic” means. If you have a medical condition, it would be best to research some in-depth vocabulary beforehand.

11) Tôi có thể lấy một cái bản đồ không? (Could I get a map?)

Planning on exploring your destination? Hopelessly lost? Maybe just an amateur cartographer? No matter the reason, this phrase is sure to come in handy. That said, you’re more likely to get use out of it at some sort of tourist or travel center than you are asking a random passerby on the street.

12) Cái này giá bao nhiêu? (How much is this?)

Even if you’re not a big shopper, you’re probably going to need this phrase at some point. Knowing how to count in Vietnamese will, of course, help a lot with purchases too.

13) Bạn có nhận thanh toán bằng thẻ tín dụng không? (Do you take credit card?)

This is another travel phrase that will smooth your monetary transactions considerably.

3. Good-To-Have Travel Phrases

Unlike the previous phrases, these are not really essential so much as they are useful . Yet, knowing these will still smooth over some bumps on your journey, more than just knowing the crucial phrases would.

1) Ở đây có Wi-Fi miễn phí không? (Is the Wi-Fi free?)

If you’re abroad, your normal cellular plans probably won’t have any service, and you’ll be totally reliant on publically available Wi-Fi while you’re out and about. Just ask a server, clerk, or attendant, and they’ll be happy to let you know. Just make sure you’re paying attention when they tell you the password!

2) Bạn có thể chụp một bức ảnh cho tôi được không? (Could you take a picture of me please?)

What would a trip be with no photos to commemorate the event? Just be sure to ask this of someone who actually looks like they’d be willing to, unless you’re willing to risk being given the cold shoulder or worse. If you’re at a tourist attraction, you’ll find that most people are more than happy to take one for you, so long as you take one of them as well!

3) Bạn có gợi ý nào không? (Do you have any recommendations?)

Eating alone in a restaurant? Or going out with new Vietnamese friends or business colleagues? Let them help you decide what to have.

4) Tôi muốn có một chỗ ngồi không hút thuốc (I’d like to have a non-smoking seat, please)

Though smoking has gone out of fashion in some places, it’s still popular in others. In the event you’re at a restaurant where smoking is allowed on premises, you can always ask this question to the staff and be seated elsewhere.

5) Cho tôi nước (Water, please)

If you’ve emptied your glass, or are cutting yourself off after a few drinks, you can always ask for some water. It can be especially useful if the restaurant is busy to the point you need to call out to someone to get service.

6) Có thể lấy cho tôi hóa đơn được không? (Could I have the check?)

To finish off the restaurant related phrases, if you’re eating with friends or really want to impress your colleagues, taking the bill can be a nice treat for them. Of course, this phrase could come in handy as well if you’re eating alone and you’re just impatient to leave.

7) Bạn có thể gợi ý cho tôi một món quà lưu niệm nào đó không? (What do you recommend for a souvenir?)

Now that your trip is over, what better way to cap it all off than a memento, or maybe a gift for friends and family at home? It’ll be nicer to have something recommended by the locals than a cheap bauble from the airport store, so go ahead and ask someone you’ve met what they think.

4. Ways To Improve Communication in a Foreign Country

When traveling, it’s possible to keep communication smooth when you don’t share a language.

Do so by keeping these five tips in mind. They are aimed to help you communicate with those who cannot speak English very well, and also to keep your traveling experience pleasant!

1. Keep your English simple and easy to understand. If the person you are talking to speaks very little English, use basic verbs, adjectives, and nouns, and keep sentences short.

However, don’t patronize them by talking in pidgin or like you would address a child. Keep your speech simple but natural, and use the correct grammar.

For instance, don’t say: “You come when?”. If you say: “When will you come?”, you will very likely be understood, and may even help someone who wants to improve their English.

2. Ask someone to write information down. Apply Rule 1 first at your hotel, where the staff is very likely to be able to speak some English. Get them to write down, in their native language, things like: “I would like to go to the airport, please,” “Please take me to the beach,” or “Where is the closest bathroom?”

These written questions are something you can then give to taxi drivers or any other people who are willing and able to help you. This simple step could make your life a lot easier when you travel to a foreign country!

3. Avoid asking leading questions! If you want the correct information from a non-native English speaker, that is.

When you need directions, for instance, don’t ask: “To get to the bus stop, do I need to turn left here?” If the person didn’t really understand you, you will probably just get a smile and a “Yes,” which could possibly make you miss your bus.

Rather, you should ask: “Where is the bus stop?” If they understand you, you will get the correct directions.

4. Pick the right person to ask for help. Time to look at people and think a bit about their appearance! A younger person who looks like they might be a student is more likely to have English skills than the friendly but ancient lady smiling at you from a fruit stall.

If you don’t see anyone like that, head into town to the nearest bank, hospital, pharmacy, or hotel. The staff at those places usually speak a bit of English.

5. Know when to quit. If you stuck to the above rules, but the person you are talking to only stares at you blankly, say thank you and leave. Hanging around hoping someone will suddenly understand and respond is just wasting your time, and may irritate them as well. Go find someone else.

5. VietnamesePod101 Can Help You Master Travel Phrases Easily and Effortlessly!

So, reader, have you found this article helpful?

Do you feel comfortable enough to use some essential travel phrases in Vietnamese? We’d also love to hear if you think we left out important travel phrases. Leave your suggestions and opinions in the comments!

VietnamesePod101 takes the lead with many free learning tools to help you master Vietnamese reading and speaking easily, and in fun ways.

These tools include:

– An extensive vocabulary list , regularly updated – A new Vietnamese word to learn every day – Quick access to the Vietnamese Key Phrase List – A free Vietnamese online dictionary – The excellent 100 Core Vietnamese Word List – An almost limitless Lesson Library for learners of all levels

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Learn even more efficiently with the help of a personal tutor, after taking an assessment test to personalize and tailor your training.

Getting a tutor is also a good option if you meet challenges in your learning, or need to fast-track correct pronunciation and diction. Your very own friendly, Vietnamese-speaking teacher will be only a text away on a special app, anywhere, anytime – an excellent option for business persons!

Using a guided learning system that was developed by experts in language and online education, you’ll receive personal feedback and constant support to improve in no time. You’ll also be tasked with weekly assignments in reading, writing, and speaking to hone your Vietnamese speaking skills.

Imagine how impressed your Vietnamese friends or colleagues will be when you display your excellent conversational skills! With VietnamesePod101, getting there will be easy and fun.

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100+ Vietnamese Essential Phrases For Travel & Everyday Life

When traveling to Vietnam, having a basic understanding of the local language can greatly enhance your experience and interactions with the locals. While English is spoken in many tourist areas, knowing some essential Vietnamese phrases can go a long way in making connections and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Vietnam. In this article, VTJ will provide you with over 100 essential Vietnamese phrases for travel and everyday life.

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>>>Read more:  What documents do foreigners in Vietnam need in 2023?

TABLE OF CONTENTS

100+ Vietnamese Essential Phrases For Travel & Everyday Life

Common Vietnamese Phrases And Greetings

Mastering common Vietnamese phrases and greetings is the key to increase social interactions with ease. Here are essential phrases to help you initiate conversations and connect warmly with the people of Vietnam:

Xin chào – Hello

A versatile greeting suitable for any time of day.

Chào bạn – Hi there

A casual way to greet someone.

Chào buổi sáng – Good morning

A polite morning greeting.

Chào buổi chiều – Good afternoon/evening

Used in the afternoon and evening.

Chào buổi tối – Good night

A friendly way to say goodbye in the evening.

Dạo này bạn thế nào? – How have you been lately?

A friendly inquiry into someone’s recent well-being.

Cảm ơn – Thank you

Express gratitude in everyday interactions.

Xin lỗi – Excuse me / I’m sorry

Use this phrase when seeking attention or apologizing.

Không có gì – You’re welcome

A response to expressions of gratitude, meaning “It’s nothing.”

Làm ơn – Please

Add politeness to your requests with this word.

Tạm biệt – Goodbye

A common way to bid farewell.

Hẹn gặp lại – See you again

Express the hope of meeting again.

Chúc may mắn – Good luck

Offer best wishes for good fortune.

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Common Vietnamese Phrases To Introduce Yourself With

Introducing yourself is a fundamental step in connecting with the people of Vietnam. Mastering these common Vietnamese phrases will not only make your interactions smoother but also show your genuine interest in engaging with the local culture:

Tôi là…- I am…

Use this phrase to introduce yourself followed by your name.

Bạn tên là gì? – What is your name?

A polite and essential question when getting to know someone.

Tôi đến từ…- I am from…

Share your place of origin with this introductory phrase.

Rất vui được gặp bạn. – Nice to meet you.

Express your pleasure in meeting someone new.

Tôi là du khách – I am a tourist.

Let others know that you are a traveler.

Bạn có thể gọi tôi là… – You can call me…

Offer an alternative or nickname for others to address you.

Tôi làm việc ở… – I work at…

Share your profession or place of work in introductions.

Bạn sống ở đâu? – Where do you live?

Inquire about someone’s place of residence in a friendly manner.

