Our guide on the best Tips for Learning Vietnamese with all the basics for visiting Vietnam.
Vietnamese can be a challenging language to learn due to its unique phonetics, tonal nature, and script. However, learning even the basics can greatly enhance your travel experience in Vietnam. Here are some tips and essential phrases to help you get started.
Learning Vietnamese basics can significantly enhance your travel experience in Vietnam. With practice, patience, and immersion, you’ll find yourself better able to navigate the country and connect with its people. Start with common phrases, focus on pronunciation, use helpful apps, and embrace the culture. Enjoy your journey and happy learning!
Read here Things to know before visiting Vietnam and best Vietnamese food
Read here Tips for learning Portuguese and Tips for learning Spanish
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Tips for Learning Vietnamese
1. Understand the Basics of Vietnamese
Language Structure:
Tonality: Vietnamese is a tonal language with six distinct tones. The meaning of a word can change entirely based on the tone used.
Alphabet: Vietnamese uses the Latin alphabet, which makes reading easier for those familiar with it, but with additional diacritical marks.
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2. Familiarize Yourself with Tones
Six Tones:
Mid-level (ngang): No diacritical mark (e.g., “ma” means ghost)
Low rising (huyền): Grave accent (e.g., “mà” means but)
High rising (sắc): Acute accent (e.g., “má” means mother)
Low falling (nặng): Dot below (e.g., “mạ” means rice seedling)
High broken (hỏi): Hook above (e.g., “mả” means tomb)
Low broken (ngã): Tilde (e.g., “mã” means horse)
Practice these tones with simple words to get a feel for how they affect meaning.
3. Learn Common Phrases
Greetings:
Hello: Xin chào (sin chow)
Goodbye: Tạm biệt (tam byeet)
Thank you: Cảm ơn (gahm uhn)
Yes: Vâng (vuhng) or Dạ (yah)
No: Không (khom)
Polite Phrases:
Please: Làm ơn (lahm uhn)
Sorry/Excuse me: Xin lỗi (sin loy)
How much? Bao nhiêu? (bow nyew)
Useful Travel Phrases:
Where is…? Ở đâu? (uh dow)
I don’t understand: Tôi không hiểu (toy khom hyew)
Help! Cứu với! (koo-ee voy)
Water: Nước (nook)
Toilet: Nhà vệ sinh (nyah veh sin)
4. Practice Pronunciation
Vietnamese pronunciation can be tricky. Here are a few tips:
Listen and Repeat: Use language learning apps or online videos to listen to native speakers and repeat after them.
Focus on Tones: Pay close attention to the tones as you practice. Mispronouncing a tone can change the meaning of a word entirely.
Practice with Native Speakers: If possible, practice speaking with native speakers. This can be done through language exchange programs or apps like HelloTalk and Tandem.
5. Use Language Learning Apps and Resources
There are several resources available to help you learn Vietnamese:
Duolingo: A popular app that offers basic Vietnamese lessons.
Memrise: Great for vocabulary building with audio from native speakers.
Pimsleur: Audio-based learning program that emphasizes speaking and understanding.
YouTube Channels: Search for channels dedicated to teaching Vietnamese, such as “Learn Vietnamese with SVFF” or “VietnamesePod101”.
6. Immerse Yourself
When in Vietnam:
Speak as Much as Possible: Use your new language skills in daily interactions, such as ordering food, asking for directions, and shopping.
Label Objects: If you’re staying for a longer period, label objects around your accommodation with their Vietnamese names.
Watch Vietnamese Media: Watch Vietnamese TV shows, movies, and listen to Vietnamese music to improve your listening skills.
7. Cultural Tips
Understanding cultural nuances can also help in communication:
Politeness: Vietnamese people are generally polite and appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language.
Respect: Always address people with respect. Use “Anh” for men and “Chị” for women if you’re unsure of their age (it means brother/sister and shows respect).
Non-Verbal Cues: Be aware of body language and non-verbal communication. A smile can go a long way in any interaction.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.