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Learn How to Confidently Introduce Yourself In Vietnamese

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Start off the year by learning how to introduce yourself properly in Vietnamese! Learn easily with VietnamesePod101 in this four-minute video!

Table of Contents

  1. 10 Lines You Need for Introducing Yourself in Vietnamese
  2. Important Tips for Introducing Yourself
  3. Video – How to Introduce Yourself in Vietnamese
  4. Why VietnamesePod101 is Perfect for Learning all about Vietnamese Introductions

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1. 10 Lines You Need for Introducing Yourself in Vietnamese

”About

First impressions are absolutely everything! Right? No, wrong – who you are every day is much more important. But first impressions are definitely not unimportant either. Make sure to introduce yourself correctly, as it could mean the difference between getting a job offer or a polite refusal from an employer. VietnamesePod101 shows you how to read, write and pronounce these self-introductions and conversation-starters like a native speaker!

But first, a tip – wait to be asked before offering personal details such as your age. Good conversation is about unspoken reciprocity, and giving too many personal details too soon can be embarrassing for your Vietnamese friend. Rather use phrases that encourage your friend to talk about him or herself – most people like doing that! Also, it shows you take real interest in other people.

1- Hello, it’s nice to meet you.

Xin chào, rất vui được gặp bạn.

This phrase is an excellent way to start an introduction. It is a greeting that immediately expresses interest in the other person.

2- My name is Linh.

Tên tôi là Linh.

Self-explanatory – just replace ‘Linh’ with your own name! Also, pay close attention to what your new Vietnamese acquaintance’s name is. Remembering it will make them feel that you are really interested in him/her as a person!

Countries

3- I’m from Vietnam.

Tôi đến từ Việt Nam.

Sharing something about yourself is a nice conversation starter. It shows that you’re willing to engage meaningfully with the other person. In an informal setting, you can expect the other person to respond in kind. At work, this is probably information you need to volunteer only if asked. Again, remember to replace ‘Vietnam’ with your own country of birth!

4- I live in Hanoi.

Tôi sống ở Hà Nội.

Same as above – replace ‘Hanoi’ with your town or city of abode!

5- I’ve been learning Vietnamese for a year.

Tôi đã học tiếng Việt 1 năm rồi.

Say this only if it’s true, obviously. And prepare to dazzle your audience! If you have indeed worked faithfully at your Vietnamese for a year, you should be pretty good at it! Use this phrase after your introduction – it is likely to indicate that you wish to engage in Vietnamese conversation.

Two people talking

6- I’m learning Vietnamese at VietnamesePod101.com.

Tôi đang học tiếng Việt tại VietnamesePod101.com.

This will be the best reply if anyone asks (Very impressed, of course!) where you study Vietnamese! Simply volunteering this information, especially in a casual conversation, could make you sound like a salesperson, and you want to avoid that. Often, an employer will want this information though, so best to memorize and have this phrase handy!

7- I’m 27 years old.

Tôi 27 tuổi.

This is a line that may just get you a ‘TMI!’ look from a stranger if you volunteer it without being asked. He/she may not be willing to divulge such an intimate detail about him/herself right at the start of your acquaintance, so don’t force reciprocity. However, it’s a good phrase to know in a job interview; again, probably best only if your prospective Vietnamese employer asks. Also, remember to give your true age!

First encounter

8- I’m a teacher.

Tôi là một giáo viên.

You’re still offering information about yourself, which lends good momentum to keep the conversation going! Replace ‘teacher’ with your own occupation – and learn the related vocabulary with VietnamesePod101!

People with different jobs

9- One of my hobbies is reading.

Một trong những sở thích của tôi là đọc sách.

Your hobby is another topic with lots of potential for starting a good conversation! People are often eager to talk about their hobbies, and why they like them!

10- I enjoy listening to music.

Tôi thích nghe nhạc.

If you’re still talking about your hobbies, this would be a good line to go with the previous one. Otherwise, wait for your conversation partner to start talking about what they enjoy doing!

2. Important Tips for Introducing Yourself

Introducing yourself

A correct Vietnamese introduction will make a good impression upon meeting a person for the first time. Why is this first impression important? Simple – it gives an indication of who you are as a person. So, while you want to be truthful when representing yourself, you also need to be prepared to put your best foot forward!

First impressions are often lingering and difficult to change. In addition, it’s easier to make a negative impression than a good one, often without intending to. So, how can you make sure that your self-introduction will impress Vietnamese natives?

1- Research: First, research the culture! Different cultures have different social rules, and you will be halfway towards making a great first impression if you know the proper Vietnamese customs for self-introductions. It will also help you avoid social mistakes – sometimes, what is acceptable in one culture is insulting in another, such as making eye contact, or giving a handshake. In your culture, what is appropriate when a person introduces him or herself?

Also, be sure to distinguish between introductions in different situations, such as a formal and a social situation. There are bound to be differences in how you address people! The internet can be an important tool for this endeavor. Alternatively, you could visit your local library to search for books on this topic, or you could ask Vietnamese friends to explain and demonstrate their cultural habits for introductions. Honoring someone’s culture shows that you respect it, and as we know – a little respect can go a very long way in any relationship!

Someone studying

2- Study the Correct Phrases and Vocabulary: Be sure to learn Vietnamese phrases and vocabulary that tell people who you are, and that encourage them to engage in conversation with you. Each situation will determine how to address the person you want to introduce yourself to. Also, make sure your pronunciation is correct! It would be most valuable to have Vietnamese-speaking friends who can help you with this. Or read on for a quick phrase and video lesson on Vietnamese introductions right here at VietnamesePod101!

3- Appearance: This is pretty obvious – if you want to make a good impression introducing yourself to anyone for the first time, you need to be neatly dressed and well groomed! A shabby, dirty or careless appearance and bad body odor are to be avoided at all costs; in most cultures, these will not impress!

Also, make sure to dress appropriately, not only for the occasion, but also for the culture. For instance, bare shoulders or an open-necked shirt is an acceptable gear in many Western countries. Yet, in some cultures, dressing like this could deeply offend your host. No amount of good manners and properly expressed introductions is likely to wipe out a cultural no-no! So, be sure to know how to dress, and take care with your appearance when you are about to introduce yourself to someone for the first time!

Following are some neat phrases with which you can introduce yourself in Vietnamese, and get a conversation started too!

3. Video – How to Introduce Yourself in Vietnamese

Good, you read and perhaps even memorized the preceding phrases to successfully introduce yourself in Vietnamese! Watch this short video now to get a quick lesson on Vietnamese grammar for these introductions, as well as how to pronounce them correctly. You will sound like a native when you can copy the presenter perfectly!

4. Why VietnamesePod101 is Perfect for Learning all about Vietnamese Introductions

  • Culturally Focused Lessons: All our material is aimed not only to help you learn perfect Vietnamese, but also to introduce you to the Vietnamese culture! Learn here, for instance, a list of favorite Vietnamese foods. Or, how about exploring the Vietnamese business culture in these 12 introductory lessons? Alternatively, listen to these audio lessons on Vietnamese culture! Studying through us could be very valuable before visiting Vietnam for any purpose.
  • Accurate and Correct Pronunciation & Inflection: Our hosts and voice actors are native Vietnamese speakers of the best quality! It is important for us that you speak Vietnamese correctly to avoid embarrassing misunderstandings and miscommunications. If you practice and can copy these presenters well, you will sound just like Vietnamese natives and your introduction will be easily understood!
  • State-of-the-Art Lesson Formats and Methods: Efficacy in learning is our highest priority. You will have access to learning tools that were carefully developed by learning specialists over more than a decade! We use only well-researched, proven lesson formats and teaching methods to ensure fast, accurate, fun and easy learning! Millions of happy subscribers can’t be wrong! Create a lifetime account with VietnamesePod101 for free access to many learning tools that are updated every week.
  • Learn to Read and Write in Vietnamese: We don’t only teach you to speak, you can also learn to read and write in Vietnamese! This way you can express your Vietnamese introduction in more than one way and be thoroughly prepared.
  • A Learning Plan that Suits your Pocket: VietnamesePod101 takes pride in making learning not only easy and fun, but also affordable. Opening a lifetime account for free will offer you a free seven-day trial, after which you can join with an option that suits your needs and means. Learning Vietnamese has never been easier or more affordable! Even choosing only the ‘Basic’ option will give you access to everything you need to learn Vietnamese effectively, like thousands of audio and video lessons! However, if you need to learn Vietnamese fast, the Premium and Premium Plus options will be good to consider, as both offer a vast number of extra tools to ensure efficient learning. This way you can be sure that you will reach your learning goal easily!

Whatever your needs are for learning Vietnamese, make sure to do it through VietnamesePod101, and you will never have to google: “How do I introduce myself in Vietnamese” again!

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How to Celebrate President Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday

Ho Chi Minh (often called Uncle Ho or Uncle Ho Chi Minh), was a Vietnam President and one of the most influential people for the country. In honor of Uncle Ho, Vietnam celebrates his birthday each year.

In this article, we’ll be going over the Ho Chi Minh holiday, one of the most important and widely celebrated Vietnam holidays today. In learning about Ho Chi Minh (leader, President, and beloved fighter for independence), you’re also allowing yourself to gain a deeper understanding of what values Vietnam holds closest to its heart, as well as its history.

At VietnamesePod101.com, we hope to make learning about Vietnamese culture, like this Ho Chi Minh public holiday, both fun and informative!

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1. What is President Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday?

One of the great heroes who played the most important role in Vietnam’s history of fights to defend the country is Ho Chi Minh. He is venerated and loved by the whole population of Vietnam; therefore, the birthday of President Ho Chi Minh on May 19 is solemnly celebrated by the State and the Vietnamese people.

2. When is Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday?

Ho Chi Mihn

Each year, Vietnam celebrates Ho Chi Minh’s birthday on May 19.

3. Reading Practice: Celebrations of Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday

Ho Chi Mihn statue with flowers

How do the Vietnamese celebrate Ho Chi Minh’s birthday each year? Read the Vietnamese text below to find out, and find the English translation directly below it.

Vào ngày 19 tháng 5 hàng năm, rất nhiều các hoạt động tưởng nhớ về Hồ Chủ tịch được tổ chức trên toàn quốc. Các cuộc thi ảnh, triển lãm tư liệu về ông được hưởng ứng nhiệt liệt. Đồng thời vào dịp này, rất nhiều người dân từ khắp mọi miền đất nước về thăm Nam Đàn – Nghệ An để thể hiện tấm lòng biết ơn với vị lãnh tụ vĩ đại. Ngoài ra, Lăng Chủ tịch tại thủ đô Hà Nội cũng là nơi nhiều người đến viếng thăm và tưởng niệm ông trong ngày này.

Nhân dịp kỷ niệm ngày sinh Hồ Chủ tịch, các kênh truyền hình Việt Nam như VTV1, VTV3, … cũng thường xuyên đăng tải phim tài liệu về con người – sự nghiệp và cuộc đời ông trong những năm tháng đấu tranh vì hòa bình dân tộc. Có những thước phim đã được chiếu lại nhiều lần, tuy nhiên, rất nhiều người Việt Nam vẫn luôn xúc động và cảm thấy tự hào khi xem lại những hình ảnh đó. Bạn sẽ có thể dễ dàng tìm thấy nhiều bức ảnh, biểu ngữ, câu nói nổi tiếng của Hồ Chủ tịch được treo khắp nơi trên đường phố và các quảng trường lớn.

On May 19 every year, many activities in memory of President Ho Chi Minh are held across the country. Photo contests and documentary exhibitions about the President receive warm responses. Also on this occasion, many people across the country visit Nam Dan in Nghe An to express their gratitude to the great leader. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi is another place where many people come and commemorate him on this day.