>>>Read more:  Vietnam Business Visa 2023 [Updated]: Requirements & How to apply

Useful Vietnamese Phrases For Ordering Food And Drink

Exploring Vietnamese cuisine is a delightful journey, and knowing these essential phrases will enhance your dining experience. These phrases will help you order food and drinks with confidence:

Tôi muốn…- I would like…

Start your order with this polite phrase.

Cái này là gì? – What is this?

Use this phrase to inquire about unfamiliar dishes.

Bao nhiêu tiền? – How much?

Useful for asking about the price of a dish.

Cho tôi một cái…- Can I have one…

Employ this phrase when ordering a single item.

Làm ơn không bỏ ớt – No chili, please.

Useful for indicating your spice preferences.

Cho tôi xin thêm nước. – Can I have more water ?

Use this phrase to request a water refill.

Mang về. – Takeaway .

Request your food to be packed for takeaway.

Có món nào ngon không? – What is delicious here?

Seek recommendations from the staff.

Cho tôi xem menu, làm ơn. – Show me the menu, please .

Request the menu to explore your options.

Đặt trước. – Pre-order.

Useful for placing an advance order.

Tôi sẽ trả bằng tiền mặt. – I will pay in cash.

Inform the staff about your preferred payment method.

>>>Read more: How To Extend And Renew Your Vietnam Visa 2023: Complete Guide

Useful Vietnamese Phrases For Shopping

Exploring the bustling markets and shops in Vietnam is a sensory delight. Arm yourself with these essential Vietnamese phrases to make your shopping experience enjoyable and efficient:

Inquiring about the price of an item.

Có thể giảm giá không? – Can you give a discount?

Useful when bargaining for a better price.

Tôi chỉ xem thôi. – I’m just looking.

Politely convey that you are browsing without intending to buy.

Có cỡ lớn hơn không? – Do you have a larger size?

Helpful when trying on clothes or shoes.

Có màu khác không? – Do you have a different color?

Inquire about available color options.

Tôi sẽ lấy cái này. – I will take this one .

Confirm your decision to purchase.

Có giao hàng không? – Do you offer delivery?

Inquire about delivery services.

Có thể trả bằng thẻ không? – Can I pay by card?

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Useful for checking payment options.

Có phiếu quà tặng không? – Do you have gift vouchers?

Inquire about available gift certificates.

Tôi có thể đổi trả hàng không? – Can I exchange or return this?

Important when discussing return policies.

Tôi cần một hộp để đựng. –  I need a box for this.

Useful if you’re buying a fragile item and need packaging.

Tôi có thể thử mặc không? – Can I try this on?

Essential when shopping for clothes.

Cho tôi xem mẫu khác, làm ơn. – Show me other samples, please.

If you want to explore more options.

Bạn có thể giữ giùm tôi không? – Can you hold this for me?

If you need the shopkeeper to reserve an item.

Có giảm giá vào dịp nào không? – Are there any discounts on occasion?

Inquire about special discounts or promotions.

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Useful Vietnamese Phrases To Ask For Directions And Transportation

Navigating through the streets of Vietnam requires effective communication for directions and transportation. Equip yourself with these essential Vietnamese phrases to ensure you reach your destination smoothly:

Làm ơn hãy chỉ đường đến – Please show me the way to…

Request assistance in finding your way to a specific location.

Tôi muốn đi đến…- I want to go to…

Clearly state your desired destination.

Bến xe buýt ở đâu? – Where is the bus station?

Ask about locating public transportation.

Đến đây bao xa…? – How far is it from here to…?

Inquire about the distance to a particular location.

Tôi muốn thuê một chiếc xe ô tô. – I want to rent a car.

Express your need for renting a car.

Bao lâu từ đây đến ga xe lửa? –  How long to the train station from here?

Ask about the travel time to the train station.

Đi bằng phương tiện giao thông nào là nhanh nhất? – Which transportation is the fastest?

Inquire about the quickest mode of transportation.

Làm ơn chỉ đường đến sân bay. – Please show me the way to the airport.

Request directions to the airport.

Tôi cần một chiếc taxi. – I need a taxi.

Useful when you’re ready to hire a taxi.

Bao nhiêu tiền từ đây đến trung tâm thành phố? – How much from here to the city center?

Inquire about the cost of transportation to the city center.

Làm ơn giúp tôi gọi một chiếc Grab. – Please help me call a Grab .

Request assistance in booking a ride through a rideshare service.

Có dịch vụ đưa đón từ khách sạn không? – Is there a shuttle service from the hotel?

Ask about transportation services provided by the hotel.

Làm thế nào để đi bộ đến…? – How can I walk to…?

Useful when asking for walking directions.

Bạn có thể chỉ dẫn giúp tôi không? – Can you guide me?

Ask for general assistance or guidance.

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Useful Vietnamese Phrases To Make Friends

Connecting with the locals in Vietnam can be a rewarding part of your journey. Use these friendly Vietnamese phrases to initiate conversations and forge meaningful connections:

Bạn có thích… không? – Do you like…?

A great conversation starter to discover shared interests.

Cùng đi chơi nhé! – Let’s go out together!

Extend an invitation to spend time together.

Bạn có muốn cùng đi ăn không? – Do you want to go eat together?

Propose sharing a meal for a casual meet-up.

Có thể làm bạn không? – Can we be friends?

Express your desire to build a friendship.

Cùng nhau khám phá thành phố nhé! – Let’s explore the city together!

Suggest an adventure to discover the local surroundings.

Bạn có thể giới thiệu mình không? – Can you introduce yourself?

Initiate a friendly exchange of personal introductions.

Mình có thể gọi bạn là… không? – Can I call you…?

Propose a nickname or informal way to address your new friend.

Hãy giữ liên lạc nhé! – Let’s stay in touch!

Express your interest in maintaining a connection.

Tôi thấy rất vui khi làm quen với bạn. – I feel happy to make friends with you.

Share a positive sentiment about the newfound friendship.

>>>Read more: How to Apply for Vietnam e-Visa 2023: Costs & Processing Time

Essential Vietnamese Phrases For Emergency

In unforeseen situations, knowing these essential Vietnamese phrases can be crucial for seeking help or assistance:

Tôi cần sự giúp đỡ. – I need help.

Use this phrase to seek assistance in various situations.

Gọi cảnh sát! – Call the police!

In emergencies requiring police intervention.

Gọi xe cấp cứu! – Call an ambulance!

In case of medical emergencies, call for an ambulance.

Cứu thương! – Emergency!

A general exclamation for urgent assistance.

Tôi mất hành lý. – I lost my luggage.

Useful at airports or transport hubs.

Đây là số điện thoại khẩn cấp. – This is the emergency phone number.

Share the local emergency contact information.

Tôi bị lạc. – I am lost.

Use this phrase if you find yourself disoriented.

Có ai biết nói tiếng Anh không? – Does anyone speak English?

Inquire about English speakers in the vicinity.

Tôi cần bác sĩ. – I need a doctor.

Use this phrase when seeking medical assistance.

Tôi bị thương rồi. – I am injured.

Indicate that you are in need of medical attention.

>>>Read more:  Vietnam Emergency Visa – Expedited & Urgent Vietnam Visa 2023

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Armed with this treasure trove of 100+ essential Vietnamese phrases, your journey through the enchanting landscapes of Vietnam is not only marked by scenic beauty but also by meaningful connections with the locals. Beyond mere communication, embracing these expressions showcases your respect for the vibrant culture and enhances your overall travel experience. So, as you venture forth, may these phrases be your companions, enriching your interactions and weaving unforgettable moments into the tapestry of your Vietnamese odyssey. Chúc bạn một chuyến đi tuyệt vời! (Wishing you a wonderful journey!)

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Home > Articles

24 basic vietnamese words and phrases for your next vacation to vietnam.

By Lirene Cilliers   Posted 6th Feb 2024

Welcome to the world of the Vietnamese language, a language steeped in history, culture, and—yes, you guessed it—a bunch of tones that might initially have you scratching your head!     Now, we won’t sugarcoat it; Vietnamese is not the easiest language to learn, especially for Westerners. Its tonal nature can make it feel like you're learning to ride all over again. But don't worry, in this blog post we’ll teach you the difference between tones and equip you with 24 Vietnamese phrases for your next vacation to Vietnam! 

The Lowdown on the Vietnamese Language

Vietnamese, or "tiếng Việt," (tyang vyet) is the national and official language of Vietnam. It's the mother tongue of the Vietnamese people, who make up about 86% of Vietnam's population. The language also flourished beyond the Vietnam borders, with significant Vietnamese-speaking communities in the United States, Cambodia, France, and Australia.    The beauty of written Vietnamese lies in its simplicity: it uses the Latin alphabet, just like English! Adopted from French colonialists in the 17th century, the alphabet, labeled "quốc ngữ" (quok ngoo) or "national language," has been tweaked to suit Vietnamese phonetics. It now consists of 29 letters, with specific letters accorded to various Vietnamese sounds and tones.  

“But do I need to speak Vietnamese to visit Vietnam?” 

In short, no. While it's true that many people in Vietnam, especially in prominent tourist hubs like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, Hoi An, and Ninh Binh, are proficient in English, learning a few phrases may come in handy when you venture off the beaten path.     That being said, Vietnam is ranked in the top 10 foreign-friendliest countries . So, if you ever find yourself in a pickle, the Vietnamese's friendly nature and a little bit of sign language can go a long way.    Rest assured, if you book one of our guided cycling tours , our friendly local guides will have your back to bridge any language gap. 

The Basics: Common Vietnamese Words and Phrases

1. Hello - Xin chào   Pronunciation: Zin chow    Greetings in Vietnam have a bit of flair! "Xin chào" is your all-around "Hello" for everyone. But, if you're greeting an older woman, go formal with "Chào Chị," meaning "Hello, Madame."    Let's talk greetings style. Men typically shake hands and give a little nod, while women do a polite bow with a nod. In rural spots, you might see a traditional bow with hands clasped above the waist. But in the city, the younger crowd usually keeps it modern with handshakes.    After mastering a polite 'Xin chào', be ready to greet smiling locals on your next adventure. Why not do it from the seat of your bicycle? Discover our multi-active biking tours of Vietnam here .    2. Thank you - Cảm Ơn  Pronunciation: Gam-um    3. Please - Vui Lòng   Pronunciation: Voo Laow    4. Excuse me      Xin Lỗi  Pronunciation: sin loy    Use this phrase if you accidentally bumped into someone or if you need to squeeze past them.     Em ơi  Pronunciation: em oy     This phrase, on the other hand, also means ‘excuse me’ but is used when you want to get someone's attention.

5. Yes - Da  Pronunciation: yah     6. No - Không  Pronunciation: comb     7. Nice to meet you - Rất vui được gặp bạn  Pronunciation: r-uht voo-yee d-uh-k g-uh-p ban     When you're introduced to someone new, this phrase can make a great first impression. Just keep in mind, in very formal situations, Vietnamese people prefer to use professional or familial titles rather than first names.     8. Goodbye - Tạm biệt  Pronunciation: Taam Byeet    A universal farewell phrase that works in all situations, whether you're saying goodbye to new friends or exiting a local coffee shop.     9. Beautiful - Đẹp  Pronunciation: dep    Master this phrase because you'll use it frequently on our Vietnam Self-Guided Ocean Road Bike Tour as you cycle the coastline of Vietnam. It's perfect not only for meeting locals and admiring landscapes, but also for expressing satisfaction with the discoveries you'll make, like unearthing a hidden beach or finding a perfect spot to watch the sunset. 

Food and Drinks: How to order and appreciate food in Vietnamese 

10. An expression of gratitude spoken before the first bite - Chúc ngon miệng  Pronunciation: chuuk ngon meeyeng    This is the Vietnamese version of 'Bon Appétit' or 'Enjoy your meal'.     11. Delicious - Ngon  Pronunciation: ngon      12. Wine - Rượu  Pronunciation: ru-u     13. Beer - Bia  Pronunciation: bee-uh      14. Coffee - Cà phê  Pronunciation: cah-feh     The Vietnamese are famous for their unique coffee culture , so knowing a bit about how to order will definitely enhance your experience: 

Black coffee: Cà phê đen (pronunciation: cah-feh den)  Coffee with milk: Cà phê sữa (pronunciation: cah-feh soo-uh) 

In Vietnam, when ordering coffee, it's important to specify if you want it hot or iced as both are very popular: 

Hot coffee: Cà phê nóng (pronunciation: cah-feh nong)  Iced coffee: Cà phê đá (pronunciation: cah-feh da)    And of course, a must try is Vietnam’s famous sweet and creamy egg coffee. This is how you'll ask for it:  Egg coffee: Cà phê trứng (pronunciation: cah-feh chung)    Savor the flavors of Vietnam, from a steaming hot cà phê to fresh local cuisine. Our Vietnam Essentials Bike Tour lets you experience these tastes firsthand in their native settings.     15. Water please - Cho tôi nước, vui lòng  Pronunciation: choh toy nook, voo-y lawng     16. Check, please - Tính tiền, vui lòng  Pronunciation: teen tien, voo-y lawng

17. I would like ___, please - Tôi muốn ___, vui lòng  Pronunciation: toy moo-un ___, voo-y lawng

18. 1, 2, 3, Cheers! - Một, Hai, Ba, Dzô!

Pronunciation: muht hi bah zoh  

Just raise your glasses high and confidently shout, "Một, Hai, Ba, Dzô!". It's their fun way of saying, "One, Two, Three, Cheers!" Now, bottoms up!  

Useful Vietnamese Phrases to Use when Shopping 

19. How much is this? - Cái này giá bao nhiêu?  Pronunciation: kai nay zah bow nee-yuh      20. I'll take it - Tôi sẽ lấy nó  Pronunciation: toy sae lay no  

Emergencies and Assistance: How to Ask for Help in Vietnamese 

21. Help! - Giúp tôi!  Pronunciation: zoop toy      22. Hospita l - Bệnh viện  Pronunciation: ben vee-en     23. It hurts! - Tôi đau!  Pronunciation: toy dow     While we always hope for the best, we have your safety in mind. Our guides are always on hand to offer assistance in case of any emergencies. Join our thoughtful, well-planned Vietnam bike tours , suitable for all fitness levels. 

Last, But Certainly Not Least:  

24. I love Vietnam! - Tôi yêu Việt Nam!  Pronunciation: toy ee-u vee-et nahm     You're guaranteed to warm the heart of your newfound connection with this phrase. So why not say 'Tôi yêu Việt Nam' as you bike, trek, and paddle through Vietnam's stunning landscapes. On this tour , you won't just see Vietnam; you'll feel it, touch it, and live it.

Striking the Right Tone: Vietnamese Tones Explained

Just as music has seven notes, Vietnamese has its own range of tones—six to be exact. Each syllable in Vietnamese is pronounced with one of these six tones, which changes the meaning of the word entirely.     Take a look at the word "ma" for example. Depending on the tone, "ma" can mean ghost, mother, rice seedling, tomb, or horse.    That's right; not only do you need to watch how you pronounce a word, but also how your voice rises and falls when saying it.

• Ngang tone: (No accent) Your voice stays flat and even, much like when you're reading aloud from a textbook.
• Huyền tone: (Accent: `) Your voice starts normal but then goes down slightly, as if you're a bit tired or sad.
• Sắc tone: (Accent: ´) It's the opposite of Huyền. You start with your normal voice but end on a higher note, like when you're happily surprised.
• Nặng tone: (Accent: ạ) It's like you're telling a secret—you start at a normal level, then drop your voice down low and abrupt.
• Hỏi tone: (Accent: ?) For this tone, you drop your voice and then bring it back up again, as if you're asking a question.
• Ngã tone: (Accent: ~) It's like the Hỏi tone, but with a bit more of an action. You drop your voice, bring it up, and then let it fall again.

Conquering those tones might seem like quite a task, but every belly laugh shared over a mispronunciation breaks the ice and unearths Vietnam's authentic hospitality. After a few attempts, you should get a feel for the sound, and pronunciation gets easier. 

So, whether you're still contemplating venturing into the depths of Vietnam or you've already dipped your toes in the 'phở' pot, take a deep breath and let’s dive right in.

Overcoming Language Hurdles to Unveil Unforgettable Adventures

Well, that's a wrap! Brace yourself to be enticed, energized, and entirely enchanted by the vibrant hues and rhythmic pulse of Vietnam. Imagine breathing in the scents of steaming Pho, pedaling through lush rice terraces, and sharing laughter with friendly local guides fluent in bridging language gaps. 

All this and more is just a click away with our meticulously planned cycling tours ! Step out of the crowd, leap into an adventure, and live the Vietnamese tale that's waiting to be yours.

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20+ Easy Conversational Vietnamese Phrases For Travelers

• , March 13, 2023

What do you do when you go to a country where the people don’t speak English? Some people feel anxious when going on such trips, and we honestly can’t blame them. The idea can be terrifying, but not if you know conversational Vietnamese phrases when visiting Vietnam. In this post, you’ll learn some useful conversational Vietnamese phrases you can use when visiting the country!

Going to Vietnam without any knowledge of the native language can be quite a daunting task. Although some signs and menus in touristy areas may be in English, many locals outside of major cities may not be able to speak or understand English. This can make navigating transportation, ordering food, or even communicating basic needs difficult. While you do not have to understand all the grammatical rules and terms, memorizing at least the essential words and phrases can keep you from feeling isolated. To start, we rounded up below the 20+ best ones to remember.

Conversational Vietnamese Phrases

Learning conversational Vietnamese phrases can be a great way to connect with locals and immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture. Whether planning a trip to Vietnam or simply wanting to expand your language skills, a basic understanding of common Vietnamese phrases can be invaluable. Not only will it help you navigate daily interactions, but it will also show respect for the people and customs of Vietnam. From greetings to ordering food, mastering these phrases can enhance your travel experience and foster meaningful connections with locals.

Basic Greetings & Phrases In Vietnamese

Basic greetings and phrases are essential to any language-learning journey, and Vietnamese is no exception. In this section, we will explore a selection of basic greetings and phrases in Vietnamese that will help you to communicate confidently and show respect to the people and customs of Vietnam.

Vietnamese Phrases For Directions

Unsurprisingly, most travelers get lost on their way to their destination. Sometimes maps are just a little too complicated, or streets can be a confusing maze to people. But as always, it’s okay to ask instead of going in circles, don’t you think?

Vietnamese Phrases For Restaurants/Stores

Did you know that Vietnam offers mouthwatering dishes that are so hard to say no to? Well, now you know. So, if it’s a part of your plan to grab something to eat in this country, you might want to check the list of conversational Vietnamese phrases below to help you order quickly.

Vietnamese Phrases For Emergencies

The worst scenario most travelers fear is experiencing emergencies in a foreign place. It can be stressful to deal with these things, especially if you don’t know anyone to ask for help. But instead of thinking of who, you may want to ask people for help to prevent stalling time. Here are some conversational Vietnamese phrases that can help you if you ever need assistance during your stay in Vietnam.

Vietnamese Numbers

Learning about these conversational phrases would be pretty incomplete if you don’t know their translation for numbers. So, here’s a brief lesson related to these basic Vietnamese numbers for you to quickly understand how they count from zero to ten.

Did You Get Everything? Join Ling Now To Learn More!

Everyone has their ways of making a conversation with native speakers. Some may continue to speak English, while others try to practice basic conversational Vietnamese phrases commonly spoken in Vietnam. Whichever method it’s that you prefer, your effort is well appreciated!

If this guide helped you during your travel to Vietnam, why don’t you check out Ling’s Blog or get its app on your mobile phone? In the Ling app , we can help you understand 60+ languages from different countries worldwide as you take quizzes, puzzles, and more challenging games. What are you waiting for? Download it now for FREE on Play Store or App Store !

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• 21 Essential Phrases Youll Need...

Essential Phrases You'll Need in Vietnam

Vietnamese is a tough language for English speakers. The writing looks familiar, but what are those letters? And why are there lines and dots and curves all around the words? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. These are the essential phrases you’ll need in Vietnam . Love reading Culture Trip? How about travelling with us! Our Culture Trips are small-group tours that truly immerse you in a destination through authentic travel experiences. You can also embrace slow travel and the joys of journeying by train on our eco-friendly Rail Trips .

Greetings and essentials.

Xin Chào ( sin chow ) / Hello

Vietnamese has seemingly endless pronouns, all based on age, status and how long you’ve known the listener. But you really don’t need to learn them all unless you’re planning on staying here for a while. To keep it simple, use this phrase to say ‘hello’. It’s good for everyone.

Vietnamese people don’t say ‘thank you’ as much as foreigners, so don’t be surprised if you don’t get a response most of the time. If somebody says it to you, reply with ‘không có gì’ ( comb caw zee ).

Dạ / Không ( yah / comb ) — Yes / No

There are a few different ways to say ‘yes’ in Vietnamese, but a simple ‘yah’ is good enough for foreigners. ‘No’ is the same everywhere, but the ‘k’ is silent in the South. It sounds more like ‘how’ with an ‘m’ at the end.

Xin Lỗi ( sin loy ) / Excuse Me

Use this to apologise when you bump into someone, or when you need to get by someone. No need to say it to everyone if the area is crowded, though, because there’s no such thing as personal space in Vietnam. To get the attention of a server in a restaurant, shout out ‘Em ơi!’ (Em oy!) No need to be shy. It’s normal to shout for your server in Vietnam.

Tôi không hiểu. ( toy comb hey-oo ) / I don’t understand

Fairly self-explanatory, but add a shrug just in case. One common gesture you’ll see a lot is somebody twisting their hand in the air – almost like they’re changing a light bulb. This means they either can’t help you, or they can’t understand you. And if somebody doesn’t understand you, don’t expect them to hang around waiting for you to repeat it a bunch of times. They’ll usually get out of there quickly to avoid losing face.

Hẹn gặp lại ( hen gap lie ) / See you again

Must people understand “bye bye” – but you’ll get some easy smiles if you use this phrase.

Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu? ( nah vey sin uh dow ) / Where is the bathroom?

Try this phrase in big cities and small villages but in most of the touristy areas, a simple “toilet?” will do.

Rẽ trái / Rẽ phải ( ray-uh try / ray-uh fy ) — Turn left / Turn right

If you’re paying attention to the route on your map, which isn’t a bad idea with all the overcharging taxi drivers in this country, use these phrases to get your ride back on track. In the south, replace the “ray-uh” with “way-o,” as in “way-o try” for a left turn.

If you want to make this even easier for your driver, replace the phrase for “stop” with a simple “okay”.

Chậm lại ( chum lie ) / Slow down

Being scared for your life is business-as-usual on Vietnamese roads. Your driver will most likely ignore you, but it’s worth a try.

At the Restaurant/Bar

Menu ( meh-noo ) / Menu

This will work at most restaurants. It’s the same as it is in English, but the syllables are much more pronounced.

Không đường ( comb dew-ung ) / No sugar

Sugar is added to almost every drink in Vietnam, whether or not you’ve asked for it. So unless you want an extra tablespoon of sugar in every drink, be sure to add this phrase to your order.

Một chút cay ( mote choot kigh ) / A little bit spicy, please

In general, Vietnamese food culture isn’t as spicy as Cambodian or Thai. The Vietnamese custom is usually to let people choose how spicy they want their food by leaving chilies and chilli sauce on the table — except for Huế. Everything is spicy in Huế.

Don’t be afraid to ask for water, as most shops and businesses offer it for free – and if they don’t want to share, they’ll at least point you in the right direction.

Ngon quá (ngon wha) / Very delicious!

The ‘ng’ in ‘ngon’ is pronounced like the sound at the end of eating. Use this phrase for all food and drinks.

At The Market

Bao nhiêu? ( bow nyew ) / How much?

To use this phrase, just point to the object (with an open hand, palm facing down) and ask. Pronounce “bow” like you would for the Japanese show of respect.

Mắc quá ( mack wha ) / Too expensive!

Always assume you’re being overcharged in markets. Two-thirds of their starting price is usually a good rule of thumb for where to meet them. If they won’t budge, just walk away and see what happens.

Không ( comb ) / 0

Một ( mote ) / 1

Hai ( hi ) / 2

Ba ( ba ) / 3

Bốn ( bone ) / 4

Năm ( num ) / 5

Sáu ( saow ) / 6

Bảy ( by ) / 7

Tám ( tam ) / 8

Chín ( chin ) / 9

Mười ( muy ) / 10

Making Friends

Ăn chưa? ( an chew-ah ) / Have you eaten yet?

This phrase is used as an extra polite way of saying hello. It’s how friends in Vietnam often greet each other.

Một, hai, ba, vô! ( mote hi ba yo ) — 1, 2, 3, cheers!

It’s rude to drink alone when you’re in a group in Vietnam, so be prepared to say this a lot .

Không sao ( comb saow ) / No problem

Whenever somebody apologizes to you, use this phrase to let them know you’re not upset. People hate to lose face, it is a typical Vietnamese thing, so you’ll get plenty of smiles if you let the person know you’re not offended.

You can now visit Vietnam with Culture Trip as part of a small group of like-minded travellers on our specially curated 12-day Vietnam tour, led by our Local Insider .

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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Basic Vietnamese for Travel: A Guide for Beginners

If you are planning to visit Vietnam, it might be helpful to learn some basic Vietnamese phrases to communicate with the locals and enjoy your trip better. Vietnamese is the official language of Vietnam, spoken by around 70 million people. It is a tonal language, meaning that the meaning of a word can change depending on how it is pronounced. Vietnamese has six tones, each marked by a different diacritic on the vowel.

This guide will teach you some essential Vietnamese phrases for travel, such as greetings, asking for directions, ordering food, and bargaining. We will also provide tips on pronunciation and some interesting facts about Vietnamese language and culture. Let’s get started!

Basic Vietnamese Phrases for Greetings

The first thing you need to know is how to say hello in Vietnamese. The most common way to greet someone is:

• Xin chào! (sin chow) – Hello!

You can use this phrase in any situation, whether formal or informal, with anyone you meet. However, if you want to be more specific, you can also add the title of the person you are talking to, such as:

• Xin chào anh! (sin chow ahn) – Hello sir!
• Xin chào chị! (sin chow chee) – Hello ma’am!
• Xin chào em! (sin chow em) – Hello younger brother/sister!
• Xin chào cô! (sin chow co) – Hello auntie!
• Xin chào bác! (sin chow bac) – Hello uncle!

Note that these titles are not based on blood relation, but on age and gender. Anh and chị are used for people who are older than you, but not too old. Em is used for people who are younger than you, or for someone you are close to. Cô and bác are used for people who are much older than you, or as a sign of respect.

To say goodbye in Vietnamese, you can use:

• Tạm biệt! (tam bee-et) – Goodbye!

This phrase is also suitable for any situation and any person. However, if you want to be more casual, you can also say:

• Chào! (chow) – Bye!
• Chào anh/chị/em/cô/bác! (chow ahn/chee/em/co/bac) – Bye sir/ma’am/younger brother or sister/auntie/uncle!

To ask someone how they are doing in Vietnamese, you can say:

• Bạn có khỏe không? (ban co kwe kohng) – How are you?

This phrase literally means “Are you healthy?” and it is a polite way to show your concern for someone’s well-being. To answer this question, you can say:

• Dạ, tôi khỏe. Còn bạn? (zah, toy kwe. con ban) – Yes, I’m fine. And you?
• Không, tôi không khỏe. (kohng, toy kohng kwe) – No, I’m not well.

Dạ is a word that shows respect and agreement. You can use it when answering yes to a question or when accepting something from someone.

Basic Vietnamese Phrases for Everyday Use

There are some basic Vietnamese phrases that you will need to use frequently during your travel, such as:

• Cảm ơn! (cam uhn) – Thank you!
• Không cảm ơn! (kohng cam uhn) – No thank you!
• Xin lỗi! (sin loy) – I’m sorry! / Excuse me!
• Làm ơn! (lam uhn) – Please!
• Không sao đâu! (kohng sao doh) – You’re welcome! / No problem!

You can use these phrases in any situation where you want to express your gratitude, apology, request, or acceptance. For example:

• Cảm ơn anh đã giúp tôi! (cam uhn ahn da zup toy) – Thank you for helping me!
• Xin lỗi anh, tôi muốn hỏi đường. (sin loy ahn, toy moo-un hoy doong) – Excuse me sir, I want to ask for directions.
• Làm ơn cho tôi xem menu. (lam uhn cho toy sem me-noo) – Please let me see the menu.
• Không sao đâu, cứ thoải mái. (kohng sao doh, koo twy my) – No problem, just make yourself comfortable.

Basic Vietnamese Phrases for Getting Around

One of the most crucial things to know when traveling in Vietnam is how to get around. Whether you’re taking a taxi, bus, train, or motorbike, you’ll need to know some basic Vietnamese phrases related to transportation. Here are a few examples:

• Tôi muốn đi … (toy moo-un dee) – I want to go to …
• Tôi muốn thuê … (toy moo-un tweh) – I want to rent …
• Tôi muốn mua vé … (toy moo-un mwa veh) – I want to buy a ticket for …
• Bạn có biết … ở đâu không? (ban co bee-et … o doh kohng) – Do you know where … is?
• Làm ơn chỉ cho tôi cách đi … (lam uhn chee cho toy cah dee) – Please show me how to go to …

You can fill in the blanks with the name of the place or the mode of transportation you want. For example:

• Tôi muốn đi khách sạn. (toy moo-un dee kahk san) – I want to go to the hotel.
• Tôi muốn thuê xe máy. (toy moo-un tweh seh may) – I want to rent a motorbike.
• Tôi muốn mua vé tàu. (toy moo-un mwa veh tow) – I want to buy a train ticket.
• Bạn có biết nhà hàng ở đâu không? (ban co bee-et nya hang o doh kohng) – Do you know where the restaurant is?
• Làm ơn chỉ cho tôi cách đi bến xe. (lam uhn chee cho toy cah dee ben seh) – Please show me how to go to the bus station.

When you are in a taxi or a bus, you might also need to say:

• Dừng lại ở đây! (doong lie o day) – Stop here!
• Đi chậm lại! (dee cham lie) – Slow down!
• Đi nhanh lên! (dee nahn len) – Hurry up!

Basic Vietnamese Phrases for Travelers

As a traveler, you will need some basic Vietnamese phrases to help with accommodation, sightseeing, shopping, and emergencies. Here are some examples:

• Tôi có đặt phòng ở đây. (toy co dat fong o day) – I have a reservation here.
• Tôi muốn xem phòng. (toy moo-un sem fong) – I want to see the room.
• Tôi muốn trả phòng. (toy moo-un tra fong) – I want to check out.
• Tôi muốn tham quan … (toy moo-un tam quan) – I want to visit …
• Tôi muốn mua … (toy moo-un mwa) – I want to buy …
• Bạn có thể giảm giá không? (ban co teh zam zah kohng) – Can you lower the price?
• Tôi bị lạc. (toy bee lak) – I’m lost.
• Tôi bị ốm. (toy bee om) – I’m sick.
• Tôi cần gọi cảnh sát/bác sĩ. (toy can goy canh sat/bac see) – I need to call the police/doctor.

You can fill in the blanks with the name of the attraction or the item you want. For example:

• Tôi muốn tham quan chùa Một Cột. (toy moo-un tam quan choo-a mot cot) – I want to visit the One Pillar Pagoda.
• Tôi muốn mua áo dài. (toy moo-un mwa ao die) – I want to buy an ao dai.

Basic Vietnamese Phrases for Food

One of the best things about traveling in Vietnam is the food. Vietnamese cuisine is famous for its freshness, diversity, and flavor. You will find many delicious dishes to try, such as phở, bánh mì, bún chả, gỏi cuốn, and more. To help you order food and enjoy your meal, here are some basic Vietnamese phrases for food:

• Tôi muốn ăn … (toy moo-un an) – I want to eat

We hope you have a great time exploring the culinary delights of Vietnam!

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In recent years, more and more Vietnamese people speak English in Vietnam. Not only tour guides and other workers in the tourism industry but students, pupils, vendors at markets, sellers at shops in tourism hotspots, restaurants, coffee shops. Street vendors and drivers around tourist attractions can even speak a little English. You will find no difficulties traveling Vietnam without speaking Vietnamese. However, it will be great if you can speak and understand some popular Vietnamese phrases and words which may make something go smooth. Here is the Top 100 Essential Vietnamese Phrases for Traveler and I hope that you have a great time in Vietnam.

Table of Contents

Greetings and getting acquainted

• Hello: Xin chào, Xin chao.
• Goodbye: Tạm biệt, Tam biet.
• Thank you: Cảm ơn, Cam on.
• Sorry: Xin lỗi, Xin loi.
• How much?: Bao nhiêu?, Bao nhieu?
• How are you?: Bạn khỏe không?, Ban khoe khong?
• No problem: Không có gì, Khong co gi.
• What is your name?: Bạn tên gì?, Ban ten gi?
• My name is …: Tôi tên là …, Toi ten la…
• You are very beautiful: Em đẹp quá.
• Can you speak English?: Bạn có thể nói tiếng Anh được không? Ban co the noi duoc tieng Anh khong?

How to address yourself and a person in Vietnamese?

• Talk to a person who has the same age as you: I, tôi, toi and You: bạn, ban .
• Talk to a woman/man who is younger than you: Anh and em .
• Talk to a woman who is older than you: Em and chị, chi .
• Talk to a man who is younger than you: Anh and em .
• The elderly: Cháu, chau and bác, bac .
• Children: Chú, chu and cháu, chau .

For example, when you would like to buy an item from an old vendor, you should tell her: Cháu muốn mua cái này (I would like to buy this item). When you would like to order a cup of coffee with a you waitress, you says Em cho anh ly cà phê. Or you can say thanks to a boy: Chú cảm ơn cháu .

Number and Currency

Knowing numbers in Vietnamese, you can order at a restaurant or coffee shop, buy at a shop, bargain and pay money more easily in Vietnam.

• 1: một, mot; 2: hai; 3: ba; 4: bốn, bon; 5: năm; nam; 6: sáu, sau; 7: bảy, bay; 8: tám, tam; 9: chín, chin; 10: mười, muoi;

200 and 500 Dong banknotes are rarely used so that 1,000 Dong can be considered the lowest value banknote in Vietnam. So that some thousands and millions is not a very large amount of money and you will hear and use these words as often as you eat and pay.

• 100: trăm, tram; 1,000: ngàn, nghìn, ngan, nghin; 1,000,000: triệu, trieu.
• VND 1,000: một nghìn đồng; VND 2,000: hai nghìn đồng; VND 5,000: năm nghìn đồng; VND 10,000: mười nghìn đồng; VND 100,000: một trăm nghìn đồng; VND 200,000: hai trăm nghìn đồng; VND 500,000: năm trăm nghìn đồng; 2,000,000: hai triệu.

