Emergency & Help
Hope you never need these, but knowing them provides peace of mind.
Cultural Context:
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!
Literal: "Help me!"
"Help me!"
When to use:
When you need urgent help
Cultural Tip:
Wave your arms, look distressed—people will assist
Gọi bác sĩ
Goy bak see
Literal: "Call doctor"
"Call a doctor"
When to use:
Medical emergency
Cultural Tip:
Show Google Translate or point to phone—hospitals have English speakers
Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?
Nya veh seen ur dow?
Literal: "Room hygiene at where?"
"Where is the bathroom?"
When to use:
Looking for restrooms (very important!)
Cultural Tip:
Pointing and saying 'WC' also works—universal sign
Tôi bị lạc
Toy bee lak
Literal: "I got lost"
"I'm lost"
When to use:
When you can't find your way
Cultural Tip:
Show your phone with destination—people will help or call you a Grab
Tôi không hiểu
Toy khom hee-ew
Literal: "I not understand"
"I don't understand"
When to use:
When you're confused or lost in translation
Cultural Tip:
Follow with hand gestures—people will find a way to communicate
Nói chậm thôi
Noy cham toy
Literal: "Speak slow only"
"Please speak slowly"
When to use:
When someone is speaking too fast
Cultural Tip:
Locals are patient with learners—don't be shy to ask
Bạn nói tiếng Anh không?
Ban noy tee-eng an khom?
Literal: "You speak language English not?"
"Do you speak English?"
When to use:
Looking for someone who speaks English
Cultural Tip:
Many young people speak some English—especially in tourist areas
Tôi cần giúp đỡ
Toy gun zoop dur
Literal: "I need help assist"
"I need help"
When to use:
When you need assistance with something
Cultural Tip:
Vietnamese people are generally very helpful to foreigners
Gọi cảnh sát
Goy gan sat
Literal: "Call police"
"Call the police"
When to use:
In an emergency requiring police
Cultural Tip:
Police number is 113—hopefully you never need it
Practice Tips
Start Simple
Master 2-3 phrases before moving on. Use them in real situations. Confidence comes from repetition, not memorization.
Embrace Mistakes
Vietnamese people are incredibly patient and supportive. Your accent will be off—that's okay. Effort matters more than perfection.
Use It Daily
Order coffee in Vietnamese every morning. Say thank you in Vietnamese every time. Language lives in practice, not textbooks.
Ask for Help
"How do you say...?" is a powerful phrase. Locals love teaching their language and will become your best teachers over coffee.