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20 Useful Vietnamese Phrases For Travelers

20 Useful Vietnamese Phrases For Travelers

Although English is widely spoken in Vietnam, it is always a good idea to learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases. This will help you interact with the locals and learn more about their culture from first-hand experiences instead of a guidebook. Also, the locals would appreciate you trying to speak to them in Vietnamese.

20 useful Vietnamese phrases you can learn

Basic phrases 

Let’s learn some basic Vietnamese phrases that you can use every day on your trip. 

  • Yes - Dạ (Yah)
  • No - Không (Comb)
  • Thank you - Cám ơn (Gam un)
  • I am sorry- Xin lỗi (Sin loy)
  • Do you speak English? - Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không? (Ban gaw noy dee-ing ahn khohm?)

After you learn the basic Vietnamese phrases, take a look at the 5 things you need to prepare for your trip to Vietnam.

Greetings 

When you greet a Vietnamese always be polite, bow slightly with a nod, and remember to smile. 

  • Hello - Xin chào (Seen chow)
  • Good morning - Chào buổi sáng (Jaow bui sang)
  • Goodbye - Tạm biệt (Tam bee-it)
  • How are you? - Bạn khỏe không? (Ban kwe khom)

Shopping

Haggling is a way of life for Vietnamese and if you want to go shopping then you’ll need to learn the art of haggling. With these basic Vietnamese phrases, you’ll be able to get a head start.

  • How much is it? - Cái này bao nhiêu? (Kai nei bow new)
  • Too expensive - Mắc quá (Mack wha)
  • Can you lower the price? - Giảm giá được không? (Jam Ja duoc khom)

Dining

When in Vietnam, don’t forget to try out their famous cuisine. Always remember to ask for a menu in a restaurant so that you don’t fall for the infamous restaurant scam

  • Excuse me - Em ơi (Em oy)
  • Can I get the menu, please? - Cho tôi cái menu được không? (Cho toy khai menu duoc khom)
  • I’m vegetarian - Tôi ăn chay (Toy ein chei)
  • Bill, please - Tính tiền (Tin teen)

Direction

If you ever get lost or your Google Map stops working, go ahead and ask a local for directions.

  • Where is…? - …ở đâu? (...uh doh?)
  • How far is it? - Bao xa? (Bao za)

You can also rent a car and explore the country.

Emergency

In case of any emergency that might occur when you are traveling around Vietnam use these phrases to get help.

  • Call the police - Gọi cảnh sát (Goy kann sat)
  • I am sick - Tôi bị bệnh (Toy bee benh)

 

Now that you know some basic Vietnamese phrases, you can move on to your next step and travel to Vietnam. But before you visit Vietnam, you will need to apply for a visa. You can apply for a Vietnam visa online with BDATrip.