Common Vietnamese Words & Phrases – The Basics
The Basic Common Vietnamese Words & Phrases
(by Local Buddy Tours Vietnam)
When traveling around Vietnam, learning a few simple local words can make your experience so much more fun! You’ll see how quickly a friendly “xin chào” or “cảm ơn” earns you a warm smile from locals.
Here’s a little guide from your Local Buddy team to help you connect with Vietnam — not just through sights, but through words.
👋 1. Hello – Xin chào
Pronunciation: zin chow
“Xin chào” is your go-to greeting for almost any situation.
Want to be extra polite? Say:
“Chào anh” for a man (like “Hello, Mr.”)
“Chào chị” for a woman (like “Hello, Ms.”)
👫 Greeting tip:
In Vietnam, men often shake hands with a small nod, while women smile and nod politely. In the countryside, you might see people bow slightly with hands clasped — it’s our way of showing respect.
So next time you cycle through a village and someone greets you with a bright smile — don’t be shy! Smile back and say, “Xin chào!” 😊
🙏 2. Thank you – Cảm ơn
Pronunciation: gahm un
Use this simple phrase often — Vietnamese people really appreciate it. You can say “Cảm ơn bạn” (Thank you, friend) for extra warmth.
🙂 3. Please – Vui lòng
Pronunciation: voo lawng
Add “vui lòng” at the end of your sentence to sound polite.
Example: “Cho tôi nước, vui lòng.” → “Water, please.”
🙇 4. Excuse me
Two useful ways to say it:
Xin lỗi (sin loy) → when you bump into someone or need to apologize.
Em ơi (em oy) → when you want to get someone’s attention, like calling a waiter or vendor.
💡 Local tip: In cafes or restaurants, just say “Em ơi!” with a smile — it’s perfectly polite and very common!
👍 5. Yes – Dạ
Pronunciation: yah
A polite and soft way to say yes. It’s often said with a little nod.
🚫 6. No – Không
Pronunciation: khom (like “comb,” but with a stronger K sound).
You can also gently wave your hand to signal “no, thank you.”
🤝 7. Nice to meet you – Rất vui được gặp bạn
Pronunciation: rut voo-ee duke gup ban
This is a warm and friendly way to meet someone new. Vietnamese people often use family titles in conversation — so you might hear “rất vui được gặp anh/chị” depending on who you’re talking to.
👋 8. Goodbye – Tạm biệt
Pronunciation: taam bee-et
A simple “Tạm biệt” works anywhere — leaving a café, saying goodbye to your guide, or parting ways with new friends.
🌸 9. Beautiful – Đẹp
Pronunciation: dep
This one’s essential!
You can say “Đẹp quá!” (So beautiful!) — perfect for complimenting scenery, people, or even food.
🚴 You’ll definitely use this word a lot on our Hoi An Countryside & Ocean Road Bike Tour — from the lush rice fields to sunset views by the sea!
🍜 Food & Drinks: How to Order Like a Local
🍽️ 10. Enjoy your meal – Chúc ngon miệng
Pronunciation: chook ngon meeyeng
Say this before eating — it’s our “Bon Appétit!”
😋 11. Delicious – Ngon
Pronunciation: ngon
You’ll hear this all the time.
Try saying “Ngon quá!” when something tastes amazing — it’ll make your chef smile!
🍷 12. Wine – Rượu
Pronunciation: ru-u
🍺 13. Beer – Bia
Pronunciation: bee-uh
🎉 When sharing drinks with locals, get ready for a cheerful “Một, Hai, Ba, Dzô!” (One, Two, Three, Cheers!)
☕ 14. Coffee – Cà phê
Pronunciation: cah-feh
Vietnamese coffee culture is a world of its own! Here’s how to order:
Cà phê đen: black coffee
Cà phê sữa: coffee with sweet condensed milk
Cà phê nóng: hot coffee
Cà phê đá: iced coffee
And don’t miss our favorite: Cà phê trứng (egg coffee) — creamy, rich, and totally unforgettable.
💛 Tip from our Hoi An buddies: Grab an egg coffee at a riverside café at sunset — pure magic.
💧 15. Water, please – Cho tôi nước, vui lòng
Pronunciation: cho toy nook, voo-y lawng
💵 16. Check, please – Tính tiền, vui lòng
Pronunciation: tinh tien, voo-y lawng
🥢 17. I would like ___, please – Tôi muốn ___, vui lòng
Pronunciation: toy muon ___, voo-y lawng
Example: “Tôi muốn phở, vui lòng.” → “I’d like a bowl of pho, please.”
🥂 18. 1, 2, 3, Cheers! – Một, Hai, Ba, Dzô!
Pronunciation: mot, hi, bah, zoh!
This is one of the happiest sounds you’ll hear in Vietnam — everyone raising their glasses and shouting “Dzô!” with big smiles.
❤️ Final Local Buddy Tip
Learning just a few Vietnamese phrases goes a long way.
Even a simple “Xin chào” or “Cảm ơn” shows respect and openness — and locals will love you for trying.
At Local Buddy Tours Vietnam, our guides love helping guests practice Vietnamese on the go — whether at a village market, a coffee shop, or a countryside rice field.
So next time you visit Vietnam, bring your curiosity (and a few of these words). You’ll not only see the country — you’ll truly connect with it. 🌾
