Common Vietnamese Phrases Every Beginner Should Know

These phrases cover the situations you'll encounter most often. Learn them with correct tones from day one.

Meeting People

• Xin chào — Hello (formal, safe in any situation)
• Tên tôi là... — My name is...
• Bạn tên gì? — What's your name?
• Rất vui được gặp bạn — Nice to meet you
• Bạn có khỏe không? — How are you?
• Tôi khỏe, cảm ơn — I'm fine, thank you

At a Restaurant

• Cho tôi xem menu — Can I see the menu?
• Cho tôi một... — Give me one...
• Tính tiền — Check, please
• Bao nhiêu tiền? — How much?
• Ngon lắm! — Very delicious!
• Không cay — Not spicy
• Ít đường — Less sugar

Getting Around

• ...ở đâu? — Where is...?
• Bao xa? — How far?
• Đi thẳng — Go straight
• Rẽ trái / Rẽ phải — Turn left / Turn right
• Dừng ở đây — Stop here (for taxis)

Shopping

• Cái này bao nhiêu? — How much is this?
• Đắt quá! — Too expensive!
• Giảm giá được không? — Can you give a discount?

Emergencies & Help

• Giúp tôi! — Help me!
• Tôi không hiểu — I don't understand
• Nói chậm hơn — Speak more slowly
• Bạn nói tiếng Anh không? — Do you speak English?
• Tôi đang học tiếng Việt — I'm learning Vietnamese

Polite Expressions

• Xin lỗi — Sorry / Excuse me
• Không sao — It's okay / No problem
• Cảm ơn nhiều — Thank you very much
• Hẹn gặp lại — See you again

Pro tip: Practice hearing these phrases in WELE dictation before you need them in real life. Recognition comes before production.