Vietnamese Language
Vietnamese is one of a few languages in Asia that uses Latin alphabet instead of symbol. This makes it a lot easier to interpret street signs and even to learn to speak. The modern Vietnamese was created by a Spanish Missionary to facilitate the process of French colonization. As a result, it is a no big surprise that the pronunciation resembles that of Spanish.
The major difference between these two languages is that Vietnamese has 6 intonations in speaking and writing. You might not be able to master Vietnamese in your short traveling period. However, knowing some basic words will impress the local and make yourself more friendly and approachable than a passer-by.
You will not have much difficulty traveling in Vietnam, since many Vietnamese, especially young people, can speak English quite fluently (learn whether you can get by with just English in Vietnam). Even though some of them are shy to foreigners, they will readily help you if you get lost and ask for direction. Some others are keen on speaking to you because that helps them improve their communication in a foreign language.
Simple Vietnamese phrases for travelers
Pronunciations can vary significantly within Vietnam, especially northern vs. southern. there are 3 dialects north, central and south. Age of the person you talking too in relation you is important to note in vietnam, a complex system of words is used to addres people. however sticking to general word like ‘xin’ and ‘ban’ will help you avoid that.
1. Hello! – Xin chao! (sin chow!)
2. Goodbye – Tam Biet
3. How are you? – Ban co khoe khong? (ban co kwe khome?) also, Ban the nao?
4. I’m fine, thank you! – Cam on ban toi khoe (gahm un ban thoy kwe)
5. And you? – Ban thi sao? (ban ty sao?)
6. What’s your name – Ban ten gi (ban thane zee)
7. My name is… – Toi la (thoy la…)
8. Thank you – Xin Cam on (sin gahm un)
9. You’re welcome – Khong co’ gi (khom go zee)
10. Yes – Vang (vung)
11. No – Khong (khome)
12. Excuse me/Sorry… – Xin loi (seen loy)
13. Can you help me? – Ban giup toi duoc khong? (ban zoop thoy duc khom?)
14. I’d like to eat – Toi muon an (thoy moowan un)
15. I’d like to drink – Toi muon uong (thoy moowan oowanh)
16. Good – Tot (thote)
17. Bad – Khong tot (khome thote)
18. What is this? – Cai nay la gi (guy nai la zee)
19. How much – Bao nhieu (bow nyew)
20. Too expensive – Mac qua (mahk qwa)
21. Where is the nearest internet shop – Cho internet o dau (choh internet uh doh)
22. Where is the nearest bank – Nha bang o dau (nya bung uh doh)
23. Hotel – Khach San (khack san)
24. Hot – Nong (nom)
25. Cold – Lanh (lang)
26. Coffee – Ca phe (cah feh)
27. Hot black coffee – Ca phe nong (cah feh nom)
28. Hot Coffee with milk – Ca phe sua nong (cah feh sua nom)
29. Tea – Tra (chah)
30. I like – Toi thich (thoy tick)
31. I am happy – Toi vui (thoy vuoy)
32. I am tired – Toi met (thoy mate)
33. Where ATM – Cay ATM o dau
