The Vietnamese phrases that actually matter
Vietnamese is tonal and the textbook spellings will not save you in a market. Every phrase below has a plain-English pronunciation hint — say it out loud and you will be understood. Start with 'Cảm ơn'.
The handful that earns instant goodwill. "Cảm ơn" alone changes how vendors treat you.
Xin chàoHello
saysin chow
Cảm ơnThank you
saygam un
The single most useful phrase you can learn.
Không, cảm ơnNo, thank you
saykhom gam un
For the tenth taxi tout of the morning.
Vâng / DạYes (polite)
sayvung / ya
KhôngNo
saykhom
Xin lỗiSorry / excuse me
saysin loy
Tôi không hiểuI don't understand
saytoy khom hee-oo
Bạn nói tiếng Anh không?Do you speak English?
sayban noy tieng anh khom
Tạm biệtGoodbye
saytam bee-et