Shops and hotels in Vietnamese

All 10 Vietnamese phrases in this lesson

Có... không?koh ... khong

Do you have...?

The thing goes in the middle: "có bánh mì không?" (do you have bread?). The answer is "có" (yes, we have) or "không có" (we do not).

... ở đâu?uh DOW

Where is...?

"Khách sạn ở đâu?" (where is the hotel?). Đâu means where, ở means at. Answers come with pointing, or someone leading you there.

Mở cửamuh KUH-uh

Open

Literally "open door", on shop signs and in speech. Street stalls keep their own hours: pho in the morning, beer and grills in the evening.

Đóng cửadong KUH-uh

Closed

Literally "closed door". Many shops close for a long lunch, and much of the country shuts down for a week around Tết, the lunar new year.

Lấy túi không?lay TOO-ee khong

A bag?

The cashier asking if you want a bag. Answer "có" (yes) or "không cần" (no need). Plastic bags are still handed out freely at markets.

Đắt quádaht KWAH

Too expensive

Southerners say "mắc quá" (mak KWAH). At markets it opens haggling; in shops with price tags it just means you are leaving.

Tôi đã đặt phòngtoy da dat FONG

I have a reservation

Literally "I have booked a room". Hotels usually keep your passport or a copy at check-in to register you with the local police.

Có bao gồm bữa sáng không?koh bow gohm BUH-uh shang khong

Is breakfast included?

Breakfast is often a bowl of pho or a bánh mì rather than a buffet, and frequently included in small hotels.

Mật khẩu wifi là gì?muht KHOW wai-fai la ZEE

What's the wifi password?

Wifi is everywhere and free. Cafes usually write the password on the wall or a menu, so look before you ask.

Tôi có thể... không?toy koh TAY ... khong

Can I...?

"Tôi có thể chụp ảnh không?" (can I take a photo?). Casually people say "... được không?" at the end: "ngồi đây được không?" (can I sit here?).

Where Vietnamese is spoken

• 🇻🇳 Facts about Vietnam · Map of Vietnam