It can be challenging to live in a foreign country. The language is not always easy to learn, the money exchange is confusing, and customs are unfamiliar. However, it is important for Vietnamese migrant workers to know how to communicate in order to live and work in their new country. Take some time to learn a few simple English phrases to help you talk to others and adapt to a new environment. Here are some examples:
Introductions and Salutations
These phrases will help you say hello and goodbye, when meeting new people, or for simple conversations. Most of these phrases are used every day:
chào… Hello.
bạn có khỏe không?, khỏe chứ?… How are you?
Cám ơn bạn tôi khỏe… I’m fine thanks.
Rất vui được gặp bạn… Nice to meet you.
chào buổi sáng… Good morning.
chào buổi tối… Good evening.
Chúc ngủ ngon… Good night.
Tạm biệt… Good bye.
Cám ơn (rất nhiều)… Thank you (very much).
Đừng ngại… You’re welcome.
Gặp lại sau nhé… See you later.
Tôi tên là _______… My name is _______.
Bạn tên gì?… What is your name?
Bạn từ đâu đến (bạn quê ở đâu)?… Where are you from?
Important Information and Requests
These phrases are important to know if you need assistance, want directions, looking for medical help, or trying to buy something:
Bạn giúp tôi đựơc không?… Can you help me?
Tôi đang tìm _______… I’m looking for (person’s name).
Tôi có thể giúp bạn điều gì?… Can I help you?
Tôi bị lạc… I’m lost.
Phòng tắm (nhà thuốc) ở đâu?… Where is the bathroom/pharmacy?
Cái này giá bao nhiêu?… How much is this?
Cài này là gì?… What is this?
Bạn có thể nhắc lại được không?… Can you say it again?
Bạn có thể nói chậm lại không?… Can you speak slowly?
Bạn có nói (tiếng Anh/ tiếng Việt) không?… Do you speak English/Vietnamese?
Mấy giờ rồi?… What time is it?
Tôi cảm thấy mệt. Tôi cần đến bác sĩ… I feel sick. I need a doctor.
Tôi không hiểu… I don’t understand.
Dining Out
Eating in restaurants is very common in the United States. Knowing some of these phrases will help you to order the food you want.
Có nhận thẻ tín dụng không?… Do you accept credit cards?
Cho tôi xem menu?… Can I look at the menu please?
Tôi ăn chay… I’m a vegetarian.
Tôi muốn/xin một đĩa có _____… I want a dish containing ________.
(thịt) gà… chicken
(thịt) bò… beef
cá… fish
rau (tươi)… fresh vegetables
Cho tôi xin một ly (SV)/cố (NV) _____?… May I have a glass of _________.
cà phê… coffee
nước… water
bia… beer
Learning these simple English phrases will assist you in adjusting to your new country. Being able to ask questions or talk to new friends will make life much happier. It would also be helpful to purchase an inexpensive Vietnamese to English dictionary. You can buy one online or at a nearby bookstore. If you find yourself needing to send money home to Vietnam during your stay, Sharemoney.com can help you with that.