Vietnamese Phrases Tourists Should Know When Visiting Vietnam: A Guide to Wow the Locals

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Your flight is booked, your bags are packed and you’re ready to embark on your adventure to Vietnam. Beyond the scenic beauty, iconic cuisine, and bustling city street, being able to have the opportunity to connect with locals will leave you with memories that will stick with you over time. As Vietnamese is a tonal language, it can be intimidating to try to speak, especially with native Vietnamese speakers. However, learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable and immersive.

Learn Vietnamese phrases to immerse in the culture
It’s easy to learn how to order Vietnamese street food

Whether you’re navigating markets, ordering food, or simply engaging with locals, we at Vespa A Go Go have compiled some basic and relatively easy to pronounce phrases to get you by.

Pro tip: Don’t be nervous about pronunciation! The locals love having foreigners embrace their language.

Xin Chào! (Hello!)

Let’s start with the basics! As in any culture, a warm “hello” goes a long way. “Xin chào” (pronounced: sin chow) is the most common way to say hello in Vietnamese. It’s a versatile greeting that can be used in almost any situation, whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or just passing by a friendly face while walking down the street. A simple “xin chào” will often be met with a smile which will set the stage for a positive interaction.

Xin chao - the basic Vietnamese greeting
Knowing how to greet in Vietnamese will immediately impress

Cảm ơn (Thank you)

Thank you means Cảm ơn in Vietnamese
Always try to use this Vietnamese phrase - Cám ơn

Gratitude is universal and can be shown by gestures or more commonly through speech. In Vietnam, saying “cảm ơn” (pronounced: gahm un) is the easiest way to show your appreciation. Whether you’re thanking someone for directions or for serving your meal, this simple yet kind phrase will endear you to the locals. If you’re feeling confident in your tones, you can add “rất nhiều” (pronounced: zut nyeo), meaning “very much,” to say “thank you very much” — “Cảm ơn rất nhiều!”

Vâng / Dạ (Yes) and Không (No)

While seemingly simple, knowing that “vâng” or “dạ” (pronounced: vahng / yah) means “yes,” while “không” (pronounced: khawng) means “no”, can take you far in navigating various situations such as agreeing to prices in a market to confirming if a dish contains certain ingredients.

Fun fact: Vâng is used more in the North, while dạ is used more in the South.

Bao nhiêu tiền? (How much does it cost?)

The most important Vietnamese phrase to avoid scams - “Bao nhiêu?”

Shopping in Vietnam, especially in local markets, is a culturally immersive experience. Prices in local markets tend to be negotiable and knowing how to ask “Bao nhiêu tiền?” (pronounced: bow nyeo tee-un) will help you strike up a conversation. This phrase will be your go-to question when you’re curious about the price of souvenirs, street food, or anything else you want to know the price of.

Pro tip: Remember this phrase when haggling in local markets and you’ll most likely end up with a better deal!

Tôi không hiểu (I don’t understand)

Language barriers can lead to confusion and frustration but always remember a little patience goes a long way. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re struggling to understand (or you find yourself without your handy Google Translate app) simply say “Tôi không hiểu” (pronounced: toy khawng hee-ew). This phrase indicates that you’re trying but need a bit of help. Locals will understand this and try their best to help.

Xin lỗi (Sorry)

In every culture around the globe, there are various ways to say “sorry” or “excuse me”. In Vietnamese, “Xin lỗi” (pronounced: sin loy) means “sorry” or “excuse me.” It’s acceptable to use both when you need to apologize for a small mistake or when trying to get someone’s attention in a crowded place.

Có… không? (Is there…?)

This useful phrase can help you inquire about various things. For example, if you want to know if a restaurant has vegetarian dishes, you can ask, “Có món chay không?” (pronounced: kaw mon chai khawng).

Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu? (Where is the restroom?)

Whether you’re staying hydrated with water or bia, nature will eventually call. When it does, “Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?” (pronounced: nyah vay sin uh dow) will be your savior phrase! In busier areas, public restrooms may be harder to find, so knowing this could save you from some… natural accidents.

Tôi muốn… (I want…)

If you’re trying to order food or express a preference, “Tôi muốn…” (pronounced: toy mwon) will be your go-to phrase to know. For instance, “Tôi muốn một ly cà phê” means “I want a cup of coffee.” This phrase is especially useful in restaurants or shops where you need to specify certain preferences.

Vietnamese phrase for ordering - tôi muốn
It’s just as easy as “tôi muốn…” to order at Vietnam’s street vendors

Đẹp quá! (So beautiful!)

From its landscapes to its people, Vietnam is a country bursting with beauty. Complimenting something or someone by saying “Đẹp quá!” (pronounced: dep kwah) is a lovely way to express your admiration. Whether you’re taking in a scenic view or appreciating traditional art, this phrase will help you share your enthusiasm for the beauty around you.

Tạm biệt (Goodbye)

"Tạm biệt" (pronounced: tahm bee-et) means "Goodbye” in Vietnamese. It is a common way to bid farewell to someone, whether you're leaving a social gathering, a store, or just saying goodbye to a friend. "Tạm biệt" can be used in both formal and informal situations.

Bye bye is acceptable in Vietnamese
“Bye bye” is also universal in Vietnam

Hẹn gặp lại (See you again)

When it’s time to say goodbye, “Hẹn gặp lại” (pronounced: hen gap lie) is a friendly way to bid farewell, with the hopeful sentiment of meeting again. Whether you’re leaving a shop, a restaurant, or a new friend, this phrase conveys a warm and positive closure to your interaction.

Time to put your Vietnamese language skills to work!

Taking some time to learn these basic Vietnamese phrases will ease your travel experience and show your willingness to respect and appreciate the local culture. Vietnamese people are known for their hospitality and warmth, and even a few words in their language can open doors to deeper connections and more authentic experiences.

Always remember language is not just a tool for communication but a bridge to understanding and embracing the world around us. Tạm biệt!

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