On the occasion of the anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday, Vietnamese TV channels such as VTV1, VTV3, and so on also regularly broadcast documentaries on the character, career, and life of President Ho Chi Minh during his years of fighting for national peace. Some footage is replayed many times; however, many Vietnamese people are still moved and feel proud when they’re re-watching those scenes. You will no doubt see a lot of pictures, banners, and famous quotes of President Ho Chi Minh hung across the streets and in large squares.

4. Who was Ho Chi Minh?

Ho Chi Minh was born Nguyen Sinh Cung in 1890 in a Confucian family in a small village in Nghe An province, Central Vietnam. He played a decisive role in the fights of Vietnamese people against powers such as France and the United States. With his talented guidance, President Ho Chi Minh led the Vietnamese nation to winning and seizing independence, freedom, and unification.

The most famous quote of Ho Chi Minh is: “There is nothing more precious than independence and freedom!” This was extracted from his call to arms against American imperialism and for the defense of the country on July 17, 1966.

5. Useful Vocabulary for Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday

Scroll and Ink Quill

Here’s some vocabulary you should know for this holiday in Vietnam!

  • Lịch sử — “History”
  • Kỷ niệm — “Celebrate”
  • Hoa — “Flower”
  • Lãnh đạo — “Lead”
  • Bác Hồ — “Uncle Ho”
  • Tổ chức — “Organize”
  • Tỏ lòng biết ơn — “Show gratitude”
  • Kính trọng — “Respect”
  • Quý giá — “Precious”
  • Ngày sinh của Chủ tịch Hồ Chí Minh — “President Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday”

To hear each vocabulary word pronounced, check out our vocabulary list for Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday. Here, you’ll find each word accompanied by an audio file of its pronunciation.

Conclusion

What do you think about the Vietnamese celebration of Ho Chi Minh’s Birthday? Is there a similar holiday in your own country that celebrates a leader or important figure? Let us know in the comments!

To learn more about Vietnamese culture, history, and the language, visit us at VietnamesePod101.com! There’s something here for every learner, from free vocabulary lists to insightful blog posts to broaden your knowledge. You can also chat with fellow Vietnamese learners on our forums or upgrade to Premium Plus to take advantage of our MyTeacher program!

All of the hard work and determination you’ve put into learning Vietnamese will pay off, and soon you’ll speak like a native! And VietnamesePod101.com will be here on each step of that journey.

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10 Best Vietnamese TV Shows for Learners to Watch

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Watching TV shows is a great way to learn a language. There are countless English TV programs or podcasts, but when it comes to Vietnamese TV shows, would it be limited to finding your favorite one? Absolutely not! 

Although not all Vietnamese shows have foreign language subtitles, it is considered a good way to reduce “laziness” and stop you from just translating to your native language in your head. Learning a language through TV shows, therefore, appears to be extremely beneficial yet interesting because you will learn a lot of sentences repeated continuously while watching the show.

Today I’ll share with you ways to turn what could be a boring study of Vietnamese into a fascinating activity by watching the top 10 most popular TV shows in Vietnam. Also, you’ll be provided with several websites to watch Vietnamese TV shows and dramas for free so that you can be surrounded by Vietnamese and really learn the language by immersion.

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  1. Người ấy là ai (Who is single Vietnam)
  2. Chơi là chạy (Play is run – Running man Vietnam)
  3. Vua tiếng Việt (King of Vietnamese)
  4. Giọng ải giọng ai (Hidden voices)
  5. Thương vụ bạc tỷ (Shark Tank)
  6. Ơn giời, cậu đây rồi! (Thank God, you are here)
  7. Siêu trí tuệ Việt Nam (The Brain Vietnam)
  8. Vợ chồng son (The new married couples)
  9. Rap Việt (Rap Vietnam)
  10. Thách thức danh hài (Challenge the comedians)
  11. Websites to watch Vietnamese dramas and series for free

1. Người ấy là ai (Who is single Vietnam)

Người ấy là ai – the most popular Vietnamese TV show in 2020, is an original copyrighted show from Thailand. The show’s success was partly because of the 2 hosts that are Trấn Thành, who is one of the best Vietnamese MCs, and Huong Giang, who is a singer and Miss International Queen Pageant 2018. 

Participants in each show are 5 mysterious men and a beautiful single girl. The men have to prove that they’re single by showing actions or using pick-up lines so that the girl will choose them, while the girl has to guess and eliminate those who are taken (either he’s in a relationship or married) or LGBT. Each episode has an advisory board that includes guests who are celebrities to help the girl choose the right guy. 

You’ll hear repeated words or sentences that will help you when learning languages on every Tv show. In Người ấy là ai, there will be several keywords that appear a lot, and it’s very easy to remember after an episode only. 

  • Màu xanh : Độc thân
    (Green : Single)
  • Màu đỏ : Đã có chủ
    (Red : Taken)
  • Màu tím : LGBT 
    (Purple : LGBT)

In each round, the advisory board will raise a board of color that indicates the men’s status to help the girl eliminate one who they think is unsuitable for her. The funny thing is the advisory board can be wrong many times, and it’s not helping the girl at all. Nevertheless, what makes Người ấy là ai special is that she can find the right guy without any help sometimes. That’s what true love is about, isn’t it?

One of Người ấy là ai’s slogans that is used in every episode before it begins is : 

  • Bạn đã sẵn sàng để bước vào thế giới của Người ấy là ai chưa?
    (Are you ready to enter the world of Người ấy là ai?)

This is the sign for the start of the show after the introduction and ice-breaking. Now, bạn đã sẵn sàng để bước vào thế giới của người ấy là ai chưa? Let’s enjoy the first episode of the most recent season by clicking the link below.

A video of Episode 1 – Who is single Vietnam Season 3

You can access the playlist of Người ấy là ai for more videos as well. Vie Channel HTV2 also provides a lot of interesting Vietnamese shows and dramas that you can watch for free. 

2. Chơi là chạy (Play is run – Running man Vietnam)

Needless to say, Chơi là chạy (Play is run) – the Vietnamese version of the famous Korean reality TV show Running Man, is one of the most viewed shows on Vietnam television. 

Similarly to the original version, Chơi là chạy also includes different physical activities or sports games to find clues or collect numbers to serve the final challenge Tear the nametag – the one that decides the winner of each episode. Participants are divided into 2 teams or allowed to play individually. All of them are celebrities with a good sense of humor who can attract viewers, which is the main key to the show’s success. 

Let’s learn some Vietnamese words that you will probably hear a lot while enjoying the show. 

  • Luật chơi 
    (Playing rules)
  • Xé bảng tên
    (Tear the nametag)
  • Bị loại 
    (Being eliminated)
  • Đội chơi 
    (Teams)
  • Địa điểm của trò chơi
    (Game location)
  • Khách mời 
    (Guest)
  • Chơi ăn gian
    (Cheating)

After the first season, some of the most spoken sentences are : 

  • Tiêu diệt Trấn Thành
    (Defeat Tran Thanh)

It is because Tran Thanh MC is a very strong player that he tends to win in any episode. As a result, everybody wants to “defeat” him to make sure that he won’t win so that people will have a chance to be the winner. Poor Tran Thanh, he had a lot of enemies on the show. 

  • Thánh chơi dơ 
    (Legend of cheating)

BB Tran is called for this prize as he’s always cheating in most episodes. “Dơ” means dirty; therefore, “Thánh chơi dơ” means “the legend of playing dirty,” which is cheating all the time. What’s funny is this nickname has followed BB Tran for a long time, even after season 1 has finished. 

3. Vua tiếng Việt (King of Vietnamese)

Vua tiếng Việt is a made-in-Vietnam TV game show with the desire to create a playground that combines entertainment and knowledge so that players and viewers can learn and overcome all the challenges of the Vietnamese language at the same time.

To become Vua tiếng Việt, players will have to go through 4 rounds.

  • Vòng thi thứ nhất – Vòng phản xạ (The first round – Reflection): Players have to recognize nouns (danh từ), verbs (động từ), adjectives (tính từ) or spell difficult words correctly (đánh vần từ khó chính xác)
  • Vòng thi thứ hai – Vòng giải nghĩa (The second round – Interpretation) : Players will find ways to interpret the words (diễn giải các từ) in the Vietnamese dictionary. The faster they answer, the higher their chances of scoring. 

Through each round, the player with the lowest score will be eliminated.

  • Vòng thi thứ ba – Vòng xâu chuỗi (The third round – String), the remaining two players win the right to press the bell to answer 9 questions, which are 9 strings of words that have been reversed. The person who strings the chain quickly and answers correctly will enter the final round.
  • In the final round – Soán ngôi (Usurpation), players have to write a poem (bài thơ) every 3 steps they walk according to the theme given. This is, of course, very challenging for any player since Vietnamese has tones, and it’s not easy at all to write poems in minutes that way. 

Now let’s take a look at the trailer to see how interesting and challenging this Vietnamese Tv program is.

King of Vietnamese trailer

4. Giọng ải giọng ai (Hidden voices)

Giọng ải giọng ai is based on the original Korean version of “I Can See Your Voice”, with the participation of many artists (nghệ sĩ), KOLs (người có tầm ảnh hưởng)  and mysterious vocalists (những giọng ca bí ẩn) to entertain audience. 

Each episode features 2 teams. Each team has a team leader and 2 guests who are a singer and a supporter, along with 7 mysterious voices, including those who have good vocals and those who don’t. There are three rounds: Vòng Hóa thân (Incarnation), Vòng Siêu diễn (Super performance), Vòng Lộ diện (Reveal), and each team eliminates one or two of the vocalists after each round. The goal is to weed out the poor vocalists based on limited evidence of their identity and singing ability while leaving the good vocalists. At the end, whichever team chooses the good remaining vocalist to sing wins the prize. 

In Giọng ải giọng ai, MC Đại Nghĩa usually announces these two sentences at the beginning and the end of the show:

  • Giải thưởng là 50 triệu đồng tiền mặt 
    (The prize is 50 million Vietnam Dong in cash)
  • Chương trình được phát sóng trên kênh HTV7 vào các tối Chủ nhật hàng tuần 
    (The show is broadcast on channel HTV7 every Sunday evening)

Regularly, the audience will enjoy the show a lot until the bad vocal appears. Some of them have really good appearances and performing ability BUT the voice, which is very funny; here’s why:

Episode 9 – The most viewed episode of Giọng ải giọng ai.

5. Thương vụ bạc tỷ (Shark Tank)

Thương vụ bạc tỷ – Shark Tank Vietnam is a reality television show copyrighted by Sony Pictures. Shark Tank is very successful in many countries around the world, such as the UK, Canada, and the US. The show also won the Primetime Emmy Award twice for the category of Best Reality Television Program.

When selected for the recording round, the start-up entrepreneurs coming to the show to call for investment will stand in front of investors (Sharks) and present their products. Here, we will learn a few business terms that are regularly used in Vietnam: 

  • Gọi vốn 
    (Literally, it means “Calling for capital” or “Call for investment”)
  • Nhà đầu tư 
    (Investor)
  • Doanh nhân 
    (Entrepreneur)
  • Khởi nghiệp
    (Start-up)
  • Đàm phán
    (To negotiate)

Apparently, they will have to go through 3 parts:

  • Phần 1: Giới thiệu thông tin về sản phẩm 
    (Introduce general information about the product)
  • Phần 2: Người kêu gọi đầu tư và các nhà đầu tư thương thuyết về số vốn đầu tư hoặc số lợi nhuận được trả lại 
    (Callers and investors negotiate the amount of capital invested or the amount of profit to be returned)
  • Phần 3: Quyết định đầu tư hoặc không đầu tư sau phần thương thuyết 
    (To decide to invest or not after negotiation)

Thương vụ bạc tỷ is super popular in Vietnam not only for its interesting format but also for the knowledge and styles of the Sharks, who are extremely successful entrepreneurs and investors. Viewers get to learn a lot of business experience from them through the show, and it makes the show unique. 

