Useful Expressions
Survival phrases: Cảm ơn, Xin lỗi, Không sao, Được
Can use survival phrases
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Xin lỗi, tôi không hiểu. Nói chậm hơn được không?
Sorry, I don't understand. Can you speak slower?
Cảm ơn bạn rất nhiều!
Thank you very much!
Không sao, không có gì!
No problem, you're welcome!
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Biểu thức hữu ích — Useful Expressions
Essential Vietnamese survival phrases every learner needs from day one.
| Vietnamese | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Cảm ơn (ạ) | Thank you | Always! Add ạ for respect. |
| Xin lỗi | Sorry / Excuse me | Apology or getting attention |
| Không sao | It's okay / No problem | Accepting apology |
| Vâng / Dạ | Yes (polite) | Vâng (North) / Dạ (South) |
| Được | OK / Can / Alright | Agreement, permission |
| Không được | Not OK / Can't | Refusal, impossibility |
| Tôi không hiểu | I don't understand | When you're lost |
| Nói lại | Say again (repeat) | Asking to repeat |
| Chờ một chút | Wait a moment | Asking for patience |
Common Error Patterns
Confused Vâng (North) and Dạ (South)
Both mean polite 'yes'. Vâng = Northern standard. Dạ = Southern standard. Both understood everywhere.
Xin lỗi, tôi không hiểu. Nói chậm hơn được không?
Sorry, I don't understand. Can you speak slower?
Essential survival phrase! Xin lỗi (sorry), không hiểu (don't understand), nói chậm hơn (speak slower), được không (can you?).
Cảm ơn bạn rất nhiều!
Thank you very much!
cảm ơn = thank you. rất nhiều = very much. Add ạ for extra respect: Cảm ơn ạ!
Không sao, không có gì!
No problem, you're welcome!
Không sao = it's okay / no worries. Không có gì = there's nothing (= you're welcome / don't mention it).
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises