Connect Through Language
Learning even basic Vietnamese opens doors to genuine friendships, deeper experiences, and unexpected connections. Start here.
The Power of a Few Words
"Một cà phê sữa đá" — one iced milk coffee. Knowing how to say just this simple phrase opens doors in Saigon. Those four Vietnamese words can transform you from tourist to welcomed guest.
Language learning isn't just about ordering coffee or finding your way around. It's about connection. It's about showing respect. It's about opening yourself to a culture that will welcome you with genuine warmth.
Start with just a few phrases. You never know what connections they'll create.
Learn by Situation
At the Café
9 essential phrases
Cafes are social hubs in Saigon. Ordering confidently in Vietnamese will earn you smiles and sometimes free upgrades to your drink.
Cultural Note:
Vietnamese coffee culture is sacred. Taking time to sit and sip is expected—rushing is seen as odd. Sidewalk cafes with tiny plastic stools are often better than fancy ones.
Một cà phê sữa đá
Mote cah-feh soo-a da
"One iced milk coffee"
In a Taxi / Grab
10 essential phrases
Most rides are via Grab app now, but knowing these phrases helps with communication and shows respect.
Cultural Note:
Grab is everywhere and safe. Traditional taxis can overcharge tourists—use the meter or stick with Grab. Drivers appreciate any Vietnamese attempt.
Tôi muốn đi đến...
Toy moo-un dee den...
"I want to go to..."
At a Restaurant
12 essential phrases
Street food stalls and local restaurants are where Vietnamese shines. These phrases will enhance your eating experience immensely.
Cultural Note:
Pointing at menu items or what others are eating is totally acceptable. Food culture is casual and welcoming. Don't expect fast service—meals are social, not rushed.
Cho tôi một phần
Cho toy mote fun
"One portion please"
Greetings & Politeness
11 essential phrases
Vietnamese greetings depend on age and gender. These basics will serve you well and show respect.
Cultural Note:
Age hierarchy is important in Vietnam. Using the right pronoun (anh/chi/em) shows cultural awareness and earns respect. When in doubt, use anh (for men) or chi (for women) for people who look older than you.
Xin chào
Seen chao
"Hello"
Shopping & Markets
10 essential phrases
Markets are social spaces. Bargaining is expected in some (like Ben Thanh) but not all. These phrases help navigate.
Cultural Note:
Bargaining is an art in Vietnam. Smile, be friendly, and don't be aggressive. Fixed-price shops are becoming more common, especially in malls. When in doubt, ask if price can be negotiated.
Bao nhiêu tiền?
Bao nyew tee-en?
"How much?"
Emergency & Help
9 essential phrases
Hope you never need these, but knowing them provides peace of mind.
Cultural Note:
Vietnamese people are generally very helpful to foreigners in distress. Don't hesitate to ask for help—'Xin lỗi' (excuse me) followed by simple English often works too.
Giúp tôi!
Zoop toy!
"Help me!"
Numbers & Money
8 essential phrases
Understanding Vietnamese numbers is crucial for shopping, taxis, and daily transactions. These basics will help you navigate prices and payments.
Cultural Note:
Vietnamese dong has lots of zeros (20,000 = about $1). Get comfortable with thousands. Vendors will often show you numbers on a calculator to avoid confusion.
Một
Mote
"One"
Making Friends
9 essential phrases
Moving beyond transactions into genuine connections. These phrases help you build friendships and have real conversations.
Cultural Note:
Vietnamese people are genuinely curious about foreigners and eager to practice English. Showing interest in their language opens doors to real friendships and incredible experiences.
Tôi tên là...
Toy ten la...
"My name is..."
Weather & Small Talk
6 essential phrases
Small talk is universal. Weather, observations, and simple conversations help break the ice and practice your Vietnamese.
Cultural Note:
Weather is a safe topic everywhere. Saigon is hot and humid most of the year, with a rainy season from May to November. Complaining about the heat bonds everyone.
Nóng quá!
Nong kwa!
"So hot!"
Why Learn Vietnamese?
Earn Instant Respect
Even basic attempts at Vietnamese show cultural awareness and earn you warmth from locals. You'll go from "tourist" to "friend" in seconds.
Better Experiences
Ordering in Vietnamese gets you better food, better prices, and conversations that lead to hidden gems no guidebook mentions.
Make Real Connections
Language is the bridge to genuine friendships. Vietnamese people appreciate the effort and will help you learn, often over coffee and laughter.
It's Easier Than You Think
You don't need fluency. 20-30 phrases will transform your Saigon experience. Start small, practice daily, and watch doors open.
Quick Learning Tips
Understanding Vietnamese Tones
Vietnamese has 6 tones, and they change the meaning completely. Don't worry—you don't need to be perfect. Locals will understand from context, and your effort matters more than precision.
Mid Level (a)
Flat, neutral tone
Rising (á)
Voice goes up, like asking a question
Falling (à)
Voice drops down
Question (ả)
Starts down, then rises
Tumbling (ã)
Wave pattern
Sharp (ạ)
Cut short, glottal stop
Pro Tip: Use the pronunciation buttons throughout this site to hear native pronunciation. Listen multiple times and repeat out loud—speaking activates different parts of your brain than just reading.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing up "cà phê" (coffee) with "cá phê" (wrong!)
The tones matter! "Cà phê" gets you coffee. "Cá phê" is nonsense.
Using "tôi" (I) with everyone
Vietnamese uses different pronouns based on age and context. "Tôi" is formal. With friends or vendors, use "anh/chị" (I'm older) or "em" (I'm younger). When in doubt, use "tôi"—it's not wrong, just formal.
Skipping "xin" when being polite
"Cảm ơn" means thanks. "Xin cảm ơn" means "please accept my thanks"—much more polite. Add "xin" when you want to be extra respectful.
Remember: Effort beats perfection
Vietnamese speakers appreciate ANY attempt. A smile + trying = instant connection. Don't let fear of mistakes stop you from speaking.
Your First 7 Days in Saigon: A Language Plan
Day 1: Master "Cảm ơn" (thank you)
Use it everywhere. Cashiers, drivers, waiters. Say it 50 times today.
Day 2: Add "Xin chào" (hello)
Greet every shopkeeper. Smile when you say it. Watch faces light up.
Day 3: Order coffee in Vietnamese
"Một cà phê sữa đá" (one iced milk coffee). Practice at 3 different cafes.
Day 4: Learn to say "How much?"
"Bao nhiêu tiền?" Use it at markets. Bonus: prices might drop.
Day 5: Add "Không cay" (not spicy)
If you don't handle heat well, this phrase will save you. Food vendors will respect it.
Day 6: Practice "Excuse me"
"Xin lỗi" when navigating crowds. Vietnamese cities are busy—this helps you move politely.
Day 7: Combine everything
Order a meal entirely in Vietnamese. Greet, order, thank. You've got this.
Week 2 Goal: Have a 30-second conversation with a local in Vietnamese. It can be about weather, coffee, or just pleasantries. The goal is speaking, not perfection.