6. Ơn giời, cậu đây rồi! (Thank God, you are here)

Ơn giời, cậu đây rồi! is a situational comedy program produced by the Vietnam Television Film Production Center, Vietnam Television. The show’s format is based on the popular Australian comedy show Thank God You’re Here!

Ơn giời cậu đây rồi is for artists to show their improvisation on stage when they have to participate in a play without the script. The only thing they know in advance is the costumes and props they will use (if any), which are provided to them before going to their room on the stage only.

It’s time to learn some Vietnamese vocabulary about performing from Ơn giời, cậu đây rồi! 

  • Vở kịch 
    (A play)
  • Khả năng diễn xuất 
    (Performing ability)
  • Nhập vai
    (Role-playing)
  • Hoá thân thành thân vật …
    (To transform into the character …)
  • Khả năng ứng biến
    (Improvisation ability)
  • Sân khấu 
    (Stage)
  • Khán giả 
    (Audience)

Also, some the most spoken sayings that you will probably hear from MC Xuân Bắc are : 

  • Hãy dành một tràng pháo tay để chào đón các trưởng phòng 
    (Please give a round of applause to the rooms’ leaders)
  • Đây là đạo cụ dành cho bạn 
    (These are your properties)
  • Hãy mở cửa 
    (Please open the door)
  • Mời bạn vào phòng 
    (Please enter the room)

Now, let’s also take a look at one of the most viewed episodes of Ơn giời, cậu đây rồi!

Episode 7 – Thank God, you’re here!

7. Siêu trí tuệ Việt Nam (The Brain Vietnam)

Siêu trí tuệ Việt Nam – the Vietnamese version of The Brain series that originated in Germany and has gone through a series of countries such as Spain, Ukraine, France, and especially China – is the most successful version of this program. The show attracts contestants with a variety of superhuman powers and intelligence. The challenge is to overcome obstacles in memory, Rubik’s cube, algebra, and observation… 

There are three rounds in each season:

  • Lộ diện
    (Reveal)
  • Tuyên chiến
    (Declare war)
  • Giao hữu quốc tế 
    (International Friendly Match)

Talking about talents shows, these are some relevant vocabulary that appears a lot throughout the show: 

  • Giải thưởng toán học : 
    (Math prize)
  • Thử thách 
    (Challenge)
  • Đề bài 
    (Thread)
  • Câu đố 
    (Riddle)
  • Năng lực 
    (Capacity)
  • Năng lực tưởng tượng không gian 
    (Spatial imagination ability)

In addition, what the audience also wants to know before every performance is how difficult the judges think the challenge is. The question is:

  • Xin mời giám khảo cho điểm dự đoán về độ khó của đề bài 
    (Please give your score for the difficulty level of the test)

8. Vợ chồng son (The new married couples)

Two newly married couples are invited to each show. The talk consists of 2 parts:

  • In the first part, the two MCs ask the couple to share their marriage stories, from the moment they first met to the time they lived together. This part is completely unaffected by the director’s intentions. Therefore, couples can freely share their feelings and true stories in the most honest way. 
  • Part two is the Lucky Draw, with 4 prizes in 4 boxes. The couple will randomly draw to receive valuable prizes from the Organizing board.

Vợ chồng son is a reality TV talk show that is broadcast every Sunday on channel HTV7. The program is based on the famous 40-year-old format of Asahi Television and is one of the most popular TV programs in Japan.

Since we’re talking about a marriage-life show, why don’t we mention some regular vocabulary picked from Vợ chồng son?

  • Chuyện tình yêu
    (Love story)
  • Cặp vợ chồng : 
    (A married couple)
  • Cưới/kết hôn
    (To get married)
  • Lần gặp đầu tiên
    (The first met)

Also, the couples will probably be asked :

  • Hai bạn gặp nhau như thế nào? 
    (How did you guys first meet)
  • Hai bạn cưới nhau được bao lâu rồi 
    (How long have you been married)
  • Điều gì bạn ghét nhất ở chồng bạn? 
    (What do you hate the most about your husband?)
  • Bạn có muốn chia sẻ điều gì với chồng bạn không? 
    (Do you want to say anything to your husband now?)

9. Rap Việt (Rap Vietnam)

Rap Viet is a rap talent search program licensed from Workpoint TV’s The Rapper program, produced by Ho Chi Minh City Television in collaboration with Vie Channel.

Contestants will choose an idea from Vietnam culture or Vietnamese daily life to remake with their rap lyrics to convince the coaches. The coaches select potential and suitable candidates (ứng viên) for their team by activating the pedal in front of the hot seat (ghế nóng)

In the event that two or more coaches choose a contestant at the same time, the other judges will be the ones to decide that the contestant will join the team with the coach they feel is suitable. When the judges disagree on which team to choose, the contestant will be the final decision maker (người quyết định)

If you want to know what someone thinks about a performance, you can use this sentence structure from the host:

  • Ban giám khảo nghĩ sao về tiết mục vừa rồi? 
    (What do you think about the performance?)

Here Ban giám khảo plays a role as a subject which means you can replace it with any other subject such as bạn(you) or anh/chị(you).

If you want to call for votings, you can also use : 

  • Nếu các bạn yêu thích tiết mục này, hãy bình chọn ngay cho anh ấy 
    (If you like this performance, please vote for him immediately)

By the way, are you wondering how to use conditional sentences in Vietnamese correctly? Visit this video on VietnamesePod101 for further instructions.

Top 12 best performances of Rap Viet

10. Thách thức danh hài (Challenge the comedians)

Thách thức danh hài (Crack Them Up Vietnam) is a Vietnamese television game co-produced by Ho Chi Minh City Television and Dien Quan Media & Entertainment Company.

This is an interactive program between contestants and the judges; in each contest, contestants will have one minute to make the two judges laugh and win cash prizes corresponding to each round. There are 5 rounds in total, and the difficulty level increases with the judges trying-not-to-laugh. Thách thức danh hài is a truly entertaining show that has brought a lot of both laughs and tears to the audience. 

There have been only 3 seasons, and the organizing board hasn’t seemed to produce the fourth season yet. Nevertheless, Thách thức danh hài is still one of the best comedy shows so far, and it’s worth it to watch every episode. 

Now let’s learn how to welcome someone:

  • Hãy cùng chào đón 2 vị danh hài là 2 giám khảo quen thuộc của chúng ta 
    (Please welcome the 2 comedians that are our 2 familiar judges)

11. Websites to watch Vietnamese dramas and series for free

It’s been a lot for today, but it’s not done yet. I still have a few things to share with you. In case you want to be surrounded by the Vietnamese language, check these out right now for free Vietnamese dramas, game shows, and TV series.

1. VTV Giải trí & xem TV trực tuyến (VTV entertainment and watch TV online) : 

Here are a few simple steps for you to sign up:

  • Step 2: Click Đăng nhập (Sign in)

Màn Hình Trang Chủ

Step 3: Click Đăng ký (Sign up)

Màn Hình Dăng Ký
  • Step 4: Provide your email and create a password by filling in the blanks

    • Email 

      Mật khẩu (Password)

      Xác nhận mật khẩu (Confirm password)

Màn Hình Dăng Ký
  • Step 5: Click Đăng ký (Sign up)
  • Step 6: Enjoy Vietnamese movies world
Màn Hình Trang Chủ

2. VTV Go

Not only can you read the latest news, but also watch Vietnamese movies and live news for free on VTV Go. What better things do you need to learn Vietnamese, folks?

VTV Go is even simpler than VTV Giải trí because it doesn’t require an account. All you need to do is to choose what interests you and enjoy it. Sadly, not many things on official Vietnamese websites and channels have English subtitles, but I think it should be considered a great deal for you to improve your reading and listening as well. 

Don’t forget that you can also find plenty of flashcards, videos, and thousands of Vietnamese lessons and access your free lifetime account anytime on VietnamesePod101. Once you set a clear goal for your language learning, you will absolutely achieve it soon.

See you in the very next article. Guess what’s coming next? 

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How To Find a Job in Vietnam

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Four years ago I went to the Philippines to travel for the first time. I was so in love with the country that I couldn’t help but try to find a job there. I thought it was a nice country to live in and work in. A year later I got selected to join a short project in the Philippines for six months and, at the same time, that was when I started working for VietnamesePod101 as well. 

If you visit Vietnam and decide to stay for an extended period, you should research how to find a job in Vietnam. Unless you’re a freelancer working remotely most of the time, you must somehow find a job or do something for a living when being abroad. 

An expats satisfaction survey conducted in January 2021 shows that Vietnam is one of the top 10 countries where foreigners are happiest with both work and personal lives in 2021. Vietnam has become an extremely expat-friendly country in terms of job security and a stable local economy. It is surprisingly easy to find a job, especially when you’re a native English speaker, even with or without a degree. 

In this article, I’m going to reveal all the job possibilities and the other non-teaching jobs that you can take into consideration in Vietnam based on my four year-experience using English as the second language in my work. There will also be some conditions such as a Vietnamese visa and other requirements which need to be fulfilled and hopefully, you will have a clear idea of what fits you most before deciding to move to Vietnam.

Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - Business Words and Phrases in Vietnamese Table of Contents
  1. The job market in Vietnam overview
  2. Regular Hiring Procedure
  3. Language Teaching Jobs
  4. Blue-collar Jobs
  5. Office Jobs
  6. Health, science, and technology-related jobs:
  7. Start your own business
  8. Conclusion

1. The job market in Vietnam overview

Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang, and Binh Duong are some of the cities that attract native English speakers most for their varieties of jobs. There are foreign companies or companies with foreign capital based in these cities as well. Therefore, the very first target if you aim for a chance of finding jobs in Vietnam should be in these places. The second city level that provides job options as well might be cities like Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Hue, Dong Nai, Vung Tau, and so on. The salary range can be smaller due to the smaller size of the city, but benefits are as good as in big cities since they want to attract strong candidates.

A Picture of Hanoi from Above

Due to great economic growth in recent years, Vietnam has opened up many diverse professions for not only locals but also expatriates. Aside from the very common teaching jobs in Vietnam, there are foreigners working as IT engineers, digital marketers, chefs, or managerial roles in big corporations. Accordingly, numerous job search websites have been launched to help candidates reach employers easier. Here is a list of websites and pages that you can absolutely take a look at when thinking of searching for a job in Vietnam. 

  • TopCV: Top CV was initially a website that provides resume templates. Later on, they connected with a wide network of employers and are currently recruiting tons of people and become one of the leading websites in the industry. 
  • Vietnamworks: There are thousands of jobs with attractive incomes from top companies in Vietnamworks. It’s easy to apply, jobs are of a good standard with high salaries, and there are attractive benefits. It’s also constantly updated with new work every day.
  • Timviecnhanh: A partner of over 500,000 businesses, bringing many chances of getting a job for job seekers, Timviecnhanh has been a prestigious recruitment site in Vietnam and it’s very easy to sign up also.
  • MyWork: Among job search websites in Vietnam, MyWork is a trusted, effective and prestigious job search page for candidates and employers. They also provide a hotline with a free consultation.
  • CareerLink: CareerLink is Top 10 E-commerce enterprises in 2015 with over 22,000 attractive jobs.
  • LinkedIn: a social network that focuses on businesses or professional individuals who need to connect for finding jobs and currently recruiting. A social networking site designed for the business community, LinkedIn’s goal is to allow users to network with people they know professionally.
  • Facebook: Last but not least, there are a few big Facebook Groups in Vietnam where you can find job opportunities such as Hanoi Massive Job or Saigon Massive where you can ask anything related to the city. 

