Basic Vietnamese for Foreigners: Hello, Thank You, Goodbye, and Asking for Directions

Just start with a few friendly words

If you are new to Vietnam, you do not need a big vocabulary to begin with. A few simple phrases like Xin chào, Cảm ơn, Xin lỗi, and Tạm biệt already help a lot.

Vietnamese people usually smile when visitors try to speak even a little Vietnamese. You do not have to be perfect. Slow, clear, and kind is enough.

Xin chào = Hello

This is the first phrase to learn.

Read it roughly like this:

sin chow

You can simply say:

• "Xin chào"

If you want the shortest possible explanation, just remember:

• Xin chào = Hello

That is enough to greet someone politely.

Cảm ơn = Thank you

Use this when someone helps you, points you in the right direction, or does something kind.

Read it roughly like this:

kham uhn

You can answer with:

• "Cảm ơn"
• "Cảm ơn bạn"

That already sounds polite and warm.

Xin lỗi = Excuse me / Sorry

This one is very useful when you want to get someone’s attention or ask a question.

Read it roughly like this:

sin loy

Example:

• "Xin lỗi, cho tôi hỏi"

That is a very natural way to begin a question.

Tạm biệt = Goodbye

When you leave, say:

• "Tạm biệt"

Read it roughly like this:

tam biet

If you want to keep it simple, just remember:

• Tạm biệt = Goodbye

Asking for directions

When you need help, you can make the question very short.

Examples:

• "Xin lỗi, ga tàu ở đâu?"
• "Xin lỗi, nhà vệ sinh ở đâu?"
• "Cho tôi hỏi, Bến Ninh Kiều ở đâu?"

If you start with xin lỗi, the sentence already sounds polite.

When you cannot speak, show a picture

Here is a very handy travel trick: save pictures of food, landmarks, hotels, or place names on your phone. If you do not know how to say something, just show the picture to a local person.

For example:

• show a photo of the dish you want to eat
• show a picture of the place you are trying to find
• show the hotel name or address on your phone

That is often enough for people to understand right away.

People in the Mekong Delta are known for being very welcoming, so do not worry if you cannot say much. Just ask kindly, show the picture, and say thank you.

Very simple replies

If someone says:

• "Hello"

You can reply:

• "Xin chào"

If someone helps you, say:

• "Cảm ơn"

If someone says goodbye, answer:

• "Tạm biệt"

That is all you need for a very friendly start.

The small set to remember

If you only learn four phrases first, learn these:

• Xin chào = Hello
• Cảm ơn = Thank you
• Xin lỗi = Excuse me / Sorry
• Tạm biệt = Goodbye

These four phrases already cover many everyday moments.

Closing thoughts

You do not need to begin with long sentences. Just start with a few kind words, say them slowly, and use them when you meet people.

Vietnamese people usually appreciate the effort very much. So do not worry too much about mistakes. A friendly try goes a long way.