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.