Traveling to Vietnam is an exciting adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. However, navigating a new country where the language is vastly different from English can be a bit daunting. While many people in tourist areas speak some English, knowing essential Vietnamese phrases can significantly enhance your travel experience. By learning a few key expressions, you can show respect for the local culture, make new friends, and find your way around more easily. In this article, we’ll cover essential Vietnamese phrases for travelers that will help you communicate effectively during your trip.
Basic Greetings and Polite Expressions
Learning how to greet people and use polite expressions is the foundation of any language. In Vietnam, politeness is highly valued, and using these phrases will help you make a good impression.
Hello / Hi – “Xin chào”
Pronounced: “sin chow”
Goodbye – “Tạm biệt”
Pronounced: “tahm byeet”
Thank you – “Cảm ơn”
Pronounced: “gahm un”
You’re welcome – “Không có gì”
Pronounced: “khong kaw zee”
Yes – “Vâng”
Pronounced: “vung”
No – “Không”
Pronounced: “khong”
Please – “Làm ơn”
Pronounced: “lahm un”
Excuse me / Sorry – “Xin lỗi”
Pronounced: “sin loy”
How are you? – “Bạn có khỏe không?”
Pronounced: “bahn kaw kweh khong”
I’m fine, thank you – “Tôi khỏe, cảm ơn”
Pronounced: “toy kweh, gahm un”
Numbers and Counting
Knowing how to count and understand numbers is crucial for shopping, dining, and navigating transportation. Here are the numbers from one to ten:
One – “Một”
Pronounced: “moht”
Two – “Hai”
Pronounced: “hi”
Three – “Ba”
Pronounced: “bah”
Four – “Bốn”
Pronounced: “bohn”
Five – “Năm”
Pronounced: “nahm”
Six – “Sáu”
Pronounced: “sow”
Seven – “Bảy”
Pronounced: “bye”
Eight – “Tám”
Pronounced: “tahm”
Nine – “Chín”
Pronounced: “cheen”
Ten – “Mười”
Pronounced: “moo-ee”
Essential Phrases for Dining
Vietnamese cuisine is world-renowned, and trying local dishes is a must. Here are some phrases to help you navigate menus and communicate with restaurant staff.
Menu – “Thực đơn”
Pronounced: “thook dun”
Water – “Nước”
Pronounced: “nook”
I am vegetarian – “Tôi ăn chay”
Pronounced: “toy un chai”
I am allergic to… – “Tôi bị dị ứng với…”
Pronounced: “toy bee yee ung voy…”
How much is this? – “Cái này giá bao nhiêu?”
Pronounced: “kai nai za bow nyew?”
Delicious – “Ngon”
Pronounced: “ngawn”
Check, please – “Tính tiền”
Pronounced: “ting tee-en”
Shopping and Bargaining
Shopping in markets and small shops is a common activity in Vietnam, and bargaining is often expected. Here are some useful phrases:
How much is this? – “Cái này giá bao nhiêu?”
Pronounced: “kai nai za bow nyew?”
Too expensive – “Đắt quá”
Pronounced: “dat kwa”
Can you lower the price? – “Có thể giảm giá không?”
Pronounced: “kaw teh zam za khong?”
I’ll buy it – “Tôi sẽ mua”
Pronounced: “toy seh moo-ah”
Where is the fitting room? – “Phòng thử đồ ở đâu?”
Pronounced: “fong thu doh uh dow?”
Directions and Transportation
Getting around in a new country can be challenging. These phrases will help you ask for directions and use various modes of transportation.
Where is…? – “Ở đâu…?”
Pronounced: “uh dow…?”
How do I get to…? – “Làm thế nào để đến…?”
Pronounced: “lahm teh now dey den…?”
Bus – “Xe buýt”
Pronounced: “seh bwit”
Train – “Tàu hỏa”
Pronounced: “tau hwah”
Taxi – “Taxi”
Pronounced: “taxi” (similar to English)
Airport – “Sân bay”
Pronounced: “sun bye”
Hotel – “Khách sạn”
Pronounced: “khach san”
Left – “Trái”
Pronounced: “chai”
Right – “Phải”
Pronounced: “fai”
Straight ahead – “Thẳng”
Pronounced: “thang”
Emergency Phrases
While we hope you never have to use these, it’s essential to know some basic emergency phrases just in case.
Help! – “Cứu!”
Pronounced: “kew!”
I need a doctor – “Tôi cần bác sĩ”
Pronounced: “toy kun bahk see”
Call the police – “Gọi cảnh sát”
Pronounced: “goy kahng saht”
I am lost – “Tôi bị lạc”
Pronounced: “toy bee lahk”
My phone was stolen – “Điện thoại của tôi bị mất”
Pronounced: “deen thoai koo-uh toy bee muht”
Pharmacy – “Nhà thuốc”
Pronounced: “nha thook”
Useful Tips for Learning Vietnamese
Learning a new language can be challenging, but here are some tips to help you along the way:
Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Try to practice a little bit every day.
Use Language Apps: Apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Rosetta Stone can be very helpful.
Listen to Native Speakers: Watching Vietnamese movies, listening to music, or following Vietnamese YouTube channels can help you get used to the sounds and rhythms of the language.
Engage with Locals: Don’t be afraid to speak with locals. They will appreciate your effort, and it will help you learn faster.
Take a Class: If you have time before your trip, consider taking a Vietnamese language class.
Conclusion
Traveling to Vietnam is an unforgettable experience, and knowing some essential Vietnamese phrases can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. From basic greetings to emergency phrases, having these expressions in your vocabulary will help you navigate the country with confidence. Remember, the effort you put into learning the language will be appreciated by the locals and will enrich your travel experience. So, pack your bags, brush up on your Vietnamese, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