Eating, restaurants and coffee shops

• Excuse me: Chị ơi (to older waitress), Anh ơi (to older waiter), Em ơi (to younger waiter/waitress).
• May I have the menu?: Cho tôi me niu được không?, Cho toi me niu duoc khong?
• What is it?: Cái này là gì?, Cai nay la gi?
• Does this food contain …?: Món này có chứa …; Mon nay co chua?
• The bill please?: Tính tiền, Tinh tien.
• I can not eat …: Tôi không thể ăn, Toi khong the an.
• I am allergic to …: Tôi bị dị ứng với …

Read about The ultimate guide to eating food allergies, dietary and religious restrictions in Vietnam

• I am a vegetarian: Tôi ăn chay, Toi an chay.
• May I have this? (point a food on menu): Cho tôi cái này, Cho toi cai nay.
• Rice: cơm, com; Vietnamese sandwich: Bánh mì, banh mi; Chicken: gà, ga; Fish: cá, ca; Lobster, shrimp: tôm, tom; Pork: heo, lợn, lon); Beef: bò, bo; Fish sauce: nước mắm.
• Coffee: cà phê, ca phe; Beer: bia; Wine: rượu, ruou; Tea: trà, tra; Milk: sữa, sua; Lime juice: nước chanh, nuoc chanh; Orange juice: nước cam, nuoc cam.
• Cold: lạnh, lanh; Iced: đá, da; No ice: không đá, Khong da; No sugar: không đường, khong duong;

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• How much?: Bao nhiêu, Bao nhieu).
• Too expensive: Mắc quá, mac qua, đắt quá, dat qua.
• I would like to buy this: Tôi muốn mua cái này, Toi muon mua cai nay.
• Can you reduce the price?: Giảm giá được không?; Giam gia duoc khong?
• Is … (VND 200,000) ok?: Giá … (VND 200,000) được không? Gia … (VND 200,000) duoc khong?
• One size larger: một size lớn hơn, mot size lon hon.
• One size smaller: một size nhỏ hơn, mot size nho hon.
• Do you have … (green/blue/black/white/orange/red/pink/yellow color)? Có màu …(xanh lá/xanh da trời/đen/trắng/cam/đỏ/hồng/vàng) không?
• Big: lớn, lon; small: nhỏ, lon; medium: vừa, vua; long: dài; short: ngắn; bigger: lớn hơn, lon hon; smaller, nhỏ hơn, nho hon; shorter, ngắn hơn, etc.

Transportation

• Where is the bus station?: Trạm xe buýt ở đâu, Tram xe buyt o dau.
• Where are the taxi? (at airport/railway stations, bus stations): Taxi ở đâu?, Taxi o dau.
• I would like to go to … (hotel/airport/railway stations, bus stations): Tôi muốn đi tới… (khách sạn/sân bay/ga xe lửa/bến xe); Toi muon di toi… (khach san/san bay/ga xe lua/ben xe).
• Do you have a map? (ask receptionist or workers at bookstores): Bạn có bản đổ không?; Ban co ban do khong?
• How far is it from here to …? Từ đây đến … xa bao nhiêu? Tu day den … xa bao nhieu?
• Go straight: đi thẳng, di thang; Turn left: rẽ trái, re trai; Turn right: rẽ phải, re phai; Stop: dừng lại, dung lai; Đi tiếp: Continue.
• Please show me the way to … (ATM, restroom, market)? Chỉ tôi đường đi đến … (A Tê Em, nhà vệ sinh, chợ), Chi toi duong di den … (A Te Em, nha ve sinh, cho).
• I am sick: Tôi bị bệnh.
• I need to see a doctor: Tôi cần gặp bác sĩ.
• I need to go to the emergency room: Tôi cần đi cấp cứu.
• I need an ambulance: tôi cần một xe cứu thương, toi can mot xe cuu thuong.
• I need to go to the hospital: Tôi cần đến bếnh viện.
• I have a fever/sore throat/cough: Tôi bị sốt/đau họng/họ.
• I have a stomache: Tôi bị đau bụng.
• I have a … (head/arm/leg) injury: tôi bị thương ở … (đầu/tay/chân).
• She is unconscious: cô ấy bất tỉnh, co ay bat tinh.
• I am having a heart attack/stroke: tôi bị đau tim/đột quỵ, toi bi dau tim/dot quy.
• He was drowned at sea/in the river: anh ấy chết đuối dưới biển/sông, anh ay chet duoi duoi bien/song.
• Help: Cứu tôi, cuu toi.
• I am robbed: Tôi bị cướp, toi bi cuop.
• Call the police: Gọi cảnh sát, goi canh sat.
• Pickpocket: móc túi, moc tui.
• Snatch theft: giật đồ/cướp giật, giat do/cuop giat.
• He tried to steal my money: Anh ta cố cướp tiền của tôi, anh ta co cuop tien cua toi.
• I was robbed: tôi bị cướp, toi bi cuop.
• I had my bag/backpack stashed: túi/ba lô tôi bị rạch, tui/ba lo toi bi rach.
• I got pickpocketed: tôi bị móc túi, toi bi moc tui.
• Fire: cháy, chay.
• The room/house/building is on fire: Cháy trong phòng/nhà/tòa nhà.
• Someone is in the house: ai đó đang ở trong nhà, ai do dang o trong nha.
• I have had an He was drowned: tôi bị tai nạn, toi bi tai nan.

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About the author.

Hi everybody! I would like to say thank you for reading my blogs whether you are planning your trip to Vietnam, expats who live and work in the country, students and researchers who would like to find information about Vietnam, especially Vietnamese culture, foodies who are interested in delicious Vietnamese foods and recipes and others. My friends call me Tracy and I am living in Ho Chi Minh City. Having a huge passion for travel and a master's degree of Information Technology, I have launched some travel projects including Athena Travel Vietnam, Vietnam Trip Advice, Hidden Travel Vietnam, OXO Tour, Scooter Saigon Tour, Ao Dai Saigon Food Tour after graduating from abroad. Thousands of trav elers use our services and 99% of them are satisfied. What are my hobbies? Traveling, going to pagodas, museums and studying beautiful architectural works, visit tourist attractions. I have loved writing since I was a child. Writing blogs as well as sharing travel tips, tourist attractions and lots of hidden places are my top thing to do with my free time. Why are my blogs different from others? Ease of reading is the number one highlight. I have tried my best to use simple structures and vocabulary so that readers feel comfortable and convenient and find it easy to read. You may tend to read articles and blogs written by journalists of famous travel magazines, newspapers, travel websites or big travelers who travel around the world and have their own blogs. My blogs are written by a local so that you have a chance to learn more about less-known things, untold tips, hidden gems and foods. If you like my blogs, just share it on your social media. If you have any question relating to Vietnam, just comment or contact me via live chat, email, WhatsApp, Facebook. If you are going to travel to Vietnam, give our team a chance to show you Ho Chi Minh City and South Vietnam. Tracy's team can handle all of your needs including Ho Chi Minh city tours, Ho Chi Minh scooter (motorbike) tours, Ho Chi Minh food tours, Saigon unseen tours, Mekong Delta tours, Cu Chi Tunnels Tour, Ho Chi Minh City transfer services, Ho Chi Minh City shore excursions.

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Xin chào vietnamese translations of common phrases.

While many English speakers are intimidated by the strange characters and pronunciations of Asian languages, Vietnamese can, in some ways, be easier to navigate. Because it uses a Latinized alphabet, it is easier for those who don’t speak the language to read street signs, order off of menus, and more. While learning how to correctly pronounce words is more difficult, this handy guide will help you translate English to Vietnamese.

The Vietnamese Language

About 76 million people speak Vietnamese, including some four million who live abroad. The Vietnamese alphabet in use today, devised by Jesuit missionaries who came to Vietnam in the 1600s, includes 29 letters, mainly from the Latin alphabet common to English speakers. Where it starts to get interesting, however, is with the various letter combinations, various accents, and diphthongs and triphthongs.

The Vietnamese language shares roots with Khmer, or Cambodian. But it is also heavily influenced by the Chinese, who conquered the region in the 6th century and ruled for 400 years. The French added their own contributions beginning in the 17th century.

One of the hardest things about the language is that it has six different tones and vowel sounds. While you may not master these on the flight over, it is easy to learn a few key words and phrases to improve your experience while in Vietnam.

Common Vietnamese Words and Phrases

On any trip to a foreign land, there are a few key phrases that you will need to know to get by. Below are some of the most common Vietnamese phrases, along with pronunciation in parentheses when necessary.

1. Greeting and Goodbye

• Hello: Xin chào! (sin chow!)
• Goodbye: Tạm biệt (tarm byeet)

2. Terms of Courtesy Showing gratitude is good in any language! Improve any social situation by using these basic Vietnamese words often.

• Thank you: Cảm ơn bạn (gahm un ban)
• Please: Làm ơn (lam uhhn)
• You’re welcome: Không có gì (khome co xi)
• How are you? = Bạn khỏe không? (ban kwe khome?)
• I’m fine, thank you! = Tôi khỏe, cám ơn! (thoy kwe cam on)

3. Yes and No

• Yes: Vâng (vung)
• No: Không (khome)

4. Good and Bad

• Good: Tốt (thote)
• Bad: Xấu (szoh)

5. Asking for Assistance

• Excuse me: Xin lỗi (seen loy)
• Can you help me?: Bạn có thể giúp tôi được không? (ban co teh zoop thoy duc khom?)

6. Pronouns

• Female (junior): Em
• Female (senior): Chị
• Male (junior): Em
• Male (senior): Anh

You’ll be forgiven if you make a mistake with pronouns! Plus, you can often use the “senior” versions, as in these examples of addressing wait staff:

• Excuse me (to waiter): Anh ỗi
• Excuse me (to waitress): Chị ỗi

7. How to ask if someone speaks English Make an effort to use common Vietnamese phrases, but you can also occasionally ask if the other party knows English.