2. Regular Hiring Procedure

Submitting a resume until getting a job can take approximately a week to a month. The usual hiring process in Vietnam is similar to everywhere else in the world, depending on the complexity of the job. It includes: 

  • Step 1 : Duyệt hồ sơ (Screen resume)
  • Step 2 : Liên hệ phỏng vấn (Contact for an interview)
  • Step 3 : Phỏng vấn với nhà tuyển dụng (Interview with employer)
  • Step 4 : Nhận thư mời làm việc (Receive offer letter)
  • Step 5 : Ký thoả thuận thử việc (Sign probation agreement)
  • Step 6 : Ký hợp đồng chính thức (Sign official contract)

The probation period in Vietnam usually takes 2 months for regular positions and 1 month for managerial positions due to the lack of strong candidates. Employees who are on probation period are entitled to a wage. It may, however, equal 75-80% of a regular employee’s compensation and may not include any bonuses or benefits. 

Volunteers can get paid sometimes depending on the project and organization. I may share with you more details about volunteering jobs in another article but within the framework of this one, I’m going to mostly discuss jobs that you officially get paid for.

A Resume

3. Language Teaching Jobs

Vietnam’s education industry has been one of the leading markets in Asia for its potential and growth over the past years. Due to the high expectation of Vietnamese parents for their children’s English skills, as well as the requirement of adults’ English ability for many jobs, thousands of English centers were opened to meet the need for language learning.

Being an English teacher, therefore, has become the number one chance of getting a great life in Vietnam for native English speakers these days. Some of the most popular English centers throughout Vietnam are Apolo, Apax, Wall Street English, Language Link, VUS, Ames, ILA, CEC, Ocean Edu, and Amslink. The regular hourly rate that you might have seen ranges from $15 to $40 depending on the center and class type. Basic requirements include native English speakers with TESOL, TEFL, CELTA, or BA. English speakers that come from countries using English as the second language can possibly find a job in Vietnam as an English, math or science teacher in local schools as well. Benefits vary from business visas, work permits, health insurance, to paid holidays.

A Teacher Pointing at the Blackboard

A regular hiring process usually includes 3 steps

  • Interview with the Human Resource Department
  • Interview with the Academic Department
  • Demo class

Teaching experience is highly recommended but not a must when looking for teaching jobs in Vietnam. The training system in Vietnam is not flush with fancy video training or materials but it’s enough to provide you with the necessary tools and teaching techniques. At big and reputed English centers, the academic manager is often a native English speaker. However, in some smaller centers, this responsibility can be taken by a Vietnamese speaker. 

To find a job in Vietnam as an English teacher, there is a chance of finding available positions in the English center that you’ve targeted directly, so you can avoid commission from agencies. On the other hand, some people may prefer working through agencies (Ex: New Way) because all the procedures and paperwork such as getting a Vietnamese visa can be fully taken care of. Another tip to get a teaching job in Vietnam is doing research beforehand because it will help when negotiating salaries with employers.

Knowing basic Vietnamese will help you understand the main difficulties of Vietnamese students, letting you make better teaching strategies. Bear in mind that teaching in public schools can be a little tiring due to the high student number as opposed to teaching in private English centers. Plus, you might be requested to do office hours or admin tasks in both environments which is perfectly common in Vietnam. 

4. Blue-collar Jobs

Nhân viên bán hàng (sales person), giao hàng (delivery guy), bảo vệ (security guard), phụ bếp (kitchen assistant), or tài xế (driver) are considered blue-collar jobs in Vietnam.

Although the job title is not prestigious, blue-collar jobs in Vietnam contain a few advantages that are relatively suitable for people who don’t have a good deal of expertise:

  • Dễ dàng tìm kiếm (Easy to search)
  • Không yêu cầu bằng cấp và kinh nghiệm (Does not require qualifications and experience)
  • Không đòi hỏi tay nghề cao (Does not require high skills)
  • Không cần biết ngoại ngữ (Does not need to foreign languages)

However, there are undoubtedly several cons that blue-collar workers might face such as: 

  • Không phù hợp với người nước ngoài (Not suitable for foreigners)
  • Lương thấp (Low salary)
  • Không có cơ hội thăng tiến (No promotion opportunities)

Aside from the websites mentioned above, ViecLamTot is one of Vietnam’s first job-posting platforms specializing in blue-collar labor. In addition, ChoTot, Grab, Beamin, Shopee are platforms and marketplaces that provide numerous job opportunities in Vietnam for this group of workers as well. Blue-collar jobs require a lot of Vietnamese speaking and working under poor conditions. As a result, it’s not a good option for native English speakers in this case. 

5. Office Jobs

Office jobs are often common everywhere in the world due to their stability and commitment. In Vietnam, some of the regular office jobs that you may see are: 

  • Lễ tân khách sạn (Receptionist)
  • Trợ lý văn phòng (Office assistant)
  • Nhân viên hành chính (Admin staff)
  • Kế toán (Accountant)
  • Giám đốc vận hành (Operations Manager)
  • Trưởng phòng nhân sự (HR Manager)
  • Nhân viên chăm sóc khách hàng (Customer Service Officer)
  • Quản trị viên bán hàng (Sales admin)

Being an expat can be a huge advantage as an office worker due to the low percentage of Vietnamese adults who are proficient in English. Besides, the pros seem to be attractive for people who don’t have high demands in terms of work conditions. 

  • Nói tiếng Anh là một lợi thế (English speaking is an advantage)
  • Công việc ổn định (Stable job)
  • Thời gian làm việc cố định (Fixed working time)
  • Phúc lợi tốt (Good benefits)
  • Có cơ hội thăng tiến (Promotion opportunity)

On the other hand, there are a few cons that might make you consider learning Vietnamese and improving your speaking skills before applying for this kind of job, because it will help you adapt better to the environment. 

  • Mức lương trung bình (Average salary)
  • Sử dụng nhiều tiếng Việt (Using a lot of Vietnamese)
  • Ưu tiên người VIệt Nam với các vị trí thấp (Priority is given to Vietnamese in low positions)
  • Các vị trí cấp cao ở các công ty nước ngoài thường ưu tiên tuyển dụng người nước ngoài (Senior positions in foreign companies often prioritize recruiting foreigners)

6. Health, science, and technology-related jobs:

6 People in Different Professions

If none of the jobs mentioned above seems to interest you, here is the list of occupations in other fields that you can also consider when looking for a job in Vietnam.

  • Thiết kế (Designer)
  • Chuyên viên y tế công cộng (Public Health Specialist)
  • Giáo viên môn khoa học (Science Teacher)
  • Kỹ sư dữ liệu (Data Engineer)
  • Kỹ sư công nghệ thông tin (IT engineer)
  • Người thử nghiệm (Tester)
  • Bác sĩ (Doctor)
  • Y tá (Nurse)
  • Công việt viết lách (Writing job)

The medical industry always has a shortage of professors and doctors due to the high level of expertise and great work pressure. It happens in science, technology, and other specialized industries as well. Since these kinds of jobs require more experience than others especially in special areas, there are certain advantages in the industry such as:

  • Lương cao (High salary)
  • Phúc lợi tốt (Good benefits)
  • Môi trường làm việc chuyên nghiệp (Professional working environment)
  • Cơ hội thăng tiến rõ ràng (Clear promotion opportunities)
  • Mở rộng mạng lưới chuyên môn (Potential to expand professional network)

However, based on the complexity of the work, challenges may exist:

  • Yêu cầu kinh nghiệm và kiến thức chuyên môn (Requires experience and professional knowledge)
  • Áp lực cao (High pressure)
  • Trách nhiệm lớn (Great responsibility)
  • Yêu cầu đảm bảo tiến độ (Requirement to ensure progress)

The fact is, there are a large number of experts and specialists working in these fields in Vietnam and achieving a lot of success. Working with head-hunting companies such as HR Channels, Navigos Group, Man Power, or HR2B can also be a good option in this case because they have a wide connection with different big companies and corporations where they don’t often use regular job search platforms to post available important positions.

7. Start your own business

Ribbon Cutting

There are two ways to legally start a business in Vietnam as an expat, which are through direct and indirect foreign investment. Direct foreign investment entails forming a joint venture or a 100% foreign-owned company with a Vietnamese partner. Indirect foreign investment, on the other hand, entails purchasing shares in Vietnamese corporations.

Either way of investment, the four types of taxes to be aware of are:

  • Thuế thu nhập doanh nghiệp (Corporate Income Tax) – CIT : 20%
  • Thuế thu nhập cá nhân (Personal Income Tax) –  PIT : 5-35%
  • Thuế VAT (Value Added Tax) : 0-10%
  • Thuế nhà thầu nước ngoài (Foreign Contractor Tax) – FCT: varies according to the business sector

For many company areas, a beginning capital of $10,000 USD is a good place to start before investing in Vietnam. However, choosing the right market and your partners can also be challenging due to cultural differences. There was an English teacher that I know in Hanoi who is now having a very successful business. He shared with me that he started by joining a small capital with one of his acquaintances for a small bar in the old quarter. Getting more experience in running businesses in Vietnam, he now owns a few other bars and pubs with similar concepts that attract a lot of young people. “Choosing the right partner is the key” – he said. And I believe it’s true in every situation. 

8. Conclusion

You now have a basic understanding of the working environment in Vietnam, and it’s up to you to decide what to do next.

Working in other countries can be challenging initially, but it will be a lifetime experience for people who want to explore the world. Vietnam, fortunately, is an amazing country where lots of expats have already built successful careers. Nevertheless, learning about the culture or etiquette before traveling to Vietnam is essential and I will share it more with you in a near-future article.

On top of that, learning the Vietnamese language gives you many chances of getting good jobs in Vietnam not only to improve your career but also your personal life when living here. Are you ready to work in Vietnam? Don’t forget to check out VietnamesePod101 before applying for a job. We provide you with tons of lessons, audio files, vocabulary lists, or flashcards and you can also sign up for a free lifetime account to master your language.

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How to Say I Love You in Vietnamese – Romantic Word List

Do you often feel lonely and sad? Do you long for romance and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet that special person? Speaking another language could revolutionize your love life! So, why wait? Learning how to say ‘love’ in Vietnamese could be just what you need to find it.

Or perhaps you were lucky, and have found your Vietnamese partner already. Fantastic! Yet, a cross-cultural relationship comes with unique challenges. Learning how to speak your lover’s language will greatly improve your communication and enhance the relationship. At VietnamesePod101, our team will teach you all the words, quotes and phrases you need to woo your Vietnamese lover with excellence! Our tutors provide personal assistance, with plenty of extra material available to make Vietnamese dating easy for you.

Table of Contents

  1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date
  2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date
  3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
  4. Vietnamese Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day
  5. Vietnamese Quotes about Love
  6. Marriage Proposal Lines
  7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines
  8. Will Falling in Love Help You Learn Vietnamese Faster?

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1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date

So, you have met your Vietnamese love interest. Congratulations! Who knows where this could take you…?! However, the two of you have just met and you’re not ready to say the Vietnamese word for love just yet. Great, it is better to get to know him/her first. Wow your prospective love by using these Vietnamese date phrases to set up a spectacular first date.

Vietnamese Date Phrases

Would you like to go out to dinner with me?

  • Bạn có muốn đi ra ngoài ăn tối với tôi không?

The important question! In most cultures, this phrase indicates: ‘I’m romantically interested in you’. Flirting in Vietnamese is no different, so don’t take your date to Mcdonald’s!

Are you free this weekend?

  • Cuối tuần này bạn có rảnh không?

This is a preamble to asking your love interest on a date. If you get an immediate ‘Yes’, that’s good news!

Would you like to hang out with me?

  • Bạn có muốn đi chơi với tôi không?

You like her/him, but you’re not sure if there’s chemistry. Ask them to hang out first to see if a dinner date is next.

What time shall we meet tomorrow?

  • Ngày mai chúng ta sẽ gặp lúc mấy giờ?

Set a time, and be sure to arrive early! Nothing spoils a potential relationship more than a tardy date.

Where shall we meet?

  • Chúng ta sẽ gặp nhau ở đâu?

You can ask this, but also suggest a place.

You look great.

  • Bạn trông thật tuyệt vời.

A wonderful ice breaker! This phrase will help them relax a bit – they probably took great care to look their best just for you.

You are so cute.

  • Bạn rất dễ thương.

