Although many Vietnamese people can speak English, it does not mean that everyone can, so if foreigners can know a little Vietnamese, they will feel easier when living, studying or working in Vietnam! Especially, if you can use some common phrases in Vietnamese, local people will love you more because Vietnamese people are very hospitable and friendly.
Let’s take a look at some common phrases used in Vietnamese with Jellyfish!
1. Useful Vietnamese phrases for greetings
Vietnamese greeting phrases that you definitely know when staying in Vietnam, even if you are just a tourist and living here for a short time.
Here are some of the most common Vietnamese phrases in greetings for your reference:
| (Vietnamese) | (English) |
| Xin chào | Hello |
| Chào + pronoun | Hello |
| Bạn nói được tiếng Anh không? | Can you speak English? |
| Bạn bao nhiêu tuổi? | How old are you? |
| Bạn tên là gì? | What’s your name? |
| Cảm ơn | Thank you! |
| Xin lỗi | Sorry! |
| Mời vào | Come in! |
| Tạm biệt | Goodbye |
| Alo | Hello (on the phone) |
| Gặp lại sau nhé | See you later! |
| Bạn khỏe không? | How are you? |
| Giữ gìn sức khỏe nhé! | Take care! |
If you plan to travel to or live in Vietnam, you should get acquainted with these common Vietnamese phrases as you will likely use them very often while staying here!
See more: How to say hello in vietnamese language
2. Useful Vietnamese phrases to introduce yourself
Introducing yourself is also one of the most basic and prominent topics in Vietnam, especially for foreigners who have just arrived in Vietnam or have just transferred for work.
- Tôi tên là/Tên của tôi là + your name: I’m…./My name is….
- Tôi + age + tuổi: I’m …. years old
- Tôi đến từ + country: I’m from …..
- Tôi là người + country: I’m…. (Tôi là người Việt Nam: I’m Vietnamese)
- Tôi là + career: I’m + career (Tôi là giáo viên: I’m a teacher)
- Tôi thích + hobby: I like + …. (Tôi thích đọc sách: I like reading).
See more: How to introduce yourself in vietnamese
3. Using Vietnamese phrases to give directions
Here is a list of common phrases and sentences used to ask and give directions:
| Vietnamese | English |
| Ở đâu? | Where? |
| Tên địa điểm + ở đâu? Examples: Bến xe bus ở đâu? Máy ATM ở đâu? | Where…..? (Where is the bus station?) (Where is the ATM?) |
| Có xa đây không? | Is it far from here? |
| Đi tới đó bằng cách nào? | How can I get there? |
| Đi thẳng | Go straight! |
| Rẽ trái | Turn – Left |
| Rẽ phải | Turn – right |
| Chậm lại | Slow down |
| Phía sau | Behind |
| Dừng lại | Stop |
| Phía trước | Ahead |
4. Using Vietnamese phrases to go shopping – Vietnamese phrases to know
Here are some Vietnamese phrases/sentences used to go shopping that you should know:
| Vietnamese | English |
| Cái này bao nhiêu tiền? | How much is it? |
| Tôi muốn mua nó | I want to buy it |
| Cái này có bán không? | Do you buy it? |
| Đắt quá/Đắt thế | Too expensive |
| Giảm giá cho tôi được không | Go straight! |
| Rẽ trái | Turn – Left |
| Rẽ phải | Turn – right |
| Chậm lại | Slow down |
| Phía sau | Behind |
5. Basic Vietnamese conversation phrases in eateries, restaurants
In Vietnam, there are tons of famous dishes such as: Pho, Bun cha, spring roll, bread, pancake,etc. It will be insufficient if you come to Vietnam without enjoying these dishes. In order to be more proactive when visiting and enjoying food, you should know some common Vietnamese phrases used in eateries and restaurants.
Here are some Vietnamese phrases, sentences you should know when coming to the eateries, restaurants:
| Vietnamese | English |
| Cho tôi xin menu được không? | May I have the menu? |
| Không đường | No sugar |
| Ngon quá! | Very Delicious! |
| Tôi muốn gọi món | I would like to order |
| Đồ ăn | Food |
| Em ơi | Excuse me |
| Đồ uống | Drinks |
| Tính tiền/thanh toán | Check bill, please |
6. Useful Vietnamese phrases in emergency circumstances
In addition to Vietnamese phrases that are frequently used in daily life, you should also know Vietnamese phrases/sentences used in emergency circumstances.
Despite the fact that it is not used generally, these Vietnamese phrases cannot be ignored.
| Vietnamese | English |
| Cứu | Help |
| Tôi bị ốm | I am sick |
| Tôi cần đi bệnh viện | I need to go to the hospital |
| Tôi bị cướp | I was robbed |
| Gọi cảnh sát | Call the police |
| Cháy! | Fire! |
| Tôi bị mất hộ chiếu | I lost my Passport |
| Túi của tôi bị trộm | My bag got stolen |
Above is a summary of the most common Vietnamese phrases and sentences that you should know.
Hope this article provides you with useful information!
In general, these phrases are also very simple, right? However, just by learning these individual phrases, you will not be able to talk to Vietnamese people. So if you really want to communicate with Vietnamese people or live and work, learn Vietnamese culture, find yourself a suitable Vietnamese language center!
>>See more: Vietnamese teacher for foreigner
For more information about the Vietnamese Language Program for foreigners, please contact us at the following information:
Jellyfish Education Vietnam – Hotline: 0961.275.006
