IntroVietnamese
Learn the survival set

Basic Vietnamese for Tourists

Basic Vietnamese for tourists: yes and no, prices, directions, and polite fixes.

Learn the survival set
Tourist asking for help on a Vietnamese street

Phonetic hints are rough English-friendly cues, not IPA. Use audio and the written Vietnamese alongside them.

Say yes, no, and I understand

These short Vietnamese answers keep any exchange moving.

Dạ.

Approx. pronunciation: yah

Yes. (warm and polite)

Vâng ạ.

Approx. pronunciation: vuhng ah

Yes. (respectful)

Không.

Approx. pronunciation: khong, level

No. / Not.

Tôi hiểu.

Approx. pronunciation: toy hee-oo

I understand.

Tôi không hiểu.

Approx. pronunciation: toy khong hee-oo

I do not understand.

Ask prices without fear

One Vietnamese question unlocks every shop, stall, and taxi discussion.

Bao nhiêu? means “How much?” and pairs with pointing at anything: a dish, a shirt, a ride. If the price surprises you, try Đắt quá, “Too expensive,” with a smile, then listen to the counteroffer or walk on kindly.

Numbers matter here, so it pays to learn a few before you shop.

Find places and the restroom

The most useful tourist question pattern in Vietnamese is simply: place plus ở đâu?

Nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?

Approx. pronunciation: nya vay sing uh dow

Where is the restroom?

Chợ ở đâu?

Approx. pronunciation: chuh uh dow

Where is the market?

Bến xe buýt ở đâu?

Approx. pronunciation: ben seh boot uh dow

Where is the bus stop?

Gần đây không?

Approx. pronunciation: gun day khong

Is it near here?

Ask the way as a tourist

Combine the place question with a slow-down request when needed.

Tourist asking a local for directions in Vietnam

You Xin lỗi, chợ ở đâu ạ? Excuse me, where is the market?

Local helper Đi thẳng rồi rẽ phải ạ. Go straight, then turn right.

You Bạn nói chậm hơn được không? Could you speak more slowly?

Local helper Được, tôi chỉ cho bạn nhé. Sure, I will show you.

Fix misunderstandings calmly

Every tourist gets lost in conversation; these Vietnamese repair lines get you found.

Say Bạn nói lại được không? for “Could you say that again?” and Tôi đang học tiếng Việt, “I am learning Vietnamese,” to invite patience. Showing the written phrase on your phone counts as communication, not failure.

Eat, pay, and leave happy

Close out meals and rides with these friendly Vietnamese lines.

Ngon.

Approx. pronunciation: ngawn

Delicious.

Tính tiền.

Approx. pronunciation: ting tee-en

The bill, please.

Mang đi.

Approx. pronunciation: mahng dee

To take away.

Cảm ơn, tạm biệt.

Approx. pronunciation: gahm uhn, tam beet

Thank you, goodbye.

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