Shopping & Markets
Markets are social spaces. Bargaining is expected in some (like Ben Thanh) but not all. These phrases help navigate.
Cultural Context:
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?
Literal: "How much money?"
"How much?"
When to use:
Asking the price of anything
Cultural Tip:
First price at tourist markets is often 2-3x actual—bargain politely
Đắt quá!
Dat kwa!
Literal: "Expensive very!"
"Too expensive!"
When to use:
When bargaining—say it with a smile
Cultural Tip:
Part of the dance—they expect this response
Giảm giá được không?
Zam za doo-oc khom?
Literal: "Reduce price can or not?"
"Can you reduce the price?"
When to use:
Politely asking for a discount
Cultural Tip:
Works better than demanding—Vietnamese appreciate politeness
Tôi mua cái này
Toy moo-a kai nay
Literal: "I buy this thing"
"I'll buy this"
When to use:
When you've agreed on a price
Cultural Tip:
Point at the item as you say it
Tôi thử được không?
Toy thuh doo-oc khom?
Literal: "I try can or not?"
"Can I try this on?"
When to use:
Asking to try on clothes or test something
Cultural Tip:
Many small shops let you try things—just ask politely
Có màu khác không?
Go mow kak khom?
Literal: "Have color other not?"
"Do you have other colors?"
When to use:
Looking for color options
Cultural Tip:
Vendors often have stock in back—worth asking
Có size lớn hơn không?
Go size lurn hurn khom?
Literal: "Have size bigger not?"
"Do you have a bigger size?"
When to use:
When you need a larger size
Cultural Tip:
Vietnamese sizes run smaller—don't be shy to ask
Nhận thẻ không?
Nyan teh khom?
Literal: "Accept card not?"
"Do you accept cards?"
When to use:
Asking if they take credit/debit cards
Cultural Tip:
Many small vendors are cash only—have dong ready
Cho xem cái kia
Cho sem kai kee-a
Literal: "Let see thing that"
"Let me see that one"
When to use:
Asking to see something
Cultural Tip:
Point as you say it—vendors are happy to show you items
Giá cố định
Za go ding
Literal: "Price fixed"
"Fixed price"
When to use:
Asking if the price is fixed or negotiable
Cultural Tip:
Many modern shops have fixed prices—bargaining isn't always expected
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.