Travelling to Vietnam? Even knowing a few Vietnamese phrases can completely change your experience. Vietnamese is a tonal language—how a word is pronounced affects its meaning—but don’t let that intimidate you. You don’t need to be fluent to navigate a new city, build local connections, or enjoy street food like a pro.
This guide walks you through over 25 essential Vietnamese expressions. Whether you’re visiting for the first time, living as an expat, or just starting to explore the language, these phrases will make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
Common Vietnamese Greetings & Polite Expressions
Vietnamese culture places a high value on courtesy and formality, particularly when meeting someone for the first time or speaking with elders. Starting your conversation with the right greeting makes a strong first impression.
Basic Greetings
To say hello, use “Xin chào” (sin chow) — it’s appropriate in nearly every setting. For casual conversations with peers or friends, “Chào bạn” (chow ban) is friendlier and more relaxed. When leaving, “Tạm biệt” (tam byet) works as a universal way to say goodbye.
These greetings form the foundation of social etiquette. Even if your vocabulary is limited, starting an interaction with a warm hello goes a long way.
Politeness & Courtesy
Courtesy phrases like “Cảm ơn” (gahm uhn) for thank you, “Làm ơn” (lahm uhn) for please, and “Xin lỗi” (sin loy) for sorry or excuse me are indispensable. You’ll use them at restaurants, in taxis, and even when you accidentally bump into someone in a busy market.
Using polite language isn’t just about being nice—it reflects respect for Vietnamese culture. For instance, when asking someone for help or directions, starting with “Làm ơn” softens your request and makes the other person more likely to respond positively.
To understand more about social expectations and greetings, check out our blog: 5 Essential Ways to Say ‘Hello’ in Vietnamese.
Essential Travel Phrases
Getting around Vietnam is straightforward when you know what to say. These travel phrases are practical and often come in handy, especially if you’re exploring outside major tourist zones where English isn’t widely spoken.
Asking for Directions
Asking for the restroom? Say “Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?” (nah veh sin uh dow). If you’re completely lost or need directions, “Làm ơn chỉ đường cho tôi” (Lahm uhn chee duong chaw toy) is a respectful and clear way to ask someone to show you the way. If you’re in distress or have wandered too far, simply say “Tôi bị lạc” (toy bee lahk) — I’m lost.
Vietnamese cities can be a maze for new visitors. Knowing these key expressions can keep your adventure on track and lower stress when navigating unfamiliar areas. If you’re planning to explore local towns and need more confidence in communication, our Vietnamese language courses offer hands-on speaking practice.
Ordering Food & Drinks
Whether you’re eating at a high-end restaurant or a roadside food stall, these phrases are gold. To get the menu, say “Cho tôi menu” (chaw toy menu). If you’re not a fan of spicy food, don’t forget to request “Không cay, làm ơn” (kohng kai, lahm uhn). When you’re finished, ask for the bill with “Tính tiền, làm ơn” (tinh tien, lahm uhn).
These small interactions add comfort to your travel. Plus, locals often appreciate the effort you make in using their language—even more so when you’re ordering a beloved national dish like bún bò Huế or bánh mì.
Numbers & Shopping Phrases
Vietnamese markets are lively, and bargaining is a common part of shopping. Understanding numbers and basic negotiation phrases will help you get fair prices and avoid overpaying.
Counting in Vietnamese
Learn to count from one to five with:
- Một (moht) – One
- Hai (hi) – Two
- Ba (bah) – Three
- Bốn (bohn) – Four
- Năm (num) – Five
It’s worth mastering numbers up to ten, especially if you plan on shopping or negotiating prices. Numbers are also frequently used in daily interactions, from hotel room numbers to street addresses.
Shopping Phrases
When browsing at markets or shops, ask “Bao nhiêu tiền?” (bow nyew tien) — How much is this? If the price seems steep, try “Giảm giá được không?” (zam zah dur khong), a polite way to request a discount. To complete a purchase, say “Tôi muốn mua cái này” (toy muon mua kai nai) — I want to buy this.
If you’re unsure about local pricing norms or market etiquette, we cover shopping culture in our blog: Vietnamese Market Shopping Tips for Tourists.
Emergency Phrases
These phrases are essential, especially in urgent or unexpected situations. If you’re in danger or need help, shout “Cứu tôi!” (kew toy). In case of criminal activity or emergencies, use “Gọi cảnh sát!” (goy canh sat). If you’re feeling unwell or witness an accident, “Tôi cần bác sĩ” (toy can bak si) lets others know you need medical assistance.
Even though we hope you’ll never need to use them, memorising these phrases is a smart safety move. It’s also a good idea to save emergency numbers on your phone before travelling.
Romantic & Social Expressions
If you’re looking to build friendships—or something more—these expressions will help you connect on a deeper level.