If the two of you are getting on really well, this is a fun, flirtatious phrase to use.

What do you think of this place?

  • Bạn nghĩ gì về nơi này?

This another good conversation starter. Show off your Vietnamese language skills!

Can I see you again?

  • Tôi có thể gặp lại bạn không?

So the date went really well – don’t waste time! Make sure you will see each other again.

Shall we go somewhere else?

  • Chúng ta đi nơi nào khác nhé?

If the place you meet at is not great, you can suggest going elsewhere. It is also a good question to follow the previous one. Variety is the spice of life!

I know a good place.

  • Tôi biết một chỗ được.

Use this with the previous question. However, don’t say if you don’t know a good place!

I will drive you home.

  • Tôi sẽ lái xe đưa bạn về nhà.

If your date doesn’t have transport, this is a polite, considerate offer. However, don’t be offended if she/he turns you down on the first date. Especially a woman might not feel comfortable letting you drive her home when the two of you are still basically strangers.

That was a great evening.

  • Đó là một buổi tối tuyệt vời.

This is a good phrase to end the evening with.

When can I see you again?

  • Khi nào tôi có thể gặp bạn lần nữa?

If he/she replied ‘Yes’ to ‘Can I see you again?’, this is the next important question.

I’ll call you.

  • Tôi sẽ gọi cho bạn.

Say this only if you really mean to do it. In many cultures, this could imply that you’re keeping the proverbial backdoor open.

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2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date

You learned all the Vietnamese phrases to make a date – congratulations! Now you have to decide where to meet, which can be tricky. Discuss these options with your lover to gauge whether you like the same things. Check out romantic date ideas in Vietnamese below!

Date Ideas in Vietnamese

museum

  • bảo tàng

If you’re looking for unique date ideas that are fun but won’t break the bank, museums are the perfect spot! You won’t be running out of things to say in the conversations.

candlelit dinner

  • bữa ăn tối dưới ánh nến

A candlelit dinner is perhaps best to reserve for when the relationship is getting serious. It’s very intimate, and says: “Romance!” It’s a fantastic choice if you’re sure you and your date are in love with each other!

go to the zoo

  • đi đến sở thú

This is a good choice for shy lovers who want to get the conversation going. Just make sure your date likes zoos, as some people dislike them. Maybe not for the first date, but this is also a great choice if your lover has children – you’ll win his/her adoration for inviting them along!

go for a long walk

  • đi bộ một vòng lâu

Need to talk about serious stuff, or just want to relax with your date? Walking together is soothing, and a habit you can keep up together always! Just make sure it’s a beautiful walk that’s not too strenuous.

go to the opera

  • đi xem opera

This type of date should only be attempted if both of you love the opera. It can be a special treat, followed by a candlelit dinner!

go to the aquarium

  • đi đến khu thuỷ cung

Going to the aquarium is another good idea if you need topics for conversation, or if you need to impress your lover’s kids! Make sure your date doesn’t have a problem with aquariums.

walk on the beach

  • đi bộ trên bãi biển

This can be a very romantic stroll, especially at night! The sea is often associated with romance and beauty.

have a picnic

  • đi dã ngoại

If you and your date need to get more comfortable together, this can be a fantastic date. Spending time in nature is soothing and calms the nerves.

cook a meal together

  • nấu một bữa ăn cùng nhau

If you want to get an idea of your date’s true character in one go, this is an excellent date! You will quickly see if the two of you can work together in a confined space. If it works, it will be fantastic for the relationship and create a sense of intimacy. If not, you will probably part ways!

have dinner and see a movie

  • ăn tối và xem phim

This is traditional date choice works perfectly well. Just make sure you and your date like the same kind of movies!

3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary

Valentine's Day Words in Vietnamese

Expressing your feelings honestly is very important in any relationship all year round. Yet, on Valentine’s Day you really want to shine. Impress your lover this Valentine’s with your excellent vocabulary, and make his/her day! We teach you, in fun, effective ways, the meanings of the words and how to pronounce them. You can also copy the characters and learn how to write ‘I love you’ in Vietnamese – think how impressed your date will be!

4. Vietnamese Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day

So, you now have the basic Valentine’s Day vocabulary under your belt. Well done! But, do you know how to say ‘I love you’ in Vietnamese yet? Or perhaps you are still only friends. So, do you know how to say ‘I like you’ or ‘I have a crush on you’ in Vietnamese? No? Don’t worry, here are all the love phrases you need to bowl over your Vietnamese love on this special day!

Valentine's Day Words in Vietnamese

I love you.

  • Tôi yêu bạn.

Saying ‘I love you’ in Vietnamese carries the same weight as in all languages. Use this only if you’re sure and sincere about your feelings for your partner/friend.

You mean so much to me.

  • Bạn rất có ý nghĩa với tôi.

This is a beautiful expression of gratitude that will enhance any relationship! It makes the receiver feel appreciated and their efforts recognized.

Will you be my Valentine?

  • Em sẽ là Valentine của anh chứ?

With these words, you are taking your relationship to the next level! Or, if you have been a couple for a while, it shows that you still feel the romance. So, go for it!

You’re so beautiful.

  • Em đẹp quá.

If you don’t know how to say ‘You’re pretty’ in Vietnamese, this is a good substitute, gentlemen!

I think of you as more than a friend.

  • Tôi coi bạn hơn một người bạn.

Say this if you are not yet sure that your romantic feelings are reciprocated. It is also a safe go-to if you’re unsure about the Vietnamese dating culture.

A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.

  • Một trăm trái tim sẽ là quá ít để chứa tất cả tình yêu của anh dành cho em.

You romantic you…! When your heart overflows with love, this would be the best phrase to use.

Love is just love. It can never be explained.

  • Tình yêu chỉ là tình yêu. Nó không bao giờ có thể giải thích được.

If you fell in love unexpectedly or inexplicably, this one’s for you.

You’re so handsome.

  • Bạn rất đẹp trai.

Ladies, this phrase lets your Vietnamese love know how much you appreciate his looks! Don’t be shy to use it; men like compliments too.

I’ve got a crush on you.

  • Tôi có cảm tình với bạn.

If you like someone, but you’re unsure about starting a relationship, it would be prudent to say this. It simply means that you like someone very, very much and think they’re amazing.

You make me want to be a better man.

  • Em làm cho anh muốn trở thành một người đàn ông tốt hơn.

Gentlemen, don’t claim this phrase as your own! It hails from the movie ‘As Good as it Gets’, but it is sure to make your Vietnamese girlfriend feel very special. Let her know that she inspires you!

Let all that you do be done in love.

  • Hãy để tất cả những gì bạn phải được hoàn thành bằng tình yêu.

We hope.

You are my sunshine, my love.

  • Em là ánh nắng của tôi, tình yêu của tôi.

A compliment that lets your lover know they bring a special quality to your life. Really nice!

Words can’t describe my love for you.

  • Không từ ngữ nào có thể mô tả tình yêu của của anh dành cho em.

Better say this when you’re feeling serious about the relationship! It means that your feelings are very intense.

We were meant to be together.

  • Chúng ta sinh ra là để dành cho nhau.

This is a loving affirmation that shows you see a future together, and that you feel a special bond with your partner.

If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you’re definitely in love.

  • Nếu bạn đang nghĩ về một ai đó trong khi đọc điều này, bạn chắc chắn đang yêu.

Here’s something fun to tease your lover with. And hope he/she was thinking of you!

5. Vietnamese Quotes about Love

Vietnamese Love Quotes

You’re a love champ! You and your Vietnamese lover are getting along fantastically, your dates are awesome, your Valentine’s Day together was spectacular, and you’re very much in love. Good for you! Here are some beautiful phrases of endearment in Vietnamese that will remind him/her who is in your thoughts all the time.

6. Marriage Proposal Lines

Vietnamese Marriage Proposal Lines

Wow. Your Vietnamese lover is indeed the love of your life – congratulations! And may only happiness follow the two of you! In most traditions, the man asks the woman to marry; this is also the Vietnamese custom. Here are a few sincere and romantic lines that will help you to ask your lady-love for her hand in marriage.

7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines

Vietnamese Break-Up Lines

Instead of moving towards marriage or a long-term relationship, you find that the spark is not there for you. That is a pity! But even though breaking up is never easy, continuing a bad or unfulfilling relationship would be even harder. Remember to be kind to the person you are going to say goodbye to; respect and sensitivity cost nothing. Here are some phrases to help you break up gently.

  • We need to talk.
    • Chúng ta cần nói chuyện.

    This is not really a break-up line, but it is a good conversation opener with a serious tone.

    I’m just not ready for this kind of relationship.

    • Tôi chưa sẵn sàng cho mối quan hệ kiểu này.

    Things moved a bit fast and got too intense, too soon? Painful as it is, honesty is often the best way to break up with somebody.

    Let’s just be friends.

    • Chúng ta hãy chỉ là bạn bè.

    If the relationship was very intense, and you have sent many ‘i love u’ texts in Vietnamese, this would not be a good breakup line. Feelings need to calm down before you can be friends, if ever. If the relationship has not really developed yet, a friendship would be possible.

    We should start seeing other people.

    • Chúng ta nên bắt đầu gặp gỡ người khác.

    This is probably the least gentle break-up phrase, so reserve it for a lover that doesn’t get the message!

    We’re just not right for each other.

    • Chỉ là chúng ta không phải là để dành cho nhau.

    If this is how you truly feel, you need to say it. Be kind, gentle and polite.

    It’s for the best.

    • Đó là để tốt nhất cho cả hai.

    This phrase is called for if circumstances are difficult and the relationship is not progressing well. Love should enhance one’s life, not burden it!

    We’ve grown apart.

    • Chúng ta đã quá khác nhau.

    Cross-cultural relationships are often long-distance ones, and it is easy to grow apart over time.

    It’s not you. It’s me.

    • Không phải em mà là ở anh.

    As long as you mean it, this can be a kind thing to say. It means that there’s nothing wrong with your Vietnamese lover as a person, but that you need something different from a relationship.

    I think we need a break.

    • Anh nghĩ chúng ta cần tạm dừng.

    This is again honest, and to the point. No need to play with someone’s emotions by not letting them know how you feel. However, this could imply that you may fall in love with him/her again after a period of time, so use with discretion.

    You deserve better.

    • Em xứng đáng với điều tốt đẹp hơn.

    Yes, he/she probably deserves a better relationship if your own feelings have cooled down.

    I need my space.

    • Anh cần có không gian riêng.

    When a person is too clingy or demanding, this would be an suitable break-up phrase. It is another good go-to for that lover who doesn’t get the message!

    I think we’re moving too fast.

    • Anh nghĩ chúng ta đang đi quá nhanh.

    Say this if you want to keep the relationship, but need to slow down its progress a bit. It is also good if you feel things are getting too intense for your liking. However, it is not really a break-up line, so be careful not to mislead.

    I need to focus on my career.

    • Anh cần tập trung vào sự nghiệp.

    If you feel that you will not be able to give 100% in a relationship due to career demands, this is the phrase to use. It’s also good if you are unwilling to give up your career for a relationship.

    I’m not good enough for you.

    • Anh không đủ tốt để dành cho em.

    Say this only if you really believe it, or you’ll end up sounding false. Break-ups are usually hard for the receiving party, so don’t insult him/her with an insincere comment.

    I just don’t love you anymore.

    • Chỉ là anh không còn yêu em nữa.

    This harsh line is sometimes the best one to use if you are struggling to get through to a stubborn, clingy lover who won’t accept your break up. Use it as a last resort. Then switch your phone off and block their emails!

  • 8. Will Falling in Love help you Learn Vietnamese faster?

    Most people will agree that the above statement is a no-brainer – of course it will! Your body will be flooded with feel-good hormones, which are superb motivators for anything. VietnamesePod101 is one of the best portals to help help make this a reality, so don’t hesitate to enroll now! Let’s quickly look at the reasons why falling in love will speed up your learning of the Vietnamese language.

