Vietnamese 101

Em ơi!

50

When introducing yourself to someone, you would use this pronoun.

mình/em/tôi

100

If you are talking to a woman who is roughly the age of your older sister, you should use this pronoun for her.

Chị

150

This is the polite word added to the end of a sentence to show respect to elders or strangers in the north.

ạ

200

Unlike English, Vietnamese doesn't have a generic word for "You." The word you choose depends on these factors.

Age, gender (and familial relationship).

Grab-and-Go

50

This is the most common mode of transport used by Grab drivers (and most people in Vietnam).

Motorbike (Xe máy)

100

In Vietnam, it is actually illegal to ride on the back of a Grab bike without one of these, which the driver will always provide.

Helmet

150

If your driver is weaving through traffic too quickly, you would tell them to “Đi chậm lại,” which means this.

Slow down

200

While you might see entire families balancing on one scooter, this is the maximum number of adults legally allowed to ride on a single motorbike in Vietnam.

Two (including the driver) and a child under 14 years old.

Ham chơi hết tiền

50

This is the most common Vietnamese word for "Friend."

Bạn

100

If someone says “Có gu” to someone, it means that they are [blank].

Stylish/Have good taste

150

When your group chat is popping off with plans, you might see this one or two letter abbreviation used to say "No" or "I can't make it."

K or KO

200

When making plans to meet up, a friend might ask for your "sđt", which is the common abbreviation for this 10-digit essential.

Phone number (Số điện thoại)

Phở Real?

50

This is the speech style you would use to address a waiter compared to a street food vendor to avoid sounding rude.

Formal/Polite

100

You say “Tính tiền” because you are ready to receive this at the end of your meal.

The bill

150

This is a common phrase used to express love for someone, also used as a cheesy pick-up line.

ăn cơm chưa

200

When you need to order a drink, grab a set of chopsticks, or even ask for a napkin, you start your request with this friendly phrase, which translates to "Give me..." or "May I have..."

"Cho em..."

Tiền Ơi Là Tiền/Toi Yeu Tien

50

This bill is often mistaken for the 20k vnd bill.

500k vnd bill

100

You should always carry this, especially for street food stalls, small markets, or in more suburban cities.

Cash

150

This e-wallet app is named after the sound of a notification.

MoMo

200

According to Vietnamese tradition, doing this specific activity to a vendor early in the morning is considered bad luck and is highly discouraged.

Haggling/Bargaining