Love & Dating Phrases
To say “I love you,” a man says “Anh yêu em” (ahn yew em) and a woman says “Em yêu anh” (em yew ahn). If you’re missing someone, say “Em nhớ anh” (em nyuh ahn) or “Anh nhớ em” depending on your gender.
Romantic phrases in Vietnamese often carry emotional weight, and locals appreciate sincerity. These are best used when there’s a real connection or affection behind the words.
Want to express your feelings properly? Don’t miss our full blog: How to Say ‘I Love You’ in Vietnamese.
Friendly Expressions
Making friends starts with the right question. Try “Chúng ta làm bạn nhé?” (choong ta lam ban nyeh) — Can we be friends? To check on someone’s well-being, say “Bạn khoẻ không?” (ban kweh khong). And when someone shares good news, “Chúc mừng!” (chook moong) is how you say congratulations.
These expressions are casual yet respectful. They help break the ice and build new connections—whether you’re meeting fellow travellers or locals.
Vietnamese Slang & Informal Phrases
Once you’re comfortable with basic expressions, it’s fun to add a few informal or slang phrases to sound more natural. Slang is often used among friends or in casual settings, and while not always appropriate in formal conversations, it’s key to understanding how people actually speak day to day.
The word “Ờ” (uh) is a simple filler—used like “uh-huh” or “yeah” in English when acknowledging someone. “Chém gió” (chem zhaw) literally means “wind slashing,” but colloquially it refers to someone who exaggerates or “talks big.” It’s a playful way to tease a friend who may be stretching the truth. And when you’re shocked, excited, or frustrated, “Trời ơi!” (choy oi)—which means “Oh my God!”—is a common emotional outburst.
Understanding these phrases lets you follow casual conversations and interact with locals on a more personal level. They also help you decode the humour and rhythm of daily life in Vietnam, making your experience feel much more immersive.
Pronunciation Tips & Language Structure
Understanding Vietnamese Tones
Vietnamese is a tonal language with six tones. The same word can have completely different meanings depending on the tone used. For example, the syllable “ma” can mean ghost, cheek, but, tomb, horse, or young rice seedling, all depending on pitch and intonation.
Getting the tones right is critical. Even small tone changes can confuse native speakers or change a sentence’s meaning. Practising with audio recordings or, better yet, a native speaker can help you internalise the tonal differences.
If you’re serious about mastering pronunciation, check out our SkillsFuture Vietnamese Course, which focuses heavily on tones and practical communication.
Sentence Structure
Vietnamese follows a subject–verb–object (SVO) structure, just like English. For example: “Tôi ăn cơm” means “I eat rice,” with Tôi (I) as the subject, ăn (eat) as the verb, and cơm (rice) as the object.
Because of this familiar structure, forming simple sentences in Vietnamese is less intimidating than it seems. Many Vietnamese words are also monosyllabic, which simplifies pronunciation for beginners—though tone still plays a huge role in clarity.
Best Ways to Learn & Practise Vietnamese Phrases
The most effective way to learn Vietnamese is through regular, real-world use. Immersion helps you pick up vocabulary, pronunciation, and intonation naturally. If you’re in Vietnam, use new phrases in shops, taxis, and cafes. Don’t worry about making mistakes—locals usually appreciate the effort.
Digital tools can also play a strong supporting role. Language apps like Duolingo and LingoDeer are great for building core vocabulary and phrases, especially for beginners. Watching Vietnamese TV shows or YouTube channels with subtitles can train your ear to recognise tones and native speed.
If you’re outside Vietnam or prefer a structured environment, try joining an online course or taking a trial class. At Vietnamese Explorer, we offer both in-person and remote classes for every level, with native instructors who focus on real-world conversation skills, not just textbook grammar.
Practising just 15–20 minutes a day—whether through flashcards, listening exercises, or speaking with a partner—can accelerate your progress significantly. Keep a notebook of new phrases, use voice recording tools to mimic native speakers, and speak out loud even if no one’s listening. The key is consistent exposure and use.
Conclusion
Just picking up a few Vietnamese phrases can make a real difference. Whether you’re visiting, studying, or settling in long-term, speaking even a little of the local language shows respect—and locals notice that. It’s not just about getting around more easily. It’s about having real conversations, connecting with people, and making everyday moments feel a little more effortless and a lot more meaningful.
We’ve covered over 25 of the most useful Vietnamese phrases—from greetings and emergency responses to shopping slang and social expressions. These aren’t just words—they’re tools that help you navigate Vietnam with more confidence and less stress. Learning them isn’t about being perfect; it’s about trying, connecting, and showing you care.
Want to go further? Visit our Vietnamese Explorer to discover full language programmes, one-on-one coaching, and cultural orientation services. Or browse more useful blogs like:
Every phrase you learn is one step closer to feeling at home in Vietnam. So go ahead—say Xin chào, and see where it takes you.