• Can you speak English?: Bạn có thể nói tiếng Anh không? (ban co teh noy thien an khom)

Use each of the following numbers on its own, or combine them into two-digit numbers.

• 1: Một (mobh)
• 4: Bốn (Bumh)

9. Terms for Transactions Haggling is common in Vietnamese culture and knowing a few phrases can save you some money!

• I like: Tôi thích (thoy tick)
• How much?: Bao nhiêu? (baow nyew)
• Too expensive: Quá đắt (qwa dat)
• Can you reduce the price?: Bạn có thể giảm giá? (Ban co teh zam za)

10. Relative Sizes and Amounts

• Big: Lớn (lungh)
• Small: Nhỏ (N-yor)
• Medium: Vừa (vurh)
• Less: It hơn (Eet hahn)
• More: hơn (hahn)

11. Terms of Flattery

Compliments are generally well received, though more specific compliments are considered more genuine.

• You are very beautiful: Bạn rất đẹp (ban zet dep)
• You are very handsome: Bạn rất đẹp trai (ban zet dep chai)
• You look great today = hôm nay bạn trông thật tuyệt

12. Vietnamese Restaurant Terms

• May I have the menu?: Tôi có thể có thực đơn không? (thoy co teh co tuck don khome)
• I would like to have this: Tôi muốn có cái này (thoy muhon co cai nay)
• Cold: Lạnh (langh)
• Hot: Nóng bức (non boo)
• No ice: Không có đá (khom co dar)
• No sugar: Không đường (khom dueng)

13. Common Locations

• Where is the bathroom? = nhà vệ sinh ở đâu
• Go to the airport: Đi đến sân bay (di den sun bay)
• Hotel: Khách sạn (khack san)
• Coffee shop = quán cà phê
• Bar = quán ba
• Where is the ATM?: ATM ở đâu? (ATM urn dole)

14. Emergency Terms

• I am sick: Tôi bị ốm (toy bee ohm)
• I need to go to the hospital: Tôi cần đến bệnh viện (toy can den ben vien)
• Call the police = gọi cảnh sát

The Vietnamese people are generally patient and good natured toward visitors. They may find humor when you mis-pronounce a word, but your efforts will be appreciated.

Now that you know some Vietnamese basic words and phrases, remember that you’ll need a Vietnam visa. Apply for one now to save time.

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• Vietnamese Phrases

Walking the Hue Citadel. Photo by Aaron Joel Santos

• practicalities

/Sin chow!/

Khỏe không?

/kweh kohng?/

How are you?

Khoẻ, cảm ơn.

/kweh, gauhm uhhn/

Fine, thank you.

/gauhm uhhn/

Tôi tên là ___.

/Toy ten la ___./

My name is ___.

Yes (correct)

Không sao đâu

/kohng sao dwoh/

You're welcome.

Tôi xin lỗi

I'm sorry

Biết nói tiếng Anh không?

/byet noy tyeng ang kaumng/

Do you speak English?

Tôi không hiểu

/toy kohng hugh/

I don't understand

/daht?! kwahh?/

That's too expensive

Bao nhiêu tiền?

/bahw ngew tee-uhn.../

How much (money) is this?

Tôi không có đủ tiền mua

/toy kohng kaw? doo...oo? tee-uhn... moo-uh/

I can't afford it

Ok, tôi lấy!

/Oh-kay, toy lay/

Ok, I'll take it

Tôi không biết nói tiếng Việt [giỏi lắm].

/thoy kohng byet noy tyeng vyet [zoy luhm]/

I can't speak Vietnamese [well].

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Vietnamese Survival Phrases For Easy Travel

It is always a good idea to have useful Vietnamese phrases in your pocket as a foreigner. In general, the Vietnamese people will appreciate your efforts to speak their language, and most people, even those working in the service industries, do not speak English fluently. 

Learning Vietnamese opens up employment opportunities for expats who want to work not just in Vietnam but around the world. For tourists, learning at least a little Vietnamese opens the gates to immersive travel experiences rich in culture and local experiences. 

Famously, Nelson Mandela once said:

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.”

So, let’s get started with:

• Basic Phrases
• How to Address People 
• General Vietnamese phrases
• Numbers 1 to 10 and Beyond
• Getting/Giving Directions 
• Useful Phrases for Shopping
• What to Say at a Restaurant/ For Take-away/ For Delivery 
• COVID-19 Useful Words and Phrases

First, A Guide To Vietnamese Pronunciation

In order to learn the Vietnamese language, you need to know vocabulary and grammar. However, people often overlook the importance of pronunciation.

In Vietnamese, pronunciation is one of the most difficult aspects of the language because of the various tones and the unique way of using the alphabet. Here are some basic rules of producing Vietnamese:

Đ – D with a stroke is pronounced like the English ‘d’.  The tip of your tongue touches behind your top front teeth.

D (with no stroke) – This is pronounced as a ‘yer’ sound. For example dạ – meaning ‘yes’ is pronounced ‘ya’.

E – This is pronounced as the ‘e’ in bed.

G – is often pronounced like the ‘g’ in “good” for words like ga – chicken.

Gi – However, ‘g’ words coupled with ‘i’ are pronounced with a ‘yer’ sound (in the south) or ‘zer’ (from the North). For example: ‘gi’ (yee / zee) means ‘what’.  

I – is pronounced like the ‘i’ in “hemisphere”.

Ng – is pronounced like the ng in ‘finger’ or ‘sing’.  The back of your tongue touches the back of your mouth. For words like ‘Nguyen’ try making the final sound of ‘sing’ first and then add the ‘-uyen’ after.

Q – is often pronounced as a ‘wa’ sound (not like ‘kew’ in English

R – is pronounced with a roll like in Spanish.

X – is pronounced as a ‘s’ sound. So in the case of motorbike – ‘xe máy’ this sounds like ‘sair migh’.

Y – is like the English ‘e’. Spaghetti in Vietnamese is ‘mỳ ý’ (Mee ee).

The last thing to remember is that Vietnamese pronunciation places less importance on the final sound of the word and often the final consonant is silent. For example, ‘Phuc’ (a person’s name) is not pronounced with a final ‘k’ sound, but this ‘k’ sound is stopped just short with a closed mouth (not an open mouth like you would say in English).

1. Basic Phrases

 These useful Vietnamese phrases will come in handy no matter how much time you spend in Vietnam. Familiarise yourself with these commonly used Vietnamese words as you will find that you will be using them all the time here!

• Hello / Xin chào (sin chow) 
• Goodbye  /  Hẹn gặp lại (hen gap lie)
• Thank you / Cảm ơn (gam urn) 
• Sorry / Xin lỗi (sin loy) 
• No problem / không sao (khom sow)
• Yes /  Dạ (yeah)
• No /  Không (khom)
• My name is _____ / tôi tên _____ (toy turn _____)
• Woman /  Phụ nữ (fu noo)
• Man / Nam (sounds like ‘mam’ with an ‘n’) 

2. How to Address People 

Next up, you will be learning how to address people in Vietnamese. The Vietnamese have a complex system of how to properly address each other according to age, gender, and family structure. Of course, the Vietnamese people understand foreigners may not get the subtleties of all the addresses, and you can get away with knowing just the following:

• I, Me / tôi (toy) 
• You / bạn (bun)
• When speaking to a younger person, call them ‘ em ’(em).
• When speaking to an older woman, call her ‘c hị’   (che).
• When speaking to an older man, call him ‘ anh’ (un).

Related article: Vietnamese Culture: Etiquette, Tips And Traditions

3. General Vietnamese phrases

• This is my wife/ husband /  Đây là vợ / Đây là chồng  (day la ver / day la chong)
• This is my boyfriend/ girlfriend / Đây là bạn trai /  Đây là bạn gái  (day la ban chai / day la ban guy)
• This is my friend/ housemate /  Đây là bạn / Đây là bạn cùng nhà (day la ban / day la ban cun n-air)
• I don’t understand / Không hiểu (khom heew)
• Call the police / Gọi cảnh sát ngay (goiy gunh sut ngay)
• Help me / Giúp tôi với (yoop toy voy)

4. How To Say Numbers 1 to 10 and Beyond – Vietnamese Numbers Pronunciation

 Here we have numbers 1 to 10, which you may need when shopping, for phone numbers, or for addresses, etc. 

• 1 / Một (sounds like ‘mop’ with a ‘t’)
• 2 / Hai (hi)
• 3 / Ba (bear)
• 4 / Bốn (bom)
• 5 / Năm (nam)
• 6 / Sáu (sow)
• 7 / Bảy (bye)
• 8  / Tám (tem) 
• 9 / Chín (qin) 
• 100 / Một trăm (mot chum)
• 500 / Năm trăm (nam chum)
• 1000 / Một ngàn (mot ngh-an)
• 5000 / Năm ngàn (nam ngh-an)
• 10,000 / Mười ngàn (moo-ay ngh-an)
• 100,000 / Một trăm ngàn ( mot chum ngh-an)
• 1,000,000 / Một triệu (mot chew)
• 5,000,000 / Năm triệu (nam chew)

Also, to say ‘cheers’, the Vietnamese will say ‘một, hai, ba, yoooo’! Remember this phrase for an easy way to make friends. 

