You have learned essential words and grammar, but you are not a pro speaker yet? Well, one quick way to improve your skills and sound like a local is using Vietnamese proverbs like a pro! After all, these broad expressions are excellent to use when reflecting on our life situations. More importantly, it can be used when we are giving some advice to the people close to us. Get to know all the best proverbs to use in this post today!
The Vietnamese Language
Before digging into the sayings, let’s first get to know the Vietnamese language deeply.
As of today, around 70 million people speak Vietnamese in Vietnam (where it is the official language) and in other parts of the world. Since it is near countries like Laos, Cambodia, China, and Thailand, there are some unique similarities in terms of their languages. Historically speaking, there are also French words that you can here in Vietnam as the country was colonized by France back in 1877.
Regarding the nature of the language, Vietnamese belongs to the Viet-Muong group of the Vietic branch of the Mon-Khmer language family. It is, therefore, one of the Austroasiatic language stock. With a total of 329,569 square kilometers, it is not surprising to know that there are numerous dialects and tonal differences in the Vietnamese language, depending on the region.
The Vietnamese language characterizes itself with various tones, differentiating words with similar consonants and vowels, using modifiers instead of affixes to indicate the tense of verb forms, and using word order to express the syntactic relationship between different words to one. Speaking of which, it may seem a bit tough for non-speakers to grasp the essentials quickly. Nevertheless, it is not impossible to learn. With basic vocab, proverbs, and expressions for daily life, you can easily earn respect and love of the locals.
Ready to learn more? Keep reading below!
7+ Essential Vietnamese Proverbs
As we know, proverbs are phrases that hold a special meaning for native speakers. More often than not, non-native speakers may find proverbs confusing or meaningless if they do not have a basic grasp of the language and the colloquial meanings. The following sayings will not only give you an idea of the Vietnamese culture but also proffer lessons relatable to all worldwide. Make sure you learn them thoroughly to speak Vietnamese fluently.
1. Một ngày đi du lịch sẽ mang theo một giỏ đầy học hỏi
Translation: A day of traveling will bring a basket full of learning
Also known as Đi một ngày đàng học một sàng khôn, this means that one must go out of their comfort zone to learn new and unique things. Perfect to use with your friends who feel insecure about their skills, right?
2. Thùng rỗng tạo ra tiếng ồn lớn
Translation: Empty barrels make loud noises
Similar to English, this means that the person with the least knowledge is usually the loudest.
3. Con trâu béo sẽ hấp dẫn con trâu gầy
Translation: The fat buffalo will attract the lean buffalo
This expression suggests that successful people will always influence beginners and naive.
4. Cây tre non dễ uốn.
Translation: Young bamboo trees are easy to bend
The Vietnamese proverb Cây tre non dễ uốn means the young hearts are easy to bend or influence toward god, but the strong ones of the old can easily escape the tyranny of lies.
5. Thà ăn mặn nói thật còn hơn ăn chay nói dối.
Translation: Better to eat salty food and tell the truth than to lie and eat like a vegetarian
This one means that it is better to tell the truth than spread lies. After all, we have to remember that lies have a way of coming back to haunt us.
6. Tốt hơn một hòa bình nhẹ nhàng hơn là một chiến thắng béo bở
Translation: Better a lean peace than a fat victory
This Vietnamese proverb means that it is better to have a bad type of peace than to fight or quarrel with other people. To put it simply, this means peace over war.
7. Một khuôn mặt công bằng có thể che giấu một trái tim xấu
Translation: A fair face may hide a foul heart
Also known as Khẩu phật tâm xà, this proverb is mainly used by parents to educate their children. It simply says to don’t judge a book by its cover.
8. Đừng hắt hủi cơm nguội; cảm giác đói giúp bạn ăn ngay cả thức ăn đã hỏng
Translation: Don’t spurn cold rice; hunger helps you eat even food that has gone bad
This Vietnamese proverb says that one should value even the smallest and useless things like rice that have gone bad or cold. Because once the time comes, even cold rice becomes the savior of the starving lot.
9. Nếu bạn không làm việc, bạn sẽ không ăn
Translation: If you won’t work, you shan’t eat
This one is often used as a reminder to young people. It says that one who is lazy and does not work should not be given food to eat because they do not earn it. If they don’t work, don’t let them eat!
10. Khi ăn trái cây, hãy nghĩ đến người đã trồng cây.
Translation: When eating a fruit, think of the person who planted the tree
This Vietnamese proverb, also known a Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây, means that you have to be thankful for what you have. It reminds us to appreciate the process that led to the result.
11. Khi ăn nhai kỹ
Translation: When eating, chew well.
This proverb means that one should always think before speaking, just like how one chews to help the food digest well.
Other Vietnamese Proverbs And Expressions You Should Know
Why Vietnamese Proverbs?
Now that you have covered all the critical Vietnamese proverbs, the only thing left to do is practice regularly. Practicing these has helped most learners gain a stronger understanding of the language. After all, the proverbs we shared above can help us learn more about the perceptions and values taught in Vietnamese society. It will also pave the way for you to understand the sayings of the locals and allow you to start your learning with cool expressions.
However, this is not the end. Want to become an expert in Vietnamese? It is important to dig more into the words and culture of the language. And to do that, Ling App is here to help you!
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The best part of learning with Ling is that the content is always full of valuable videos and audio recordings, making learning fun and entertaining. Thus, if you are willing to become a fast learner, start learning Vietnamese with Ling without delay. Just download the app in the PlayStore and AppStore and experience the joy of learning new languages daily. Enjoy with Ling!