    Three Reasons Why Having a Lover will Help you Learn Vietnamese Faster!

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    1- Being in a love relationship with your Vietnamese speaking partner will immerse you in the culture
    VietnamesePod101 uses immersive methods and tools to teach you Vietnamese, but having a relationship with a native speaker will be a very valuable addition to your learning experience! You will gain exposure to their world, realtime and vividly, which will make the language come alive even more for you. The experience is likely to expand your world-view, which should motivate you to learn Vietnamese even faster.

    2- Having your Vietnamese romantic partner will mean more opportunity to practice speaking
    Nothing beats continuous practice when learning a new language. Your partner will probably be very willing to assist you in this, as your enhanced Vietnamese language skills will enhance the relationship. Communication is, after all, one of the most important pillars of a good partnership. Also, you will get to impress your lover with the knowledge gained through your studies – a win/win situation!

    3- A supportive Vietnamese lover is likely to make a gentle, patient teacher and study aid!
    With his/her heart filled with love and goodwill for you, your Vietnamese partner is likely to patiently and gently correct your mistakes when you speak. This goes not only for grammar, but also for accent and meaning. With his/her help, you could sound like a native in no time!

    Three Reasons Why VietnamesePod101 helps you learn Vietnamese Even Faster when you’re In Love

    Start with a bonus, and download the ‘How To be a Good Lover Cheat Sheet’ for FREE! (Logged-In Member Only)

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    1- All the Resources and Materials Will Help Both of You
    Falling in love with a man or woman speaking Vietnamese is an opportunity for both of you to learn a new language! For this reason, every lesson, transcript, vocabulary list, and resource at VietnamesePod101 is translated into both English and Vietnamese. So, while your partner can help you learn Vietnamese faster, you can potentially also help him/her learn and master English!

    2- Lessons Are Designed to Help You Understand and Engage with Vietnamese Culture
    At VietnamesePod101, our focus is to help our students learn practical vocabulary and phrases used by everyday people in Vietnam. This means that, from your very first lesson, you can apply what you learn immediately! So, when your Vietnamese partner wants to go out to a restaurant, play Pokemon Go, or attend just about any social function, you have the vocabulary and phrases necessary to have a great time!

    3- Access to Special Resources Dedicated to Romantic Vietnamese Phrases
    You now have access to VietnamesePod101’s specially-developed sections and tools to teach you love words, phrases, and cultural insights to help you find and attract your Vietnamese soul mate. A personal tutor will assist you to master these brilliantly – remember to invite him/her to your wedding!

    Vietnamese New Year: How to Celebrate Tet Holiday in Vietnam

    The Vietnamese Tet Holiday is one of the country’s most important holidays and one of the most greatly celebrated. Tet Holiday is the Vietnamese celebration of the lunar new year. Even the days leading up to this holiday are full of Tet Holiday traditions, and many people use this time of Tet celebrations to relax and reflect upon the coming year.

    By learning about the Asian holiday Tet, you’re allowing yourself to discover so much about the country of Vietnam which will both help you learn the language and give you a greater appreciation for it.

    In this article, we’ll be going over Tet Holiday traditions, answering the question “What is Tet?” and even go over Tet Holiday vocabulary so you can learn the language in context.

    Let’s get started!

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    1. What is Tet Holiday?

    Tet Holiday, or Tết m lịch in Vietnamese, is Vietnam’s celebration of the lunar new year. It’s one of the most important holidays that the Vietnamese observe, complete with lavish festivities, fireworks, and good food.

    Tet Holiday celebrations are similar to other Asian New Year celebrations, but also reflect the individual values, history, and culture of Vietnam. From eating bánh chưng or “chung cake,” to visiting the chùa or “Buddhist temple,” you’ll soon see the significance of the Tet Holiday in Vietnam to its people and what makes it distinct from similar celebrations.

    2. When is Vietnamese New Year?

    The New Year

    The Tet Holiday is the Vietnamese celebration of the New Year. On the “lunar calendar,” or m lịch, it takes place from December 28 to January 3. This usually falls somewhere around late January or early February on the solar calendar.

    If it happens to fall before or after a weekend, the total number of days off for this holiday may be from seven to ten, giving a long, relaxing break to everyone in Vietnam.

    For your convenience, here’s a list of this holiday’s date on the Gregorian calendar for the next ten years:

    • 2019: February 5
    • 2020: January 25
    • 2021: February 12
    • 2022: February 1
    • 2023: January 22
    • 2024: February 10
    • 2025: January 29
    • 2026: February 17
    • 2027: February 6
    • 2028: January 26

    3. How is it Celebrated?

    Red envelopes

    1- Days Leading up to Tet Holiday

    On the days leading up toTet, families all over Vietnam are busy with shopping and preparing for the occasion. They often organize and remodel their houses so that they’re neat and warm. They also decorate their living rooms with flowers such as apricot, cherry, or cranberry blossoms. In Vietnamese, “apricot blossoms” are called hoa mai, and “cherry blossoms” are called hoa đào.

    Lunar New Year’s Eve is also a popular time for family reunions. Families often prepare two trays of food to worship their ancestors and the Earth gods at the stroke of midnight. This kind of tradition is referred to as cúng Giao thừa.

    Right at the turn of the new year, “fireworks” or pháo hoa, are set off from city centers, and people all over the city rush to the top of high buildings to watch them. Those who live far from the center often go and reserve spots to watch the event several hours before the fireworks begin, or may simply just watch fireworks live on TV.

    After the fireworks end, many people pick young leaves at “temples,” or in Vietnamese chùa, as they believe these leaves bring good luck to their houses. This custom is called “picking buds for luck,” or hái lộc.

    2- Tet Holiday Traditions

    On day one of the Tet Holiday, Vietnamese people have a custom of wishing everyone a Happy New Year. Young people will wish happy new year to their grandparents and parents, and adults often give money to children, wrapped in red envelopes. On the envelopes, you can find text saying, Hay ăn, chóng lớn, vâng lời cha mẹ, which literally means, “Eat well, grow fast, and obey parents.”

    On New Year’s day, people greet each other by saying Chúc mừng năm mới!, meaning “Happy New Year,” or Chúc vạn sự như ý!, meaning, “Wish you everything to your liking.”

    Many Vietnamese people also believe that the first person to step into their house (người xông nhà) on the first day of the Lunar New Year will be the one who brings either good luck or bad luck for the year.

    4. Additional Information

    Among the many New Year dishes, sticky rice cakes and steamed Gac rice are two dishes specially served on Tet Holiday. Also, boiled chicken, lean pork paste, and fried rolls are presented on special trays for the occasion.

    5. Tet Holiday Vocabulary

    Celebrating with chung cake

    To help you fully understand the Tet Holiday and how it’s celebrated, we’ve prepared a list of the most useful words to know for this occasion with their definitions.

    • kẹo — “candy”
    • Tết Nguyên đán — “Lunar New Year”
    • rượu nếp — “glutinous rice wine
    • hạt dưa — “watermelon seeds”
    • dưa hành — “pickled onion”
    • tiệc — “party”
    • giao thừa — “New Year’s Eve”
    • hoa đào — “peach flower”
    • tiền mừng tuổi — “lucky money for happy new age”
    • cây quất — “kumquat”
    • lời chúc — “greeting”
    • hoa quả khô — “dried candied fruit”
    • câu đối — “couplet”
    • bánh chưng — “chung cake”
    • chùa — “Buddhist temple”
    • người xông nhà — “the first person to enter the house on the first day of the year”
    • mâm ngũ quả — “five fruits tray

    To hear the pronunciation of each Tet Day vocabulary word, visit our relevant vocabulary list. Here, you’ll find an audio pronunciation alongside each word.

    Conclusion

    As you can see, the Tet Holiday is an important holiday to the Vietnamese people and is celebrated whole-heartedly! What New Year traditions are there in your country? Let us know in the comments!

    For more information on Vietnamese culture and the language, visit us at VietnamesePod101.com. We offer an array of insightful blog posts, free vocabulary lists, and an online community where you can discuss lessons with fellow Vietnamese learners. You can also download our MyTeacher app for a one-on-one learning experience with your own personal Vietnamese teacher! We’re here to make learning Vietnamese fun and efficient.

    We wish you the best as you delve deeper into Vietnamese culture and continue practicing its language. Continue studying and practicing, and you’ll master the language before you know it!

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    Secret Revealed: The Best Way to Learn a Language on Your Own

    Learning A Language on Your Own

    Can You Really Learn Vietnamese Alone?

    Learning a language on your own or without traditional classroom instruction may seem quite daunting at first. What if you run into questions? How do you stay motivated and on track to achieving goals?

    Don’t worry, not only is it possible to learn Vietnamese or any language without traditional classroom instruction: VietnamesePod101 has created the world’s most advanced and extensive online language learning system. Not only is VietnamesePod101 specifically designed to help you with learning a language on your own, it’s actually faster, more convenient, and less expensive than traditional classroom options!

    Let’s look at some of the benefits of learning Vietnamese or any language alone.

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    Also, don’t forget to download your free cheat sheet – How to Improve Your Language Skills too!

    3 Reasons to Learn a Language Alone

    Learning Alone

    1. Learn at Your Own Pace and On Your Schedule

    In today’s fast-paced world, there just isn’t time for traditional classroom instruction. Between getting to class and studying on some professor or teacher’s schedule, traditional classroom learning is simply impossible to fit in. But when you learn Vietnamese alone, you can study in bed if you like and whenever suits your schedule best, making it far easier to actually reach your goal of learning and mastering the language.

    2. Learning a Language on Your Own Reduces Stress and Anxiety

    Speaking in front of a class, pop quizzes, and tests are just a few of the stressors you will encounter when you learn a language in a traditional classroom setting. Specifically, these are external stressors that often derail most people’s dream of learning a new language. But when you learn Vietnamese alone, there are no external stressors. Without the external stress and anxiety, it becomes much easier and more exciting to study Vietnamese and reach your very own goals—all on your own!

    3. Learning Vietnamese Alone Helps Improve Cognitive Function and Overall Success

    Learning a language on your own is indeed more challenging in some ways than being taught in a traditional classroom setting. In fact, while classroom instruction requires more rote memorization and following instructions, studying a language on your own requires more problem-solving and higher cognitive function to self-teach lessons and hit goals. So while it’s more challenging and requires higher levels of cognition, teaching yourself a language pays dividends throughout life by better preparing you for social/work opportunities that arise.

    How to Learn a Language on Your Own with VietnamesePod101

    Learning with VietnamesePod101

    1. Access to the World’s Largest Collection of Vietnamese Audio & Video Lessons

    The best way to learn a language on your own is to study from native speaking instructors. Ideally, you want audio and/or video lessons that teach vocabulary, grammar, and provide actual Vietnamese conversations and dialogue to help you with pronunciation. VietnamesePod101 has hundreds of hours of HD audio and video lessons created by real Vietnamese instructors and every lesson is presented by professional Vietnamese actors for perfect pronunciation. Plus, all lessons can be accessed 24/7 via any mobile device with Internet access. And, if you download the PDF versions of each lesson, you can even study without Internet access once the lesson is stored on your device!

    2. “Learning Paths” with Vietnamese Courses Based Upon Your Exact Needs & Goals

    Although VietnamesePod101 has more than thousands of video and audio lessons, you need not review each and every one to learn the language. In fact, VietnamesePod101 has developed a feature called “Learning Paths”. You simply tell us your goals and we will identify the best courses and study plan to help you reach them in the shortest time possible. So even though you are technically learning a language on your own, our team is always here to help and make sure you reach your goals FAST!

