Basic Vietnamese words and Phrases to learn for your Trip to Vietnam

Learning some basic Vietnamese phrases can dramatically increase your experience of Vietnam.

Traveling to Vietnam is an adventure filled with rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. Having experienced this incredible country myself, I can tell you firsthand that the experience becomes even more meaningful when you can connect with locals through their language. It’s a gateway to deeper conversations, authentic moments, and a richer understanding of Vietnam’s beauty.

The History of Vietnamese

The Vietnamese language has a rich history rooted in the Austroasiatic language family. Vietnamese was shaped by various cultural and historical influences, notably the Chinese during their thousand-year rule starting in 111 BCE.

In the 19th century, French colonial rule brought further changes with the introduction of the Latin-based Quốc Ngữ script.

Post-independence, Vietnamese continued to evolve and is now the official language of Vietnam, spoken by the majority of the population. The language’s global presence has also grown through the Vietnamese diaspora in countries like the United States, Australia, and France. Despite these external influences, Vietnamese has maintained its distinct linguistic identity.

Do you have to speak Vietnamese when you are in Vietnam?

Many people ask if you need to know Vietnamese to travel to Vietnam. The short answer to that is: no.

You don’t need to use any Vietnamese in tourist spots like Hanoi, Ho Chi Min, Da Nang (etc), so you can get around quite easily without using any Vietnamese.  But nothing beats the smiles you get when you speak a bit of the local language.

However, learning a few basic Vietnamese phrases can make your adventure so much smoother and way more enjoyable! Plus, it shows respect for the culture and makes your travel experience way more authentic.

PDF of Vietnamese Cheatsheet

I have included a PDF of a table that includes all of the following phrases below. Feel free to save it or print it out to bring it on your journey!

Useful Vietnamese Phrases to Know

It’s always a nice touch to learn some essential Vietnamese phrases that every traveler should know. From ordering street food, asking for directions, or just saying “hello,” these phrases will help you connect with locals and make your trip unforgettable.

The Basics

This is a small list of the most useful phrases to know in Vietnamese!

Restaurant

Vietnam is known for its amazing food! You can make the

Flirting

A harmless compliment and some flirting never hurt anyone. Compliment some locals and see what it can do for you! Or impress some travelers with your skills.

Bargaining

Shopping and bargaining are essential parts of Asian culture, especially in Vietnam. Knowing how to bargain is a trained skill, and the people here will definitely put you to the test.

Numbers

Key Differences Between Vietnamese and English

The first thing to note about Vietnamese is how different it is from English – from pronunciation to grammar.

Vietnamese uses the same alphabet as English, however, there are a few fundamental differences that are important for learning, understanding, and speaking Vietnamese.

Vietnamese is a Tonal Language

Vietnamese is a tonal language with six tones (in Northern Vietnamese) or five (in Southern Vietnamese). This means the pitch or intonation can change the meaning of a word. For example, “ma” can mean “ghost,” “mother,” or “rice seedling,” depending on the tone.

The Key to Vietnamese Pronunciation

The Vietnamese has many unique sounds not found in English, such as “ng” at the beginning of a word (like “người” for “person”). It also uses a lot of diacritical marks, which are critical for pronunciation and meaning.

Vietnamese Grammar

Vietnamese does not have verb conjugations or plural forms. Instead, context and word order play a significant role. Additionally, there’s no distinction between masculine and feminine forms.

Word Order in Vietnamese

Vietnamese follows a Subject-Verb-Object word order, similar to English.

Tips for Learning or Understanding Vietnamese

Tips for learning Vietnamese are much the same as learning any other language, but here are a few I can pass on:

Start with Common Phrases

Begin with everyday phrases that you’ll use often. This helps you get accustomed to the rhythm and tone of the language. The cheat sheet included in this post is a very good place to start with common phrases!

Use Visual Aid

Flashcards with both the word and its tone mark can help reinforce correct pronunciation and photos of the translation. I also enjoy having phrases written out in English and describing how they should be pronounced.

Immerse Yourself

Listen to Vietnamese music, watch movies, or try speaking with native speakers. Immersion is key to picking up the nuances.

Learn Basic Grammar

While grammar isn’t as complex as some languages, understanding sentence structure and word order will help you form your own sentences.

Practice Regularly

Consistency is crucial. Practice a little every day, whether through apps, language partners, or just speaking to yourself.

Be Patient and Persistent

Learning a new language takes time, especially one as different from English as Vietnamese. Stay motivated by setting small, achievable goals.

Conclusion

Even knowing just a few of these words makes a huge difference when conversing with Vietnamese locals or just navigating the country. I have included PDFs of each section and one master sheet if you like having it all in one place like me. For you to keep and use on your journeys! Enjoy your travels.

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