10 Vietnamese Phrases You Must Know

You’ve booked your ticket, you’ve packed your bags, and you’re ready to explore the stunning landscapes of Vietnam. While English is widely spoken in major tourist areas, speaking a few basic Vietnamese phrases can unlock a deeper, more meaningful travel experience. It shows respect for the local culture, opens doors to friendly conversations, and can even help you find the best street food stalls.

Forget about memorizing a whole dictionary. Here are 10 essential Vietnamese phrases that are easy to learn and will make your trip to Vietnam unforgettable.

1. Hello: “Xin Chào”

This is the most fundamental phrase, and it’s a great way to start any interaction. “Xin chào” is a universal greeting that shows respect and a friendly attitude. You can use it when you first meet someone, walk into a shop or a restaurant, or greet your tour guide. In more casual settings, you can simply say “Chào” (sounds like “chow”), but “Xin chào” is a safe bet for any situation.

• How to write it in Vietnamese: Xin chào
• How to pronounce it: “sin chow”
• When to use it: Use it to greet anyone, from your hotel receptionist and taxi driver to a local vendor. It’s the perfect way to break the ice and show that you’re making an effort to connect.

2. Thank You: “Cảm Ơn”

A little gratitude goes a long way. Saying thank you is a gesture that is appreciated worldwide, and in Vietnam, it’s a wonderful way to express your appreciation for the local hospitality. Use “Cảm ơn” when someone helps you, after you’ve had a delicious meal, or when a vendor hands you your change. It’s a simple word that carries a lot of warmth.

• How to write it in Vietnamese: Cảm ơn
• How to pronounce it: “gam un” (The “un” sound is a bit like the “un” in “under,” but shorter and with a rising tone.)
• When to use it: After receiving a service, a gift, or help from a local. For example, when a waiter brings you your dish or a shop owner finds you the perfect souvenir.

3. Sorry / Excuse me: “Xin Lỗi”

This phrase is useful for apologizing or getting someone’s attention. If you accidentally bump into someone or need to get past a crowded area like a busy market, “Xin lỗi” is the polite phrase to use. It’s a key phrase for navigating the busy streets of Vietnam.

• How to write it in Vietnamese: Xin lỗi
• How to pronounce it: “sin loy”
• When to use it: To apologize for a small mistake, or to politely ask someone to move so you can pass by.

4. Yes / No: “Có / Không”

These are simple but essential for understanding and being understood. “Có” means “yes” and “Không” means “no.” Using these words correctly can help you in various situations, from answering a simple question to making a decision about a purchase.

• How to write it in Vietnamese: Có / Không
• How to pronounce it: “caw” (like “cow”) / “khom” (like “come,” but with a “kh” sound)
• When to use it: For basic yes/no questions from locals, such as “Do you want to buy this?” or “Is this what you’re looking for?”

5. How much?: “Bao nhiêu?”

This is your best friend when shopping at local markets. Instead of just pointing, ask “Bao nhiêu?” to show you’re a savvy shopper. Asking the price directly in Vietnamese can also help you get a fairer price and avoid being overcharged.

• How to write it in Vietnamese: Bao nhiêu?
• How to pronounce it: “bow nyoo”
• When to use it: When you want to ask for the price of something, especially at a street food stall or a souvenir shop. You can even try combining it with a gesture to point at the item.

6. The food is delicious: “Món này ngon quá!”

Vietnamese people take great pride in their cuisine. Saying “Món này ngon quá!” will not only delight the person who prepared your meal but might also earn you a generous smile or even an extra portion! It’s a wonderful way to show your appreciation and connect with the locals.

• How to write it in Vietnamese: Món này ngon quá!
• How to pronounce it: “mon nai ngon gwa” (The “gwa” sound is a bit like “wa” but with a harder “g.”)
• When to use it: After enjoying a meal at a restaurant or a street food stall. You can also say “Ngon lắm!” (“ngon lum”) for a shorter version.

7. I want to buy…: “Tôi muốn mua…”

This phrase is particularly helpful at the market. Just add the name of what you want to buy after it. For example, “Tôi muốn mua cà phê” (I want to buy coffee) or “Tôi muốn mua phở” (I want to buy pho). This shows you’ve done your research and you know what you want.

• How to write it in Vietnamese: Tôi muốn mua…
• How to pronounce it: “toy moon moo-ah”
• When to use it: When you want to purchase a specific item from a shop or market stall.

8. The bathroom is where?: “Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?”

A very practical phrase for any traveler. “Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?” will help you when you’re in a pinch. It is a polite way to ask for directions to the restroom in a restaurant, a café, or a shopping mall.

• How to write it in Vietnamese: Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?
• How to pronounce it: “nya veh sin oh dow”
• When to use it: When you need to find a restroom in a public place.

9. I don’t understand: “Tôi không hiểu”

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, language can be a barrier. It’s okay! Just say “Tôi không hiểu” and people will understand that they need to try a different approach, perhaps using hand gestures or a translation app. This phrase can help you avoid awkward situations and show that you’re trying to communicate respectfully.

• How to write it in Vietnamese: Tôi không hiểu
• How to pronounce it: “toy khom hee-oo”
• When to use it: When you can’t understand what someone is saying, especially when a local is speaking to you quickly.

10. Where are you from?: “Bạn là người nước nào?”

Vietnamese people are incredibly friendly and curious. Asking this question shows that you’re interested in them and their culture. You can then follow up with a simple “Tôi là người Mỹ” (I am American) or “Tôi là người Anh” (I am British) to introduce yourself and start a conversation.

• How to write it in Vietnamese: Bạn là người nước nào?
• How to pronounce it: “ban la ngwee nook now”
• When to use it: When you want to engage in conversation with a local and get to know them better.

A Little Goes a Long Way

Learning these 10 phrases is a small effort that can make a world of difference during your trip. It’s a key to connecting with the warm, hospitable people of Vietnam and experiencing the country on a much deeper level.

Ready to put these phrases to the test on your next adventure? Contact Asian Rainbow Travel today, and we’ll help you design a tailor-made journey that lets you explore Vietnam like a local.

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