Vietnam Travel Tips: Useful Phrases in Vietnamese

Although English has been increasingly spoken in Vietnam, many Vietnamese are unaccustomed to using this foreign language on a daily basis. Getting to know some simple phrases in Vietnamese, therefore, could become fairly useful to you when traveling to this beautiful country, especially when you want to have local experience in off-the-beaten-path places. Have a look at some Vietnamese phrases for travelers to Vietnam.

Overview of the Vietnamese Language

Unlike many other Asian languages including Chinese and Japanese which are generally based on symbols, Vietnamese is an interesting combination of Latin alphabet and additional diacritics for certain letters. There are 29 characters, 6 tones, and 5 tone marks in total. Vietnamese vocabulary today has been partially developed from Chinese, which is a result of several centuries being under the Chinese occupation. Vietnamese speakers could be found in several parts of the world ranging from Southeast Asia to North America and Western Europe due to the Vietnamese emigration during the Vietnam War, making Vietnamese become one of the most spoken languages in the world.

Simple Phrases in Vietnamese

Knowing some Vietnamese phrases could greatly give you a decent chance to have an insight view of Vietnamese culture as well as avoid unwanted misunderstandings and frustrations during your trip to Vietnam. Some simple phrases could also make it possible for you to have more effective interaction with locals, helping you avoid being overcharged when coming to tourist attractions. Here are some simple phrases in Vietnamese that you might need in your Vietnam travel.

Vietnamese words for addressing people

Greetings in Vietnamese

How to Ask for Directions in Vietnamese

For more information on Vietnamese transportation, check out Vietnamese Transportation and Getting around Ho Chi Minh City.

Number System in Vietnamese

Useful Vietnamese Phrases when Dining and Ordering

For more foods and drinks recommendation, check out our What to Expect on Your Ho Chi Minh Food Tours, Vietnamese Street Foods You Should Try, and Must-try Vietnamese Drinks.

Useful Vietnamese Phrases for Shopping

For more information on what to buy, check out our What to Buy in Hanoi and What to Buy in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

Compliments and Expression in Vietnamese

Wishes and Blessings

Summary of Simple Phrases in Vietnam

Vietnamese is not particularly difficult for foreigners to learn some simple phrases as its alphabet is based on Latin alphabet which is used in English and many Western languages. Getting to know some Vietnamese phrases seems to be the most efficient way to gain a fulfilling experience in your Vietnam trip.

Read more on 50 Fun Facts about Vietnam and Top-rated Ho Chi Minh City Tours.