Intermediate
Daily Conversations in Vietnamese
Introduction
This lesson covers practical Vietnamese phrases for everyday situations: shopping, ordering food, asking for directions, and more. These conversations will help you navigate daily life in Vietnam!
At a Restaurant
Ordering Food
Cho tôi xem thực đơn
[cho toy sem took dun]
Show me the menu, please
Tôi muốn gọi món
[toy moo-on goy mon]
I want to order
Cho tôi một phở bò
[cho toy moat fuh baw]
Give me one beef pho
Không cay nhé
[khome kai neh]
Not spicy, please
Tính tiền
[tin tee-en]
Check, please (lit. "calculate money")
Bao nhiêu tiền?
[bow nyew tee-en]
How much is it?
Shopping at the Market
Buying Things
Cái này bao nhiêu tiền?
[kai nai bow nyew tee-en]
How much is this?
Đắt quá! Giảm giá được không?
[dut gwah! zahm zah duh-uk khome]
Too expensive! Can you give a discount?
Tôi mua cái này
[toy moo-ah kai nai]
I'll buy this one
Có size lớn hơn không?
[go size lun hun khome]
Do you have a bigger size?
Asking for Directions
Finding Your Way
Xin lỗi, chỉ đường giúp tôi
[sin loy, chee duh-ong zoop toy]
Excuse me, can you help me with directions?
Đi đến bệnh viện như thế nào?
[dee den ben vee-en nyuh teh now]
How do I get to the hospital?
Đi thẳng rồi rẽ phải
[dee tang roy reh fie]
Go straight then turn right
Có xa không?
[go sah khome]
Is it far?
Chỗ này ở đâu?
[chaw nai uh doh]
Where is this place?
Taking Transportation
Getting Around
Đi đến sân bay bao nhiêu tiền?
[dee den sun buy bow nyew tee-en]
How much to go to the airport?
Cho tôi đi đến địa chỉ này
[cho toy dee den dee-ah chee nai]
Take me to this address
Dừng lại đây
[zoong lie day]
Stop here
Common Useful Phrases
Everyday Expressions
Tôi không hiểu
[toy khome hee-ew]
I don't understand
Nói chậm hơn được không?
[noy chum hun duh-uk khome]
Can you speak slower?
Anh nói tiếng Anh được không?
[ang noy tee-eng ang duh-uk khome]
Do you speak English?
Tôi cần giúp đỡ
[toy gun zoop duh]
I need help
Practice Tips
Cultural Tip: Use "xin lỗi" (excuse me) before asking strangers for help - it's considered polite.
Bargaining: It's common to negotiate prices at markets in Vietnam. Start by offering 50-70% of the asking price.
Key Verbs: Memorize these useful verbs: muốn (want), cần (need), đi (go), mua (buy), ăn (eat), uống (drink).
Practice Flow: Try role-playing these conversations with a partner or by yourself to build confidence!