Whether you’re learning the Vietnamese language for the first time, going on a trip to Hanoi, or meeting Vietnamese people, this guide to basic Vietnamese phrases is here for you! We’ll list some useful Vietnamese phrases that can help you connect better with the locals and immerse you better in Vietnamese culture.
Even if the only Vietnamese word you know is “xin chào“, starting a conversation like a local will let anyone in Vietnam feel a bit more at ease when talking to you. Here are some of the most important phrases to keep in mind for your travels!
Learn Basic Vietnamese Phrases For Your Trip
Why Should I Learn Basic Vietnamese Phrases?
Someone learning the Vietnamese language for the first time will likely come across these basic Vietnamese phrases at some point in their education. If that’s your case, you’re welcome to use this list of essential phrases for your studies!
This guide was made for people who want to learn some of the most common Vietnamese phrases they can use to better communicate with people from Vietnam. These people can be tourists, ex-pats, or people learning the local language.
The following words and phrases also contain Vietnamese pronunciation! Even so, if you’re unsure how to pronounce them, you can use the Ling app to hear how they’re said.
Common Vietnamese Phrases – Speak Like A Local
Greetings In Vietnamese
Want to get off on the right foot with the Vietnamese people? These words and phrases will build the bulk of your greetings arsenal. So keep them in mind when meeting someone for the first time!
If you’re nervous about meeting people in a foreign country, don’t fret – Vietnamese people are some of the friendliest in Southeast Asia. Even if someone is not a native speaker, they would be happy to talk to them! In addition, younger people especially speak English fluently, so you won’t be too lost.
“How Are You” In Vietnamese And How To Answer
In a conversation, a common question is: “How are you?”. When talking to Vietnamese people, this is no exception! Here are some basic Vietnamese phrases that teach you how to say “how are you” in Vietnamese, and how to respond!
Introducing Yourself In Vietnamese
Now, let’s talk about some basic phrases that you can use to introduce yourself in Vietnamese. Use these when you’re meeting someone for the first time and you want to deepen the relationship!
Basic Vietnamese Words And Phrases For Pleasantries
After getting to know someone, you might want to end the conversation, or you might even have to apologize at any point. To that end, here are some common Vietnamese words used for pleasantries in the conversation!
Basic Phrases For Travel, Dining, And Shopping – Interact Like A Local
Basic Vietnamese Phrases For Directions And Transportation
When you talk to your driver in Vietnamese, chances are you’d get a better deal when you speak the local language! Here are some useful phrases to use when traveling around Vietnam. Remember that while the average local likely speaks English (or at least some of it), connecting with them on a higher level requires some knowledge of the language.
Ordering Food In Vietnamese
If you find yourself in a restaurant or a café (or even next to some street vendors), craving authentic Vietnamese food, you’ll love these phrases! These common Vietnamese phrases can let you order food just like a local! Now all you need to work on is your order and your pronunciation!
Common Phrases For Emergency Use In Vietnam
Of course, whenever you travel, you must be prepared for any eventuality – even emergencies. So we’re here to give you some of the most common phrases to use during a crisis in Vietnam!
| English | Vietnamese | Pronunciation |
| I need help | Tôi cần giúp đỡ! | |
| Please help me | Làm ơn giúp tôi | |
| Someone help me | Có ai giúp được không | |
| I need a hospital | Đưa tôi đến bệnh viện | |
| I need a doctor | Tôi cần gặp bác sĩ |
Learn More Vietnamese Words With Ling App
If most Vietnamese words you know come from the local Vietnamese restaurant, it’s no problem – you can always learn more Vietnamese with the Ling app!
Ling is your platform to learn Vietnamese words, phrases, and more! With support for Vietnamese and 60+ other languages, Ling gives you a fun, memorable, and exciting way to learn a new language.
Get started on learning a foreign language today by downloading the Ling app for Android or iPhone.
