If you are planning to visit Vietnam, learning some basic Vietnamese phrases can make your trip more enjoyable. The official language of Vietnam is Vietnamese, and while many people may speak English in the major cities, knowing a few key phrases can help you navigate your way around the country and communicate with locals who may not speak English. In this article, we will cover some of the essential Vietnamese phrases that every traveler should know.
Understanding Basic Vietnamese Phrases
Vietnamese is a tonal language, meaning that the tone or pitch of a word can change its meaning. There are six different tones in Vietnamese, which can be challenging for non-native speakers to master. However, with practice, it is possible to become proficient in the language.
About basic Vietnamese phrases and most frequently used Vietnamese words. You can start learning Vietnamese with these words. Here are some basic Vietnamese phrases that you can use when traveling in Vietnam:
- Xin chào (sin chow) – Hello
- Cám ơn (kam’ on) – Thank you
- Xin lỗi (sin loi) – Excuse me/I’m sorry
- Tôi không hiểu (toy kong hew) – I don’t understand
- Bao nhiêu tiền? (bah-oh nyew tee-un) – How much does it cost?
- Tôi muốn (toy mwuhn) – I want
- Có phòng trống không? (koh fohng trawng kohng) – Do you have any available rooms?
- Cho tôi một bản đồ (cho toy mot ban do) – Please give me a map
- Tôi cần một tài xế (toy kahn mot tai say) – I need a driver
- Nơi nào là địa điểm du lịch phổ biến? (noy nao lah dee-uh dyuhm doo lich phuh-bian) – Where are the popular tourist attractions?
Addressing people
For Vietnamese people it is important to use the correct form of address than signifies your age and relationship to the person you are speaking to. In general, when talking to someone younger than you you may call them “Em”, or if you think you are younger than them you may call yourself ‘Em’ and use a range of pronouns based on the other person’s gender and age.
As a traveller however it is acceptable to ‘cheat’ and use a generic ‘Tôi’ for ‘I’ and ‘Ban’ for ‘Friend’, rather than finding the correct form of address – this is not disrespectful and will help you make yourself understood.
Basic Vocabulary
You may find some of the following vocabulary useful for forming simple sentences:
Comparing Basic Vietnamese Phrases with Other Languages
While Vietnamese may be challenging for non-native speakers to learn, it is not impossible. In fact, many people find that learning Vietnamese can be easier than other languages like Mandarin or Japanese, which also use tonal inflections.
Compared to English, Vietnamese has a different sentence structure and uses different pronouns. For example, instead of saying “I want” in English, in Vietnamese, you would say “Tôi muốn.” Vietnamese also has a more formal way of addressing people, which can take some getting used to for English speakers.
Advices for Learning Basic Vietnamese Phrases
If you are planning to travel to Vietnam, it is a good idea to start learning some basic Vietnamese phrases before you go. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Practice regularly: Like any language, the key to becoming proficient in Vietnamese is to practice regularly. Set aside time each day to study and review your vocabulary and grammar.
Listen to native speakers: One of the best ways to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. Listen to Vietnamese music or podcasts and try to pick up on the pronunciation and intonation.
Use flashcards: Flashcards can be a useful tool for memorizing vocabulary words and phrases. Write the phrase in Vietnamese on one side and its English translation on the other, then quiz yourself until you can remember them all.
Find a language exchange partner: A language exchange partner is someone who speaks Vietnamese and wants to learn English. You can practice speaking with them and they can help correct your pronunciation and grammar.
Take a course: If you are serious about learning Vietnamese, consider taking a course either online or in person. A course will provide structured learning and the opportunity to practice with a teacher and other students.
Conclusion
Learning some basic Vietnamese phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience in Vietnam. By familiarizing yourself with common greetings, ordering food and drinks, and asking for directions, you can communicate more effectively with locals and gain a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese culture. While learning Vietnamese may seem challenging at first, with practice and dedication, you can become proficient in this beautiful language.
FAQS
Q: Is it necessary to learn Vietnamese when visiting Vietnam?
A: No, it is not necessary to learn Vietnamese when visiting Vietnam as many people speak English. However, knowing some basic Vietnamese phrases can greatly enhance your experience and help you communicate with locals who may not speak English.
Q: How long does it take to learn Vietnamese?
A: The length of time it takes to learn Vietnamese will vary depending on your level of commitment and prior language learning experience. With regular study and practice, you may be able to become proficient in basic Vietnamese phrases within a few weeks or months.
Q: What are some common mistakes non-native speakers make when learning Vietnamese?
A: Some common mistakes include mispronouncing tones, using the wrong pronoun, and incorrect word order in sentences. It is important to practice regularly and seek feedback from a native speaker or teacher.
Q: Can I practice speaking Vietnamese with a language exchange partner online?
A: Yes, there are many language exchange websites and apps available where you can connect with Vietnamese speakers and practice speaking with them online.
Q: Are there any resources available for learning Vietnamese?
A: Yes, there are many resources available for learning Vietnamese, including textbooks, online courses, apps, and language exchange programs.
