Just a few words go a long way!

Have a go!

It is important that when we are inter-acting with the Vietnamese community, we can speak some of the language - just a little to show that we are trying to engage with the culture of Vietnam.  As well as the health and safety aspect of being able to communicate with those around us, it is in the spirit of the trip that you try to learn some very basic phrases such as the following:

Hello.
Chào. (jow)

Please.
Làm ơn cho tôi. (lam uhhn jaw thoye)

Thank you.
Cảm ơn. (gam uhhn)

Yes.
Vâng (affirmative). (vuhng); Dạ (affirmative, respectful) (ya'a) ; Đúng (correct) (duhn)

No.
Không. (kohng)

Goodbye.
Chào. (jow)

Do you speak English?
Biết nói tiếng Anh không? (bee-IT noh-Y thee-IHNG ayng kohng)

Help!
Cứu (tôi) với! (gih-OO (thoy) vuh-y!)

I don't understand.
Tôi không hiểu. (thoy kohng hee-oh)

Where is the toilet?
Cầu tiêu ở đâu? (goh thee-oh uh duh-oh)

Those of you on the trip with a real "feel" for languages will go even further than these basic phrases/word!  

The following two videos will also help you negotiate talking some of the Vietnamese language.  Please have a go! It's ok if you struggle with the language, but always try when in Vietnam to say a few words, such as thank you etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol-SxJgOSQs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deettRsJZOg

Feel free to find other on-line videos that help you to speak Vietnamese.

Some more words and pronunciations - plus reasons for learning the phrase/word

Hello – Xin chao (sin chow) and Goodbye – Tam Biet (tam byet)

This is the best introductory and a polite ending to any conversation. Not only that, when partnered with a gentle bow, this may be a way to show respect or gratitude to the locals.

My name is – Toi la (toy la)

This always come in handy when you just arrived and about to take your reserved room. And when you are meeting someone for the first time, they would be impressed that you have introduced yourself in Vietnamese language.

Thank you – Xin Cam on (sin gahm un)

If there is one word you should always remember when you are in Vietnam, it is how to say ‘thank you’. When you are using the Vietnamese language when thanking someone from the local, it more felt and appreciated.

Yes – Vang (vung) and No – Khong (khome)

There may also be instances when a local understands a bit of English language but find it difficult to speak. Thus, when you ask something and they say one of these words, you now know the answer to your question.

Excuse me/Sorry – Xin loi (sin loy)

This is very useful when you want to catch someone’s attention or have done something wrong and would want to apologize. Either way, just like ‘Aloha’ in Hawaii, make sure that you use the word in a correct manner.

Can you help me? – Ban giup toi duoc khong? (ban zoop thoy duc khom)

This is the golden word for many of the travellers who’s lost in a foreign land. Make sure that before you even land in the airport of Vietnam, you have memorized that phrase. This phrase never failed to be a life saver for any tourist in Vietnam.

Good – Tot (thote) and Bad – Khong tot (khome thote)

What better else to know if you have done something wrong than asking them yourself. This is also useful when you are uncertain on what to do and asks an assistance from a local.

How much? – Bao nhieu (bow nyew)

Vietnam is not only rich in majestic scenery but it also home of colorful fabrics and various handicrafts which is always a good souvenir.

Hotel – Khack San (khack san)

When you are having difficulty to find your hotel, just say this magic word along with the name of the hotel to the taxi cab driver and you’ll be on your way.