In Vietnamese the word "chào" means "hello" in Italian, but in principle you shouldn't use it alone when you want to say hello to someone. In this language, there are different rules for greeting a person based on age, gender and the degree of confidence present between the two interlocutors, therefore it is necessary to know them to greet them correctly.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Basic greeting
Step 1. Use "xin chào" as a general greeting
If you were to learn only a Vietnamese greeting, this would probably be the best.
- Pronounce "xin chào" as sin tchao.
- The word "chào" means "hello" in Italian, but it is rarely used alone: usually this is followed by another one depending on the age, sex and level of confidence one has with the person in question.
- Adding "xin" in front of "chào" makes the expression more polite. A native speaker will use it with someone who is older or respects, but a foreigner can use it as a more polite greeting to anyone if they don't know the correct formulas with which to end the sentence.
Step 2. Use the expression "chào bạn" with peers
In such a situation it is the most appropriate greeting.
- Pronounce "chào bạn" as tchao bahn.
- The word "chào" means "hello", while "bạn" corresponds to "you." It is an informal expression, so avoid using it when addressing an older person or one to whom you need to show respect.
- This expression is appropriate to address both men and women and can also be used to greet someone with whom you are close, regardless of age or gender.
Step 3. Choose the variant "chào anh" or "chào chị" when addressing an older person
If the other is a man, use "chào anh", if it is a woman "chào chị".
- Pronounce "chào anh" as tchao ahn.
- Pronounce "chào chị" as tchao tchi.
- The word "ahn" is a polite way of saying "you" when the other person is a man. In the same way “chị” is addressed to a woman.
- Note that these greetings are rarely used for someone who is younger or a peer.
Step 4. Opt for “chào em” when dealing with a younger person
If the person in question is significantly younger than you, the best way to greet them is by using this formula.
- Pronounce it as tchao er.
- Use this expression regardless of the sex of the other person.
- Do not use it for an older person or one who is about the same age as you.
Step 5. If appropriate, address a person by calling them by name
If you are confident enough, you can follow the word "chào" with the name of the person in question.
- If the other is about the same age as you or you are very close, you can omit the word that means "you" and use only the proper name. On the contrary, if you do not have sufficient confidence or the other is older or younger, you will need the appropriate pronoun for the category in question.
- For example, if you are talking to a close friend named Hien, you can simply greet him with the phrase "chào Hien." In case Hien is an older lady, you will have to say "chào chị Hien". If it is a younger woman, opt for "chào em Hien".
- Also consider that it is advisable to always use the other person's first name and not his surname, regardless of age, gender and level of confidence.
Part 2 of 2: More Greetings
Step 1. Answer the phone using the expression "Á-lô"
It is the most natural way to greet someone on the other end of the phone.
- Pronounce this expression as ah-loh.
- This greeting was established before caller identification was available, so there was no way to know who the person on the other side was. For this reason, pronouns substituting "you" are not usually used with this expression.
- This is a very appropriate greeting for phone calls, but it shouldn't be used in a one-on-one conversation.
Step 2. Learn the greetings related to each moment of the day
Although they are not widely used, they can be useful on some occasions.
-
These greetings are:
- Good morning: "chào buổi sáng" (tchao bui sang).
- Good afternoon: "chào buổi chiều" (tchao bui tciu).
- Good evening: "chào buổi tối" (tchao bui doi).
- In most cases you will not need any of these formulas: a simple "chào" followed by the correct pronoun will suffice.
- However, in the event that someone greets you in this way, it would be appropriate to reciprocate in the same way.
Step 3. Ask the question "khỏe không?
". Immediately after saying goodbye, you can ask "how are you?" with this formula.
- The correct pronunciation is kwé kong ''.
-
Literally this expression means: "Are you fit or not?". You can use it alone, although it would be more appropriate to precede it with a pronoun appropriate to the person's age and gender: "bạn" for a peer, "anh" for an older man, "chị" for an older woman and " em "for someone younger.
For example, an older man should be addressed with the following formula: "anh khỏe không?"
Step 4. Answer the questions related to your health
If someone asks you: "khỏe không?", There are several ways to answer. An appropriate answer in general would be: "Khoẻ, cảm ơn."
- Pronounce this sentence as kwé, kam un.
- If translated into Italian, this answer means: “I'm in shape, thank you”.
-
After answering, you can ask the same question ("khỏe không?") Or say: "Ban thi sao?" which means: "And you?".
Pronounce it as ban ti sao
Step 5. Welcome someone by saying:
"chào mừng". If you are greeting someone who has just arrived at home (yours or yours), at work or at an event, you can use this expression, which is the equivalent of "Welcome!".
- Pronounce it as tchao munn.
- "Mừng" means "welcome", therefore with this formula you are welcoming the person in question.
-
You should accompany this greeting with the appropriate pronoun: "bạn" for someone your age, "anh" for an older man, "chị" for an older woman, and "em" for someone younger.
To a peer you will say, for example: "chào mừng bạn"
Warnings
- Show respect by using appropriate body language. When greeting someone, you should usually shake their hand with both yours and bow your head slightly. In case the other does not offer you his hand, just bow your head.
- Vietnamese is a tonal language, so correct pronunciation is key. Many expressions can change in meaning when pronounced in two different ways. Listen to native speakers or watch some informative videos and practice these greetings before using them.
