Saying Hello in Vietnamese

How to say hello in Vietnamese: greetings, introductions, and friendly openers.

Learn the greetings

Traveler greeting a Vietnamese host with a smile

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

Say xin chào with confidence

These Vietnamese greetings work almost anywhere, at any time of day.

Xin chào.

Approx. pronunciation: sin chow

Hello. (polite, universal)

Chào bạn.

Approx. pronunciation: chow ban

Hi. (friendly)

Chào buổi sáng.

Approx. pronunciation: chow boo-ee sahng

Good morning.

Chào buổi tối.

Approx. pronunciation: chow boo-ee toy

Good evening.

Add a name and a smile

A greeting becomes an introduction with one short sentence.

In Vietnamese, say Tôi tên là followed by your name: Tôi tên là Anna means “My name is Anna.” Add Rất vui được gặp bạn, “Nice to meet you,” and you have a complete first impression in two sentences.

Keep your voice warm and unhurried rather than loud. If you are meeting someone older, a slight nod with your greeting reads as respectful.

Ask how someone is doing

One caring question turns a greeting into a real conversation.

Bạn khỏe không?

Approx. pronunciation: ban kwe khong

How are you?

Tôi khỏe, cảm ơn.

Approx. pronunciation: toy kwe, gahm uhn

I am well, thank you.

Còn bạn?

Approx. pronunciation: kawn ban

And you?

Rất vui được gặp bạn.

Approx. pronunciation: rut voo-ee duhk gap ban

Nice to meet you.

Greet a new friend

Put the pieces together in one short, natural exchange.

Beginner practicing a Vietnamese greeting with a tutor

You Xin chào! Tôi tên là Anna. Bạn tên là gì? Hello! My name is Anna. What is your name?

New friend Chào Anna! Tôi tên là Minh. Bạn khỏe không? Hi Anna! My name is Minh. How are you?

You Tôi khỏe, cảm ơn. Rất vui được gặp bạn. I am well, thank you. Nice to meet you.

Match the greeting to the moment

Time of day and setting shape which Vietnamese greeting fits best.

Use Chào buổi sáng before midday and Chào buổi tối after dark; a plain Xin chào is safe whenever you are unsure. In shops and cafés, greet first and then make your request rather than opening with the request alone.

Listen to how people greet you and mirror their warmth.