Business Vietnamese: Professional Communication Essentials

Vietnam's economy is booming, and more professionals need Vietnamese for business. Here are the essentials.

Professional Greetings

• Xin chào anh/chị — Hello (formal, to someone older or in authority)
• Rất hân hạnh được gặp anh/chị — Pleased to meet you (very formal)
• Đây là danh thiếp của tôi — Here is my business card

Meeting Vocabulary

• Cuộc họp — Meeting
• Lịch trình — Agenda/Schedule
• Đề xuất — Proposal
• Hợp đồng — Contract
• Thời hạn — Deadline
• Ngân sách — Budget
• Dự án — Project
• Đối tác — Partner

Communication Phrases

• Tôi đồng ý — I agree
• Tôi cần suy nghĩ thêm — I need to think more (polite way to say "maybe not")
• Chúng ta có thể thảo luận thêm — We can discuss further
• Xin gửi email cho tôi — Please send me an email
• Khi nào có thể gặp lại? — When can we meet again?

Cultural Business Norms

• Hierarchy matters — Always address the most senior person first. Use "anh/chị" or titles.
• Business cards — Present and receive with both hands. Look at the card before putting it down.
• Indirect communication — "Maybe" often means "no." "It's difficult" means "probably not." Don't push for direct answers.
• Relationships first — Business meals and socializing build trust before deals. Don't rush to business talk.
• Face — Never criticize someone publicly. Offer feedback privately and gently.

For WELE Learners

Business Vietnamese podcasts are excellent intermediate-to-advanced material. The vocabulary is specific and useful, and the formal register helps you learn respectful communication patterns that apply beyond business.