    3. Advanced Learning Tools Reduce Learning Time and Boost Retention

    When you have the right tools and Vietnamese learning resources, it’s actually easy to teach yourself a language! In the past 10+ years, VietnamesePod101 has developed, tested, and refined more than 20 advanced learning tools to boost retention and reduce learning time, including:

    • Spaced Repetition Flashcards
    • Line-by-Line Dialogue Breakdown
    • Review Quizzes
    • Voice Recording Tools to Help Perfect Pronunciation
    • Teacher Feedback and Comments for Each Lesson
    • Vietnamese Dictionary with Pronunciation
    • Free PDF Cheat Sheets
    • And Much More!

    Armed with our growing collection of advanced learning tools, it’s truly a breeze to learn Vietnamese alone and reach your goals!

    Conclusion

    Learning a language on your own is not only possible, it’s actually easier and more beneficial for you than traditional classroom instruction. In fact, when you learn Vietnamese on your own you can study at your own pace, eliminate stress, and actually increase cognitive function.

    VietnamesePod101 is the world’s most advanced online language learning system and a great resource to help you teach yourself a new language. With the world’s largest collection of HD audio and video lessons, more than 20 advanced learning tools, and customized “Learning Paths”, VietnamesePod101 makes learning a new language easier, more convenient, and less expensive than traditional classroom instruction.

    And the best part is: With VietnamesePod101, you can study in bed, your car, or wherever you have a few spare minutes of time. Create your Free Lifetime Account now and get a FREE ebook to help “kickstart” your dream of learning a language on your own below!

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    Language Learning Tips: How to Avoid Awkward Silences

    Avoid Awkward Silences

    Yes, even beginners can quickly learn conversational Vietnamese well enough to carry on real conversations with native speakers. Of course, beginners won’t be able to carry a conversation the same way they could in their native language. But, just knowing a few tips like which questions to ask to keep a conversation going are all you need to speak and interact with real native speakers! But before we get to specific suggestions, let’s first take a closer look at how having real Vietnamese conversations is so vital to your mastery of the language.

    Learning to Carry a Conversation is Vital to Mastery of Any Language

    Communicating with other people is the very point of language and conversation is almost second nature in our native tongue. For beginners or anyone learning a new language, conversations aren’t easy at all and even simple Vietnamese greetings can be intimidating and awkward.

    However, there are 3 vital reasons why you should learn conversational Vietnamese as quickly as possible:

    • Avoid Awkward Silences: Nothing kills a conversation faster than long periods of awkward silence, so you need practice and specific strategies to avoid them.
    • Improve the Flow of Conversation to Make a Better Impression: When you know what to say to keep a conversation going, communication becomes much easier and you make a better impression on your listener.
    • Master the Language Faster: Nothing will help you learn to speak Vietnamese faster and truly master the language than having real conversations with native speakers. Conversations quickly expose you to slang, cultural expressions, and vocabulary that force you to absorb and assimilate information faster than any educational setting—and that’s a great thing!

    But how can you possibly have real conversations with real Vietnamese people if you are just starting out?

    3 Conversation Strategies for Beginners

    Conversation

    1. Ask Questions to Keep a Conversation Going

    For beginners and even more advanced speakers, the key is to learn to ask questions to keep a conversation going. Of course, they can’t be just random questions or else you may confuse the listener. But, by memorizing a few key questions and the appropriate time to use them, you can easily carry a conversation with minimal vocabulary or experience. And remember, the more Vietnamese conversations you have, the quicker you will learn and master the language!

    2. Learn Core Vocabulary Terms as Quickly as Possible

    You don’t need to memorize 10,000’s of words to learn conversational Vietnamese. In fact, with just a couple hundred Vietnamese words you could have a very basic Vietnamese conversation. And by learning maybe 1,000-2,000 words, you could carry a conversation with a native speaker about current events, ordering in restaurants, and even getting directions.

    3. Study Videos or Audio Lessons that You Can Play and Replay Again and Again

    If you want to know how to carry a conversation in Vietnamese, then you need exposure to native speakers—and the more the better. Ideally, studying video or audio lessons is ideal because they provide contextualized learning in your native language and you can play them again and again until mastery.

    VietnamesePod101 Makes it Easier and More Convenient Than Ever to Learn Conversational Vietnamese

    Learning Vietnamese

    For more than 10 years, VietnamesePod101 has been helping students learn to speak Vietnamese by creating the world’s most advanced online language learning system. Here are just a few of the specific features that will help you learn conversational Vietnamese fast using our proven system:

    • The Largest Collection of HD Video & Audio Lessons from Real Vietnamese Instructors: VietnamesePod101 instructors have created hundreds of video and audio lessons that you can play again and again. And the best part is: They don’t just teach you Vietnamese vocabulary and grammar, they are designed to help you learn to speak Vietnamese and teach you practical everyday topics like shopping, ordering, etc!
    • Pronunciation Tools: Use this feature to record and compare yourself with native speakers to quickly improve your pronunciation and fluency!
    • 2000 Common Vietnamese Words: Also known as our Core List, these 2,000 words are all you need to learn to speak fluently and carry a conversation with a native speaker!

    In all, more than 20 advanced learning tools help you quickly build vocabulary and learn how to carry a conversation with native speakers—starting with your very first lesson.

    Conclusion

    Although it may seem intimidating for a beginner, the truth is that it is very easy to learn conversational Vietnamese. By learning a few core vocabulary terms and which questions to ask to keep a conversation going, just a little practice and exposure to real Vietnamese conversations or lessons is all it really takes. VietnamesePod101 has created the world’s largest online collection of video and audio lessons by real instructors plus loads of advanced tools to help you learn to speak Vietnamese and carry a conversation quickly.

    Act now and we’ll also include a list of the most commonly used questions to keep a conversation going so you can literally get started immediately!

    How to Transform Your Daily Commute Into Learning a Language

    Learn a language during your commute!

    Today, classrooms are no longer the only or even best place to learn a new language like Vietnamese. More and more people are finding that they can easily learn a language just about anywhere they have a few minutes of spare time, including their daily commute to work. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average American spends over 50 minutes a day commuting to and from work, or over 300 hours a year.

    Rethinking Your Daily Commute to Work

    But rather than simply sitting in traffic and wasting the time, you can instead use your daily commute to literally learn Vietnamese in just a few short months! VietnamesePod101 has developed specialized learning tools that you can use on your commute to work (and home again) to master the language in your spare time. Keep reading to learn how to get your free audiobook to use on your next commute so you can see for yourself how easy it is to transform “dead time” into realizing your dream of learning a new language!

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    But before we look at how to transform your commute home into a mini-classroom, let’s take a closer look at 4 reasons why traditional classroom settings just aren’t the best option for most people in today’s fast-paced world.

    • Difficulty Getting to and From Class
    • Learning on Someone Else’s Schedule
    • Very Expensive and May Cost $1,000’s to Complete
    • Can Take Years to Finally Complete Classes and Learn the Language

    The simple truth is that traditional classroom instruction is simply not a viable option for most people in today’s very fast-paced, time-starved world. Now let’s examine how you can learn a language faster, more easily, and at far less expense than traditional classes—all during your commute to work and back home again!

    Bus

    3 Reasons Your Daily Commute Can Help You Master a Language

    1. The Average Commute Time is More than 300 Hours Per Year

    Between the commute to work and getting back home again, over 6 hours a week is completely wasted and not helping you reach any goals or objectives. But thanks to online language learning platforms with audiobooks and other resources that you can access during your commute, you can easily transform wasted time into tangible progress towards learning a new language. With over 300 hours available annually, your daily commute could provide you with enough time to literally master a new language each and every year!

    2. Increase Your Earning Potential While Commuting to Work

    How would you like to transform all those spare commuting hours each week into more money for a new car, house, or even a dream vacation? According to research, someone making $30,000 per year can boost their annual income by $600 or more per year by learning a second language. Added up over the course of a lifetime, you can boost your total earnings by $70,000 or more while achieving your dream of learning a new language during your daily commute!

    How? From work-at-home translation jobs to working overseas, there are many ways to leverage your second language into more money in your bank account! So instead of wasting your precious time, you can make your commute more productive and profitable and the more languages you learn, the higher your income potential.

    3. Repetition is Key to Mastering a New Language

    Not sure if it’s practical to learn another language while commuting to and from work each day? Well not only is it possible—learning in your car on the way to and from work each day can actually help you learn and master Vietnamese or any language much faster! The simple truth is that repetition is absolutely vital to truly internalizing and mastering any language. So, if you listen to audiobooks or even audio lessons on your commute to work and then repeat the same lesson on your commute home, the information is more likely to be “locked-in” to your long-term memory!

    Learning

    5 Ways VietnamesePod101 Makes It Easy to Learn a Language On Your Commute

    VietnamesePod101 has been helping people just like yourself learn and master Vietnamese in the comfort of their home, during their daily commute, or any place they have a few minutes of spare time. Here are five features provided by VietnamesePod101 that make it easy to learn a new language while commuting to and from work:

    1. The Largest Collection of Audio Lessons on Planet by Native Speaking Instructors
    Every single week, VietnamesePod101 creates new audio lessons by native speaking instructors. All lessons are short, to the point, and guaranteed to improve your mastery of Vietnamese.

    2. Word of the Day
    Simply exposing yourself to new information and vocabulary terms helps increase your fluency and mastery of Vietnamese. So every single day, VietnamesePod101 adds a new Word of the Day for you to learn and memorize during your commute.

    3. Daily Dose Mini-Lessons
    Have a short commute to work but still want to make progress towards learning and mastering Vietnamese? Not a problem! Our Daily Dose Mini-Lessons are 1-minute or less and designed to improve your grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

    4. All Content Available on a Convenient Mobile App
    You don’t need a PC or tablet to learn Vietnamese during your daily commute. At VietnamesePod101, all of our lessons, tools, and resources are available 24/7 via our Mobile App. That means you can access all of our audio lessons and other tools during your commute to work or any time you have a few spare moments!

    5. Audiobooks and Other Supplemental Resources
    In addition to the world’s largest online collection of HD audio lessons, VietnamesePod101 has also created several audiobooks to enhance your understanding and make it more convenient than ever to learn a language during your commute!

    Conclusion

    The average commute time of most Americans is over 300 hours each year and it’s the perfect opportunity to learn and master a new language. In fact, you can use the “dead time” during your daily commute to learn a new language and potentially boost your lifetime earnings by up to $70,000 or more! Whatever your motivation, VietnamesePod101 has the tools and resources necessary to help you learn a new language each year during your commute to and from work. Act now and we’ll even provide you with a free audiobook to try out on your next commute!

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    The Most Common Ways to Say Hello in Vietnamese

    Thumbnail

    Chào các bạn!

    Saying “Hello” in Vietnamese is just a piece of cake because it’s as easy as learning the Vietnamese alphabet especially for new learners.

      – Wait a minute! Then why am I here?

    What is really challenging, on the other hand, is how to choose the right pronoun to address locals. It’s not as simple as “You” and “I” only in English. You need to guess how old people are and what the right pronoun to use is (including for yourself) 

      – Wait, what???

    Don’t freak out, I’m here to help! 

    Needless to say, “Xin chào” is obviously the easiest and most common way to say Hello in Vietnam. However, we are going into it and discover the most common Vietnamese greetings that you can start using by the end of this article. By breaking down the principles into smaller pieces, greeting someone when learning Vietnamese will become way easier than you thought. Not to mention you’ll be able to impress locals also.

    Ready? Let’s start with the most “problematic” one, cách xưng hô với người Việt (how to address Vietnamese people)

    Log in to Download Your Free Cheat Sheet - How to Improve Your Language Skills! Table of Contents
    1. Đại từ (Personal pronoun)
    2. Cấu trúc câu (sentence structure)
    3. Cách chào đối với bạn bè thân thiết (How to greet close friends)
    4. Cách chào trang trọng (Formal ways to greet people)
    5. Cách chào đối với các mối quan hệ xã giao (How to greet social relations)
    6. Cách chào theo thời điểm trong ngày (Greetings based on different times of the day)
    7. Cách chào người lâu không gặp (How to greet people you haven’t seen for a long time)
    8. Cách chào tạm biệt (How to say goodbye)
    9. Greeting etiquette
    10. 1. Đại từ (Personal pronoun) 

      By knowing the right personal pronoun, you’ve already mastered one of the most challenging parts of learning Vietnamese that allows you to confidently communicate with locals. 

