Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) is the national and official language of Vietnam, spoken by almost the entire population. Interestingly, it’s one of the few Asian languages that uses the Latin alphabet instead of symbols. This makes it much easier for visitors to recognize street names, read menus, and even learn a few useful phrases before traveling to Vietnam.
Do People Speak English in Vietnam?
English is widely spoken in Vietnam’s major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hoi An—especially in hotels, restaurants, and popular tourist areas. Many young Vietnamese speak conversational English and are often excited to practice with visitors.
However, when you travel to smaller towns or rural areas, English may be limited. Learning a few basic Vietnamese words can make your trip smoother and help you connect with locals on a more personal level. Even simple greetings or thank-yous often bring warm smiles and appreciation.
Greetings in Vietnamese
How you greet someone in Vietnam depends on their age and gender compared to yours. As a general rule:
- Use “Anh” for a man and “Chị” for a woman around your age.
- For older people, you can use “Bác” (uncle/aunt).
- For younger people, say “Em”.
A friendly and polite greeting like “Xin chào” (Hello) always works and can be used safely in any situation.
Pronunciation and Tones
Vietnamese is a tonal language—each syllable can be pronounced in six different tones, changing its meaning completely. These tones are marked by small accents above or below the letters. For example, the word “ma” can mean “ghost,” “mother,” “but,” “rice seedling,” or “horse” depending on tone!
Don’t worry—locals will appreciate your effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. The key is to listen carefully and speak slowly.
Useful Vietnamese Phrases for Travelers
Here are some essential Vietnamese phrases to help you during your trip. These cover general communication, dining, and getting around Vietnam.
🗣️ General Conversation
| English | Vietnamese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Xin chào | Sin chow |
| Goodbye | Tạm biệt | Tam byet |
| How are you? | Bạn khỏe không? | Ban kwe khong? |
| Nice to meet you | Rất vui được gặp bạn | Rut vui duoc gap ban |
| Thank you | Cảm ơn | Kahm un |
| Yes | Vâng | Vuhng |
| No | Không | Khong |
| Do you speak English? | Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không? | Ban ko noi tieng ang khong? |
| I don’t understand | Tôi không hiểu | Toi khong hieu |
| Help! | Cứu! | Kiêu |
🍜 Food & Drink
| English | Vietnamese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Rice | Cơm | Kuom |
| Chicken | Thịt gà | Teet gah |
| Beef | Thịt bò | Teet baw |
| Fish | Cá | Kah |
| Water | Nước | Nu-uhk |
| Coffee | Cà phê | Ca feh |
| Delicious! | Rất ngon! | Rut ngon! |
| May I have the bill? | Làm ơn cho tôi hoá đơn | Lam un cho toi hoa dern |
🧭 Asking for Directions
| English | Vietnamese | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Where is…? | Ở đâu…? | Uh dow? |
| Left | Trái | Chai |
| Right | Phải | Fai |
| Go straight | Đi thẳng | Dee thung |
| Hotel | Khách sạn | Kak san |
| Market | Chợ | Chuh |
| ATM | Máy rút tiền | Mai root tien |
Tips for Learning Vietnamese
- Start with basic words like greetings, numbers, and food items.
- Listen and repeat – Vietnamese is musical, so focus on tone and rhythm.
- Use apps such as Duolingo or Google Translate for daily practice.
- Engage with locals – practice while shopping, eating out, or taking a taxi.
- Be patient and smile! Even a few words in Vietnamese can make a big difference in your travel experience.
Final Thoughts
Learning a few simple Vietnamese words before your trip not only makes your journey easier—it opens doors to meaningful cultural exchanges. Whether you’re ordering phở, greeting a local vendor, or asking for directions, showing the effort to speak the language is a gesture that locals truly appreciate. So, take your time to learn a few words, and let your Vietnam adventure begin with a smile and a “Xin chào!”
