Learning Vietnamese Easy Words: A Cultural Guide

This video offers a concise guide for foreigners, focusing on essential Vietnamese words and phrases for basic communication. It aims to help learners quickly grasp fundamental vocabulary for everyday interactions.

Learning Some Easy Vietnamese Words: Connect with Local Culture!

 

                     Hello everyone! Or as we say in Vietnam, Xin Chào!

                    Here in our beautiful country, we have a very famous saying: ‘NHẬP GIA – TÙY TỤC’. It’s like the saying you might know: ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do!‘ What it means is, before you came to Vietnam, maybe you were 100% American, or Australian, or wherever you’re from! But now that you’re here in Hanoi, Vietnam with me, David, get ready! You are now 1,000,000% Vietnamese in spirit! (This is our fun way to encourage you to join in and to show respect for our country and culture.)

 

                      Now, let’s learn a couple of super important things to help you enjoy your time here:

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL OUTLINE

 

• Basic Greeting: “Xin chào” – the key to opening communication.
• Heartfelt Thanks: “Cảm ơn” – expressing appreciation.
• Praising Delicious Food: “Ngon!” – showing satisfaction with a meal.
• Polite Farewell: “Tạm biệt” – a polite goodbye.
• Sincere Apology: “Tôi xin lỗi” – showing regret and respect.
• Asking for Help: “Làm ơn giúp tôi” – when you need assistance.
• Expressing Joy: “Rất vui gặp bạn” – showing friendliness when meeting.
• Giving Compliments: “Bạn thật tuyệt” – a way to express admiration.
• Showing Enthusiasm: “Việt Nam số 1” – a great way to cheer and show admiration.
• Polite Affirmation: “Vâng / Dạ” – a polite way to say “yes”.
• Simple Refusal: “Không” – a clear “no”.
• Asking Price: “Bao nhiêu?” – essential for shopping.
• Praising Beauty: “Đẹp quá!” – complimenting sights or items.
• Toasting Good Health: “Chúc sức khỏe!” – a friendly toast.
• Bargaining: “Đắt quá, giảm giá đi” – useful for shopping.
• Promising Return: “Tôi sẽ quay lại Việt Nam” – expressing love and desire to return.

 

 

 

 

WITH JUST THESE 17 WORDS, YOU CAN FEEL CONFIDENT AND READY FOR YOUR VIETNAM ADVENTURE!

Now! Let’s unlock the magic of these phrases!

 

 

 

 

 

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1. Xin chào (say it like ‘sin chow’)

This is our friendly ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’. The word ‘xin’ is like saying ‘please’ to make it polite, and ‘chào’ is just a greeting, like the Italian ‘Ciao’. Use ‘Xin chào’ when you meet someone, go into a shop, or just want to say hello in a nice way. This is the first and most important word to start any conversation.

 

2. Cảm ơn (say it like ‘com on’)

This means ‘Thank you’. When someone helps you or gives you something, this is the perfect way to show you appreciate it. Saying ‘Cảm ơn’ not only shows good manners but also creates a great impression with locals. Always remember and use this word!

 

 

3. Ngon! (say it just like ‘ngon’)

This is the word for when food tastes really, really good! Like ‘Delicious’, ‘Yummy’, ‘Awesome’, ‘Fabulous’, or ‘Very good’! When you eat something special, just say ‘Ngon!’ and you’ll see smiles. This is a wonderful way to express your satisfaction and appreciation for Vietnamese cuisine.

 

 

4. Tạm biệt (say it just like ‘tam biat’)

This means ‘Goodbye’. When we say it to someone, it’s a polite way to end a meeting or leave a place. Using this word will show you are a thoughtful and considerate traveler.

 

 

5. Tôi xin lỗi (say it like ‘toy sin loy’)

This phrase means “I’m sorry”. In any situation, knowing how to apologize shows respect and civility. Whether you accidentally bump into someone or do something unintended, a sincere “Tôi xin lỗi” will help resolve misunderstandings and build goodwill.

 

 

6. Làm ơn giúp tôi (say it like ‘lam uhn yoop toy’)

When you need assistance, the phrase “Làm ơn giúp tôi” (Please help me) will be very useful. Vietnamese people are very friendly and willing to help tourists. Don’t hesitate to use this phrase when you need directions, are looking for an item, or encounter any difficulties.

 

 

7. Rất vui gặp bạn (say it like ‘rat vooy gap ban’)

This phrase means “Nice to meet you”. When you are introduced to someone new or have the chance to chat with locals, use this sentence to show your friendliness and openness.

 

 

8. Bạn thật tuyệt (say it like ‘ban that tuyet’)

This is a simple but very effective compliment, meaning “You are great/awesome”. You can use this to praise someone when they help you, do something impressive, or simply because you are impressed by their personality.

 

 

9. Việt Nam số 1 (say it like ‘veet nam so mut’)

This phrase means “Vietnam is number 1”. It’s a very common and enthusiastic way to cheer, praise, or show affection for Vietnam, especially during sporting events or when you feel truly impressed. You’ll surely receive applause and big smiles from the locals!

 

 

10. Vâng / Dạ (say it like ‘vung’ / ‘ya’)

These are polite ways to say “Yes”. “Vâng” is generally used in the North, while “Dạ” is more common in the South, especially when addressing elders or in formal situations. Using these shows great respect and understanding of Vietnamese communication etiquette.

 

 

 

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11. Không (say it like ‘khom’)

This simply means “No”. It’s a straightforward way to decline something. While it’s direct, it’s widely understood and accepted.

 

 

12. Bao nhiêu? (say it like ‘bow nyew’)

This means “How much?”. This phrase is incredibly useful when you’re shopping in markets, buying souvenirs, or asking about prices at a street food stall. It empowers you to navigate transactions confidently.

 

 

13. Đắt quá! (say it like ‘dat kwa!’)

This means “Too expensive!”. This is a common phrase to use when you feel the price is too high, especially in markets.

 

 

14. Giảm giá đi! (say it like ‘zam za dee!’)

This means “Give me a discount!” or “Lower the price!”. Used in conjunction with “Đắt quá!”, this phrase is your go-to for friendly bargaining, a common practice in Vietnamese markets and a fun way to interact with vendors.

 

 

15. Đẹp quá! (say it like ‘dep kwa!’)

This means “So beautiful!” or “Very beautiful!”. Use this to express admiration for the stunning landscapes, historical sites, traditional crafts, or even a lovely dress worn by a local. It’s a wonderful way to share your appreciation for Vietnam’s aesthetics.

 

 

16. Chúc sức khỏe! (say it like ‘chook suk kwey!’)

This means “To your health!” or “Wish you good health!”. This is a common and warm toast used when clinking glasses (cheers!) during meals or celebrations. It’s a great way to participate in local gatherings and share good wishes.

 

 

17. Tôi sẽ quay lại Việt Nam (say it like ‘toy se kway lie veet nam’)

This phrase means “I will come back to Vietnam”. It’s a wonderful way to express your love and attachment to this beautiful country. By saying this, you not only convey positive feelings but also show that you’ve had truly memorable experiences and wish to return.

 

 

With these basic words, you’re all set for an unforgettable trip to Vietnam! Don’t hesitate to use them and experience the local culture to the fullest!

 

 

 

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