How to Say 'Hello' in Vietnamese and Common Phrases Like a Local

Greetings play a significant role in Vietnamese culture. There's an often-said phrase passed down through generations: "Lời chào cao hơn mâm cỗ" (A greeting is higher than a tray of banquet food). If you're planning to travel to Vietnam, learning some basic expressions in the local language can be very helpful. Knowing how to say hello in Vietnamese not only enhances your experience but also shows respect to the locals.

In this article, we will cover essential Vietnamese words and common phrases for greeting and comunicate people. Let's begin with the most fundamental phrase: "Xin chào".

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 20-01-2025

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Hello in Vietnamese - Xin chào!

The easiest way to greet a Vietnamese person is to say "Xin chào" /seen ciao/, which means "Hello" in English. Tourists prefer this greeting because it is short and easy to pronounce. Moreover, this expression can be used to greet anyone. However, if you want to greet someone like a Vietnamese, it may take a little longer. For the Vietnamese, a simple greeting is not enough; there are a number of rules to be respected.

How To Say 'Hello' Respectfully In Vietnamese

As we explained earlier, saying hello in Vietnamese is a simple phrase and a social part of Vietnamese culture. With its historical and cultural traditions dating back more than a thousand years, the latter is deeply rooted among the Vietnamese, whether at the level of the honorary hierarchy, based on age, social status, family relationships, and also an individual's personal situation. Therefore, we use different pronouns depending on who we are talking to. These pronouns are placed just after the word "chào".

Different pronouns are used depending on who you are addressing, placed just after the word "chào." For greeting people slightly older than you, add "anh" (older brother) for men or "chị" (older sister) for women after "chào." Use "em" at the end of the greeting for younger or lower-ranking individuals.

For peers of the same age, "bạn" is used regardless of gender. However, avoid saying "chào bạn" or "chào em" to people older than you or to someone you wish to show great respect to. For much older individuals, use "chú" (uncle) or "ông" (grandfather) for men, and "cô" (aunt) or "bà" (grandmother) for women. Adding a person's name at the end is optional.

In Vietnamese, there isn't a specific word for "you" or "I." The word you use for "I" depends on who you're talking to. For much older people (like cô, chú, ông, bà), use "cháu" before "chào." For those slightly older than you (like anh, chị), use "em" before "chào." For younger people, you would say "anh" (if you are a man) or "chị" (if you are a woman) before "chào."

Below is the basic phonetic transcription of the words and phrases “"hello in Vietnamese"” which are mentioned above. While this pronunciation guide may not be entirely accurate compared to standard Vietnamese pronunciation, it will help you read and pronounce these words more easily. After all, something is better than nothing!

• Em chào chị / [em chao chee]: Women slightly older than you.
• Em chào anh / [em chao ahn]: Men slightly older than you.
• Cháu chào cô / [chow chao koh]: Women much older than you (about the same age as your mother) or your aunt.
• Cháu chào chú / [chow chao choo]: Men much older than you (about the same age as your father) or your uncle.
• Cháu chào bà / [chow chao bah]: Very old woman (about the same age as your grandmother).
• Cháu chào ông / [chow chao awm]: Very old men (about the same age as your grandfather).
• Anh (chị) chào em / [ahn (chee) chao em]: People younger than you (both men and women).

Understanding Vietnamese Language Accents

Over time, Vietnam transitioned from the Nom script, which was pictographic like Chinese and Japanese, to national language (Quốc Ngữ), the modernized Vietnamese script. Developed from the Latin alphabet and adapted by Portuguese missionaries, Quoc Ngu consists of 29 letters, slightly more than the 26 letters of the standard Latin alphabet, while omitting F, J, W, and Z. With its Latin roots, Quốc Ngữ is more approachable for Western visitors learning Vietnamese language.

You might wonder if pronunciation and accents are crucial for communicating in Vietnamese, especially during a first meeting. When greeting locals, even if your accent isn't perfect, they will likely understand you. However, accurate pronunciation becomes critical when learning sentences, as mispronunciations can lead to misunderstandings. For instance, if your friend's name is Hải ("sea" in Vietnamese) and you mispronounce it, others might interpret it as:

• Hai: Number 2.
• Hài: Comedy.
• Hái: To pluck (fruit).
• Hãi: Scary.
• Hại: To harm or threaten.

At first, you might find understanding Vietnamese tones a bit challenging. However, unlike other tonal languages, Vietnamese tones are integrated into its written form. There are five accent symbols representing five tones, and each one is crucial for meaning. Below, the tones are illustrated using the word "la" along with a pronunciation guide:

• Ngang (“level”) – No symbol – la – "lah" – Shout or loud sound.
• Huyền (“deep”) – ` – là – "la-arh" – To be (a linking verb).
• Sắc (“sharp”) – ´ – lá – "lah" – Leaf (of a tree).
• Nặng (“heavy”) – . – lạ – "la-ar" – Strange or unfamiliar.
• Ngã (“tumbling”) – ˜ – lã – "lah-uh" – A Vietnamese surname (e.g., Lã).
• Hỏi (“asking”) – ̉ – lả – "la-ah" – Exhausted or worn out.

We understand that the Vietnamese language can seem complex, especially for beginners. But don’t worry too much! Vietnamese people are generally understanding and won’t be offended if you mispronounce words or make mistakes. They know it’s not easy for foreigners to speak Vietnamese, and your effort will always be appreciated.

Basic Vietnamese Phrases for Travelers

In addition to greetings, we have made a selection of the most useful Vietnamese expressions during your trip. This will allow you to communicate a bit with the locals, go shopping, or ask for directions if you've gotten lost.

Well, mastering a few basic Vietnamese expressions can significantly enhance your interactions with locals. Greeting someone in Vietnamese not only delights residents but also shows your interest in fully immersing yourself in their culture and traditions. This is a great way to learn more about local life and customs.

Conclusion

When traveling in Vietnam, especially in rural areas, not everyone speaks English fluently. Thus, knowing a few basic Vietnamese phrases can help you communicate your needs, ask for directions, and interact with locals. This is particularly useful in situations where there are no English-speaking staff or guides available.

Besides, learning some local phrases also shows respect for the culture and people of Vietnam. It demonstrates that you’ve made an effort to understand and engage with their language. This effort often leads to more positive interactions and a warmer reception from locals.

Traveling isn't just about visiting places; it’s about experiencing the local culture. Understanding and speaking some Vietnamese can enrich your journey by allowing you to connect with locals on a deeper level, learn about their traditions, and gain insights you might otherwise miss.

Enjoy your trip to Vietnam! For an even more enriching experience, consider exploring the country with a local guide. For more details, feel free to contact us!

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