5. Getting/ Giving Directions In Vietnamese

Whether you are asking for directions to the nearest tourist monument, directing your taxi driver, or collecting parcels or food delivery from a shipper, these Vietnamese phrases will not be out of place! 

• Where are you? / Bạn ở đâu (bun er daw)
• Where is the bathroom? /  Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu? (nah veh sin er daw)
• Where is the _____? / _____ ở đâu? (In Vietnamese grammar, the location/noun comes first)
• Go straight / Đi thẳng (di tang)
• Turn right / Rẽ phải (rail-o fie)
• Turn left / Rẽ trái (rail-o try)
• Here / ở đây (er dye) 
• 5 minutes / Năm phút (nam foot) 

6. Useful Phrases For Shopping In Vietnam

Of course, there is always shopping to be done. Bargaining is an art enjoyed by the shopkeepers and it is fine to negotiate a little, keeping in mind that the vendors are trying to make a living. 

• How much? / Bao nhiêu (bow new)
• Too expensive / Mắc quá (mack wear)
• Discount please / Bớt nha (boc n-air)
• I want to buy / Tôi muốn mua (toy moon moo-ah)

7. What to Say at a Restaurant/ For Take-away/ For Delivery 

• To get the attention of the waitstaff / Em oi (em oi) 
• I would like to have this / Tôi muốn cái này (toy moon kai nai)
• The bill please /  Tính tiền (tin tein)
• For take-away / Mua mang đi (mua mang di)
• Please deliver / Để giao hàng (de yao hang) 
• I am allergic to _____ /  Tôi bị dị ứng với ____ _ (toy bi di oong voy)
• I am vegetarian / Tôi là chay (toy la chay)
• Rice / Cơm (gomb)
• Rice noodles /  Bún (boon)
• Chicken / Gà (gare)
• Beef / Bò (boh)
• Pork /  Heo (hell)
• Hot / Nóng (nong)
• Cold / Lạnh (lan)
• No ice / Không đá (khom dar)
• No sugar / Không đường (khom dung).

These phrases are especially helpful when travelling and living in Vienam. If you’re planning to spend some time here, why not listen to a few podcasts about Vietnam to prepare?

8. Useful Vietnamese Words and Phrases for Health Emergencies 

These are not normal times and being understood is paramount. Here are some Vietnamese phrases you might need to explain to your employer, your building manager, the police, medical staff, etc during these tough times. We hope this helps you stay safe! 

Getting your COVID-19 test or vaccine at the hospital

• I need to go to the hospital / Tôi cần đến bệnh viện (toy ken dun ben van)
• I am going to get my vaccination / Tôi đang đi tiêm chủng vắc xin (toy dang di team chu-ng vak sin)
• I am going to get a COVID-19 test / Tôi đang đi xét nghiệm COVID-19 (toy dang di set ne-erm COVID-19)
• When will I get the results? / Khi nào sẽ có kết quả xét nghiệm của tôi? (key now saah gor cat gua set ne-erm gu toy?)
• I have a negative test result /  Tôi có kết quả xét nghiệm âm tính (toy gor cat gua set ngierm arm tin)
• I am allergic to _____ /  Tôi bị dị ứng với _____ (toy bi zit urn-g voy…)
• I am coming back from the hospital / Tôi sắp trở lại từ bệnh viện (toy sap choy lai too ben van)

More survival phrases

• I am going food shopping / Tôi đang đi mua thức ăn (thực phẩm)
• I am going to the pharmacy / Tôi đang đi đến hiệu thuốc (toy dang di dun heal too-oak)
• I need to eat / Tôi cần ăn (toy kern ang)
• I need water / Tôi cần nước uống (toy kern nook oong)
• I need medication / Tôi cần thuốc (toy kern too-oak)
• I am going home / Tôi đang về nhà (toy dang vey n-air)
• My address is / Địa chỉ của tôi là (dia chi kua toy la)

Leaving the country en route to the airport

• I need to go to the airport / Tôi cần đến sân bay (toy kern den sern bye)
• I need to catch a flight to my country /  Tôi cần lên chuyến bay để trở về quê nhà (toy kern lend chin bye de cherv vey ke-way n-air)
• I need to go to my embassy / Tôi cần đi đến Đại sứ quán (toy kern di den dye sur k-wan)
• I need to call my embassy /  Tôi cần gọi Đại sứ quán của nước tôi (toy kern goy dye sur k-wan gua nook toy)
• I am from / Tôi đến từ (toy den too…)

If you’re interested in Vietnamese culture and partial to a little party, then why not learn how to celebrate and say happy new year in Vietnamese.

We hope these Vietnamese survival phrases help you overcome any language barriers and your trip is as smooth as a bowl of Pho. On that note, have you seen our food pages ? 

Written by Huan Phu

We extend our thanks to our Ambassadors for their contributions to this post

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The Top 10 Vietnamese Voice Translation Apps of 2024

In 2024, with the growing demand for Vietnamese translation in Japan, a new perspective on selecting the ideal Vietnamese voice translation apps for business, travel, and personal use is provided.

Previously, translation tools faced issues with accuracy and insufficient support for Vietnamese. However, technological advancements have now introduced high-quality commercial-level translation tools.

This article introduces the necessity of Vietnamese voice translation and how to choose excellent translation tools.

Reasons for the High Demand for Vietnamese Translation in Japan:

• Economic Ties: Vietnam has undergone rapid economic growth, and many Japanese companies have expanded into the Vietnamese market, significantly increasing the need for Vietnamese translation.
• Labor Market: With Japan facing a labor shortage, the influx of Vietnamese workers has made Vietnamese translation essential for their support.
• Tourism Growth: The increase in Vietnamese tourists has necessitated Vietnamese translations for tourism guides and services.
• Language Complexity: Vietnamese is known for its complex pronunciation and tones, demanding accurate translation.

How to Choose Vietnamese Translation Tools:

• Voice Recognition Accuracy: Select tools that can accurately recognize speech, even in noisy environments.
• Translation Accuracy: It’s crucial that the tool understands the context and can translate naturally.
• Ease of Use: Tools should have intuitive usability and a clear interface.
• Multifunctionality: Features like text recognition from photos and offline translation are also beneficial.
• Cost-effectiveness: While free tools are useful, paid tools often offer more advanced features.
• Support System: It is advisable to choose tools with comprehensive customer support and security measures.

By considering these criteria, you can select the Vietnamese translation tool that best fits your needs, contributing to success in an international business environment.

Top 10 Recommended Apps

1. felo translator.

• Features: Latest AI RRT technology, automatic voice recognition, real-time voice translation, simultaneous interpretation, multilingual support (including Vietnamese)
• OS Compatibility: iOS, Android
• Pricing: Free basic, monthly fee for premium features.

2. Google Translate

• Features: Offline functionality, instant text translation using the camera, handwriting input, conversation mode.
• OS Compatibility: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
• Pricing: Free.

3. iTranslate Translator

• Features: Supports over 100 languages, voice conversion, dictionary and thesaurus functions, website translation.
• Pricing: Free basic, subscription for the pro version.

4. Microsoft Translator

• Features: Supports over 60 languages, translations from text, voice, and images, multiple people conversation translation.

5. SayHi Translate

• Features: Easy operation for immediate inter-language translation, adjustable translation speed and voice type.

6. VoiceTra

• Features: Real-time voice translation in over 30 languages, text translation, conversation history saving feature.

7. Speak & Translate – Translator

• Features: Real-time voice and text translation, supports over 120 languages, automatic language detection.
• Pricing: Free plan and premium plan.

• Features: Developed by Naver, conversation, image, handwriting translation, direct language conversion.

9. DeepL Translat e

• Features: High translation accuracy, text translation, image translation, voice translation, supports 29 languages.
• Pricing: Free basic, premium features available for a fee.

10. Voice Translator – Reverso

• Features: Contextual translation in multiple languages, example sentences and their translations, pronunciation guide, thesaurus.
• Pricing: Free, paid for additional features.

These apps cater to a wide range of translation needs, from business scenarios and everyday conversations to travel, covering multiple languages including Vietnamese. Choose the tool that best fits your usage purpose. Additionally, these selections are trustworthy from a security and privacy perspective.

When choosing a Vietnamese voice translation tool, it’s important to clearly define your main usage and necessary features, trying out tools with free plans or trial periods where available. This approach helps meet the diverse needs and reduces communication barriers in the international community.

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Flight information, infinity mileagelands, business travel, please select your country / region of residence, travel news, advisory on eva air flights affected by runway closure at san francisco international airport.

May 7, 2024

Due to partial runway closures at San Francisco International Airport on May 9, EVA Air flights departing from San Francisco International Airport will be affected. The flight numbers and schedules are changed as follows.

• 2024/05/09 Flight Status

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