Culture Notes

1/ Saying “Hello”

• Chào, Xin chào: The word “hello” is normally translated to “Xin chào” in Vietnamese. However, this is the formal way to say hello. The use of “Chào” is informal and much more common.
• The structure is often as followed:

• Examples:

• • Chào cả lớp!           Hello class
  • Chào các bạn!        Hello guys
  • Chào bạn!               Hello
  • Em chào chị!          Hello sis
  • Em chào thầy!       Hello teacher
  • Con chào bố mẹ!   Hi Mom and Dad

2/ Formal vs. Informal language

Vietnamese people sometimes add extra words after a sentence to make it sound more or less informal. Some instances are:

• Ạ: (formal) Used when person A is of lower age or social status than person B.
  • Chào Thầy ạ!
  • Con chào bố mẹ ạ!
• Nha (Southern), Nhá (Northern): Used when person A is of higher or equal age or social status with person B, or if the two persons are very close, to reduce the formality level.
  • Chào các bạn nha!
  • Anh chào các bạn nhá.
• Nhé (normally northern): Increase the formality level, normally also if person A is of higher or equal age or social status with person B, or if the two persons are very close.
  • Thầy chào các bạn nhé.
  • Cô chào con nhé.

3/ Saying goodbye

• “Tạm biệt” is the official translation of “Goodbye”.
• However, in daily contexts, “Chào” can be used for both “hello” and “goodbye”. This is not the case with “Xin chào”.

Thầy – Em/Con

• Use “Thầy/Cô” to refer to and address the teacher
• Use “Con/Em” to refer to yourself

Bạn – Tôi/Tui/Mình

• Use “Bạn” to refer to and address other students
• Use “Bạn + Tên” to refer to other students
• Use “Tôi/Tui/Mình” to refer to yourself

* “Em” can also be used for people who are a little bit younger than you.