      • First, you will probably meet young people when coming to Vietnam. These are for talking to friends or people at your age. 
        Tôi, tớ, mình, tao : I
        Bạn, cậu, mày : You

      Ví dụ  (example) : 

        -Me talking to a friend : Tao không tin là nó kết hôn rồi (I don’t believe that she’s married)
        – My friend : Tao cũng thế (Me neither)

      Here you can see that we both use “tao” for ourselves as “I” and it’s also applicable for “me”.

      Một ví dụ khác (another example)

        – Me talking to a friend : Cuối tuần mày rảnh không? (Are you free this weekend?)
        – My friend : Tao chưa biết được (I don’t know yet)

       Bear in mind that “tao” and “mày” should be used for very close friends or siblings in a friendly environment. Any cases out of this context would be considered rude, disrespectful or aggressive. 

      • Next, when talking to (up to around) 20 years older people, it will change to :
        Em : I 
        Anh (for males) /chị (for females) : You

      This means younger people usually have to show respect to older people in Vietnam and using different pronouns reflects it, which also means if you want to disown someone, change the pronoun 🙂 (I’ll tell you more  in the coming parts).

      Ví dụ : 

        – Me talking to my elder sister : Chị cho em mượn xe nhé (May I borrow your vehicle?)
        – My sister : Ừ, nhớ về sớm nhé (Okay, remember to come back soon) – 

      In this situation, she doesn’t have to use pronouns if she doesn’t want to because she’s older than me. It’s very common to omit some words in Vietnamese when it’s not necessary, such as in informal talks.

      • When talking to (up to) 20~30 years older people who are in your parents generation, what you will have to use are: 
        Cháu : I
        (for females) /Chú (for males) /Bác (for all) : You

      We use “” (for females) and “Chú” (for males) to address people who are younger than your parents whereas “Bác” is used with people who you think are older than your parents. How do you know if they’re younger or older than your parents? You’ll have to guess or it’s based on how well you know the person. One tip is to always use “” and “Chú” because it means they look young to you. 

      Ví dụ : 

        – Me talking to my aut : gọi cháu có việc gì không (ạ)? (Did you call me for something?)
        – My aunt : định rủ cháu đi ăn trưa (I was planning to ask you out for lunch)

      Một ví dụ khác : 

        – Me (33 years old) talking to a 50 year-old cashier : cho cháu gửi tiền (Miss, I’d like to pay)
        – Her : Của cháu hết 100 (Your bill is 100.000vnd)

      If you want to learn more about Possessive pronouns as in this example, we’ve got a lesson about it. 

      God! It’s getting confusing..

      • Last one (I promise), when talking to grandparents generations, what we use are:
        Cháu : I
        Ông (for grandpas)/ (for grandmas) : You

      Ví dụ

        – Me talking to my grandpa : Ông ơi, ông có muốn uống trà không ạ? (Grandpa, would you like some tea?)
        – My grandpa : Có, cho ông một chén (Yes, give me a cup of tea)

      You can see here that we use “ông” in both two sentences, which mean “ông” can be used for me to call my grandpa but it also can be used for my grandpa to use for himself (It’s similar to the example with “cháu” above).

        – My grandpa : Có, cho ông một chén (Yes, give “grandpa” a cup of tea)
      Two Kids Running Towards Their Grandparents

      2. Cấu trúc câu (sentence structure)

      We have just been through one of the most difficult principles of the basic Vietnamese language. You can now relax because it’s super easy to form a Hello sentence when learning Vietnamese.

      • Full sentence:
      Cấu trúc câu
      (Sentence structure)
      Chủ ngữ
      (Subject)
      chào
      (“greet”)
      người được chào
      (the person being greeted)

      (used when talking to older people to show respect)
      Ví dụ
      (Example)
      Emchàoanh

      Ví dụ : 

        Em chào anh (ạ) : for older brother
        Em chào chị (ạ) : for older sisters
        Cháu chào cô (ạ) : for older aunts
        Cháu chào chú (ạ) : for older uncles
        Cháu chào ông (ạ) : for grandpas
        Cháu chào bà (ạ) : for grandmas

      A tip to remember “ạ” is to think of it as the first letter of the Vietnamese alphabet with a dot to show respect when talking to older people. 

      Chào + người được chào (the person that you greet)/name

      Ví dụ : 

        Chào anh 
        Chào chị
        Chào cô
        Chào chú
        Chào Linh
        Chào Hương

      All of the examples above are to be used in both formal and informal situations. Although the shorter version seems faster to speak, it’s more polite when using the full version.

      3. Cách chào đối với bạn bè thân thiết (How to greet close friends)

      Close friends are easier to treat and there are different ways to greet people like them such as:

        Ê (Hey)
        A lô (Hello?)
        Đang đâu? (Where are you?)
        Đang làm gì đấy? (What are you doing?)
        Mày ơi (Hey you…)
        Đi đâu đây? (Where are you going?)

      Remember that those sentences can be used for both text messages and phone calls, meaning you can either type or start a conversation with close friends by saying them.

      Ví dụ : 

      Tôi (me) : A lô
      Bạn tôi (my friend) : Ơi? (What?)
      Tôi : Đang làm gì đấy? (What are you doing?)
      Bạn tôi : Chuẩn bị ngủ, làm sao? (About to sleep, what’s up?)
      Tôi : Thôi, ngủ đi (Never mind, sleep!)

      Wondering what “đi” means in the sentence, I’ve got a video about it for you. Simply check it here. Also, if you notice some vowels in the Vietnamese alphabet have a hat when writing, they are : a, e, o. When typing them using the Vietnamese keyboard, we press the key twice.  For example : aa becomes â, ee becomes ê, oo becomes ô. 

      4. Cách chào trang trọng (Formal ways to greet people)

      It’s not hard to sound formal because you only need to remember these rules: 

      • Use the short version of the sentence (Subject is not needed)

      Ví dụ : 

      Informal wayFormal way
      Em chào anh
      (Hi/hello)
      Chào anh
      (Hello Sir)
      Em chào anh chị
      (Hi everyone)
      Chào mọi người
      (Hello everyone)
      Em mời anh vào
      (Come in please)
      Xin mời vào
      (Come in please)
      • Use “Tôi” for “I” instead of “em” 

      Ví dụ : 

      Informal wayFormal way
      Em đến rồi
      (I’m here already)
      Tôi đến rồi
      (I’m here already)
      Mình đây/Em đây
      (I’m here)
      Tôi đây
      (I’m here)
      • When you greet people in a meeting or event, you can use these sentences : 
        Xin kính chào quý vị và các bạn (Ladies and gentlemen)
        Xin chào các anh, các chị (Hello everyone)

      5. Cách chào đối với các mối quan hệ xã giao (How to greet social relations)

      A New Coworker Is Being Introduced

      Greeting social relations is quite similar to formal greetings. The only difference, if any, is whether you want to show your emotions or not. What I was trying to say is, depending on how close you are, you can decide which way you would use to greet people in basic Vietnamese. 

      Therefore, it’s pretty easy at this point. A few simple examples that you may use for colleagues, acquaintances or an old friend are:

        Xin chào (Hello) – in most cases
        Chào mọi người (Hello everyone) – when meeting a group of colleagues
        Chào cả nhà (Hello everyone) – when meeting a group of old friends
        Chào mừng các bạn (Welcome you guys …) – when welcoming participant in an event
        Chào nhé (Bye) – when saying goodbye to anyone

      6. Cách chào theo thời điểm trong ngày (Greetings based on different times of the day)

      A Girl Standing at an Open Door

      Another thing that you may be interested in is how to say Hi in basic Vietnamese based on different times of the day. Unlike in English, Vietnamese native speakers don’t usually say things like “Good afternoon” or “Good evening”. In case you still want to find out something similar to easily remember and connect to your mother tongue, here are some examples:

        Chào buổi sáng (Good morning)
        Buổi tối vui vẻ (Have a fun evening)
        Chúc các bạn ngủ ngon (Goodnight/Sleep well)

      Those are very popular in both spoken and written basic Vietnamese and commonly used on TV shows, daily meetings or at the end of an event. Another note is we don’t really say Hi in the middle of the day or when you see someone again during the day. We just simply smile or ask something instead if we want to be friendly. And that’s all you need to remember. 

      7. Cách chào người lâu không gặp (How to greet people you haven’t seen for a long time)

      Two Old Man Greeting Each Other

      If you’re meeting an old friend, a family member or a classmate that you haven’t met for a while, here is what you can say to them:

        Khoẻ không? (How are you?)
        Lâu lắm không gặp (I haven’t seen you in such a long time)
        Dạo này thế nào rồi/Dạo này sao rồi? (How have you been lately?)
        Công việc dạo này thế nào? (How has your job/work been?)
        Trùng hợp nhỉ/Trùng hợp quá (What a coincidence!) – This can be used if you unexpectedly see someone somewhere. This also sounds a little bit sarcastic if you mean you didn’t think that person is able to be there for some reason.

      8. Cách chào tạm biệt (How to say goodbye)

      Last but not least, you will definitely say goodbye to someone after having a conversation. The fact is Vietnamese native speakers sometimes use “bye” for both speaking and writing. Furthermore, we also have several ways to say before leaving. 

      Ví dụ : 

        Chào nhé (Bye)
        Đi đây (gotta go)
        Tôi phải đi đây (I gotta go)
        Gặp sau nhé (See you later)
        Có gì alo (Call you later)
        Nói chuyện sau nhé (Talk to you later)
        Hẹn sớm gặp lại (See you soon) – For someone you might not see for some time
        Giữ sức khoẻ nhé/Bảo trọng nhé (Take care) – For someone you might not see for some time
      Two Couples Saying Goodbye at the Door

      Bear in mind that all the cases that I’ve mentioned above are for you to clearly understand the purposes and the meaning of Vietnamese greetings. It doesn’t mean you cannot use some of them for different situations. To make it simple we can use ways mentioned in Part 1. However, to impress Vietnamese native speakers and communicate like a native, you can try all the other suggestions. 

      9. Greeting etiquette

      I was planning to stop at 8 but decided to add one more topic which is good manners when greeting Vietnamese people (I like number 9 a lot). In fact, there are certain things that I want to remind you so that you won’t make mistakes when it comes to cultures. 

        – When talking to older people, you can put “” at the end of the sentence to show respect. However, it’s not necessary in writing to avoid repetition. Using them occasionally is enough.
        – In the North of Vietnam, family cultures are shown pretty clearly. Therefore, when coming to someone’s house, you can observe and see whether they’re religious, their house is very neat and tidy, there are old people in the family … or not to behave appropriately. Vietnamese native speakers often prefer guests to take off their shoes before entering. If you’re young, remember to take off your hat also when you greet older people.
        – Bowing is not a Vietnamese culture but having your arm crossing over your chest and slightly bowing are very nice and respectful gestures for kids when greeting adults. You don’t have to do so but it would be great if your kids do. That would really impress others.
        – Do not try to talk to or greet people when you’re chewing because it might be seen as rude or disrespectful. Finishing the food and greeting properly is considered even more polite. 

      10. Conclusion

      Alright!! That’s pretty much everything. From a Vietnamese native speaker’s perspective, I’m very confident that I’ve shared with you the most useful key phrases and techniques that you need when saying Hello (and Goodbye) in basic Vietnamese. Things have never been easier and I hope you’ll be able to apply them very soon. 

      I know that I’ve mentioned several times but on VietnamesePod101.com we publish plenty of lessons and vocabulary lists that include audio files so that you can practice pronunciation also. Give it a shot!

      Hẹn sớm gặp lại!

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