Have you ever found yourself in a new country, eager to fit in but unsure about the local customs? Vietnam, with its rich history and diverse culture, is a place where understanding local etiquette can make all the difference. This guide will navigate you through the intricate web of Vietnamese manners and etiquette!
When visiting a foreign place, the last thing you’d ever want to happen is to unintentionally disrespect their culture. You see, Vietnamese people are a collective ball of sunshine! They’re easy-going, polite, humble, and friendly. So, it would be really great if you could maintain a great relationship with them!
To prevent encountering unwanted issues, check out this list of Vietnamese manners and etiquette to help you easily connect with locals and prevent misunderstandings!
Important Vietnamese Manners And Etiquette
Upon discovering bits of information about Vietnamese people, you’ll frequently come across the fact that their values are deeply rooted in Confucian teachings. And if you know a few things about it, it won’t be surprising to learn that they have great respect for elders, family roles, and the community. The Vietnamese culture highlights the importance of showing consideration and being polite. Here are some of the basic customs and etiquette you also need to remember!
Greetings And Initial Interactions
Let’s first take a note of how the Vietnamese greet and interact with each other, based upon the social and familial hierarchy.
1. Addressing Elders
How do you usually address your older siblings? Most Asian countries probably already use words to call people who are older than them. The interesting thing about it in Vietnamese is that they even call people who aren’t related to them “Anh” (older brother) and “Chi” (older sister). These terms signify your respect and acknowledgment of your age difference.
2. Physical Interactions And Body Language
You may have noticed in plenty of Vietnamese films that handshakes are pretty common among men. They even bow slightly to show respect. While for Vietnamese women, it’s not typical to shake hands with the opposite sex, they even avoid making direct eye contact to demonstrate respect and acknowledgment of hierarchy when speaking to them.
Additionally, public displays of affection are frowned upon in Vietnamese culture. Also, note that pointing your finger can be considered extremely disrespectful, so just use your whole hand politely to gesture.
Dining Etiquette
Now let us look at the dining etiquette.
1. The Dos And Don’ts At The Table
Another thing that you’ll notice in Vietnamese etiquette is that older people are served first at the dining table. So, no matter how hungry you are, you better wait for the eldest to begin eating. Another table manners that you have to remember is that when you pass dishes, make sure to use both hands. Don’t ever stick your chopsticks upright in a rice bowl, as it reminds people of funeral rites.
2. Drinking And Toasting
There are times when we just get really wasted and offer a toast to people. You may say, “Trăm phần trăm!” to urge everyone to drink the full glass. But hold your horses, when you offer a toast, make sure that your glass is lower than the person older than you or in a higher position when clinking glasses.
Gift Giving Etiquette
When visiting a Vietnamese home, make sure to bring a small gift. It may range from seasonal fruits to sweets, or flowers. Doing this signifies that you want to bring them happiness and offer your best wishes to the Vietnamese family. Remember, when presenting your gift, you must use both hands.
Visiting A Vietnamese Home
In Vietnamese customs, it’s only right to take off your shoes when entering someone’s home. We’re not doing this just because we want to keep the area clean, but also to show respect for the household.
Business Etiquette
If you’re someone who’s never on time, then you have to practice your punctuality when you’re in Vietnam, as it’s well-valued in their customs and etiquette. When shaking hands, you have to use both hands and bow your head slightly. You also need to use both hands when exchanging business cards.
Navigating Public Spaces
In public transport or markets, pushing through a crowd might seem rude to Westerners, but in Vietnam, it’s typical. Just go with the flow and keep your cool! You may typically experience this on the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City. So, better prepare yourself and be patient when navigating the bustling areas of Vietnamese society.
Dress Code
If you plan to stay in Vietnam to have fun and enjoy tourist spots, you might want to dress conservatively. If you plan to visit beautiful religious sites, you can’t wear anything revealing, and if you do, you might get unpleasant gazes from local people. Also remember that when visiting religious sites, cover the shoulders and knees to show respect.
Vietnamese Words Related To Manners And Etiquette
Here are some handy and useful Vietnamese words related to manners and etiquette.
| English | Vietnamese |
|---|---|
| Manners | Tác phong |
| Etiquette | Nghi thức |
| Behavior | Hành vi |
| Politeness/ Courtesy | Lịch sự |
| Respect | Tôn trọng |
| Protocol | Giao thức |
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Vietnamese manners and etiquette are more than just rules; they’re a window into the soul of the culture. By understanding and respecting these customs, you not only ensure smooth interactions but also enrich your own experiences in this beautiful country. Did these facts about them intrigue you and make you want to learn the Vietnamese language? Start your journey with Ling today.
Beginning something is always the hardest part when trying to learn a new language. Like, where do you even start? But luckily, Ling has a well-organized list of lessons that will keep you on track. You may even take quizzes and exercises that will help you retain information even better! Plus, spending 20 minutes of your time with the app also aids in mastering the lexicon! Download Ling today on Play Store and App Store to begin your voyage!
