Vocabulary You Need To Know For A Trip To Vietnam

Xin chao ! How are you? You’re about to set foot on Vietnamese soil and want to learn a few linguistic basics. In this article, you'll find basic expressions and some useful words to help you choose the best restaurants!

Warning: The Vietnamese language is monosyllabic and tonal, which can sometimes lead to amusing situations. Don’t worry, these experiences will only make your memories even more cheerful! Second warning: We’ve tried to write the pronunciation in a French way. We are not responsible for any awkward situations that may arise.

The Daily Vietnamese Glossary Vietnamese people love talking about everything happening around them. Therefore, it’s quite easy to start a conversation with locals. By showing a friendly smile and polite gestures, you’ll likely make more Vietnamese friends, who will support you when you need it. Below are some of the most common expressions and phrases you may encounter in daily conversations in Vietnam.

1. Everyday Vietnamese Expressions Vietnamese people enjoy talking about everything that happens around them, so it’s easy to strike up a conversation. A friendly smile and polite gestures will help you make friends, who will support you when you need it. Below are some of the most basic expressions and phrases you might encounter in daily Vietnamese conversations.
2. Numbers Counting to 10 is essential when learning a new language. In Vietnam, this is particularly important because the currency, the Dong, requires knowledge of thousands and millions! Don’t worry, the structure of numbers is as simple as English number constructions.
3. Days of the Week Let’s continue with something practical: if you understand our numbers, you’ll have no trouble learning the days of the week. The days are named after the numbers in increasing order, starting from two, except for Wednesday and Sunday.

Tourism Glossary This is highly recommended for large cities such as Saigon and Hanoi. It can be easy to get lost in the many alleyways of these two metropolises. Locals, especially taxi drivers and motorbike taxis (recognizable by their green Grab uniforms, Vietnam’s Uber), will help you find your way without any problem.

Shopping Glossary Here’s a topic that can sometimes be annoying: bargaining. It’s a cultural practice here, and let’s be honest, prices tend to rise when foreigners are involved. Here are a few words that can help you start negotiations and surprise the vendor with their own game!

Vietnamese Food Glossary Food is the soul of Vietnamese culture, and street food plays a big part. It’s quite simple: street kitchens or small restaurants usually serve just one specialty, so you can refer to the signs to make the best choice.

Listen and Smile These few words will help you in your Vietnamese adventures. However, a local guide remains the best option for certain experiences or tourist sites, such as trekking in the mountains with overnight stays at local homes or visiting the Imperial City of Hue. Let’s be honest, English is not our strength!