As more companies hire Vietnamese talent, even a few simple Vietnamese phrases at work can go a long way toward building trust. Vietnamese is a distinctive language with six tones, though, so many people are unsure where to start. In this article, we explain 20 basic Vietnamese phrases you can use right away at work, along with pronunciation tips and situations where they fit. If you want a deeper look at Vietnamese as a language, also see “What Are the Features of Vietnamese? Tips for Better Communication.”

Vietnamese Phrases Basics ①: What to Know Before You Memorize

Before you memorize Vietnamese phrases by rote, understanding a few features of the language makes learning much easier. Below, we organize the basics from three angles: pronunciation, writing, and polite expression.

Vietnamese is a tonal language

Vietnamese has six tones, and the same spelling can mean completely different things depending on how the pitch rises and falls. For example, the sound “ma” can mean “ghost,” “cheek,” “but,” “grave,” “horse,” or “rice seedling,” depending on the tone. You do not need perfect pronunciation from day one, but knowing that tones exist matters. Because Japanese does not work this way, it may feel confusing at first. That said, Vietnamese staff at work often infer meaning from context, so communication still works well even if you are not perfect.

There are tips that help even with katakana-style reading

Vietnamese uses an alphabet-based writing system called Quốc ngữ, so the letters themselves feel relatively familiar to Japanese speakers. When you pronounce phrases from a katakana reading, it helps to articulate word endings clearly and speak a little louder. Vietnamese is also basically one syllable per word, so it is better to pronounce each syllable carefully and separately. Speaking slowly, sound by sound, tends to reach the listener more clearly than rushing through connected speech.

Polite expression changes with personal pronouns

Vietnamese does not have a keigo system like Japanese, but choosing the right personal pronoun is directly tied to showing respect. The basic pattern is “anh” for an older man, “chị” for an older woman, and “em” for someone younger or around the same age. Simply using these pronouns correctly when you address someone at work conveys respect. When you learn phrases, it helps to memorize the matching personal pronouns for the other person’s age and position as a set. For the structure of Vietnamese names and how to address people correctly, also see “Common Vietnamese Names and How to Remember Them.”

[Greetings & Daily Use] Vietnamese Phrases ②: 10 You Can Use Every Day at Work

Below are 10 greeting and everyday conversation phrases you can use at work every day. Start with phrases you can say naturally when arriving and leaving.

Greeting phrases for arriving and leaving

Phrase 1: “Xin chào” is read in katakana as “shin chao” and means “hello” in Japanese. It is the most basic greeting you can use at any time of day, and it is especially handy when you greet Vietnamese staff in the morning.

Phrase 2: “Chào anh / Chào chị / Chào em” are read as “chao ain / chao chi / chao emu” and mean a more polite “hello.” Adding a personal pronoun that matches the other person’s gender and age creates a more courteous impression. At work, this form often sounds more natural than “Xin chào.”

Phrase 3: “Tạm biệt” is read as “tam bietto” and means “goodbye.” Use it when parting at the end of the day; a light wave as you say it adds warmth.

Phrase 4: “Ngày mai gặp lại nhé” is read as “gai mai gappu rai nyē” and means “see you tomorrow.” Pairing it with “Tạm biệt” when leaving conveys the sense that you will keep working hard together the next day.

Phrases for thanks, apology, and requests

Phrase 5: “Cảm ơn” is read as “kamu on” and means “thank you.” It is an all-purpose phrase for many situations, such as when someone helps with work or hands you documents. Adding a personal pronoun—“Cảm ơn anh / chị / em”—makes it even more polite.

Phrase 6: “Xin lỗi” is read as “shin rōi” and means “sorry” or “excuse me.” It works not only for apologies but also as a lead-in when you start speaking to someone, so it is convenient when you approach colleagues at work.

Phrase 7: “Làm ơn” is read as “ramu on” and means “please.” Adding it when you make a request creates a more polite impression. For example, simply saying “Làm ơn” as you hand over documents shows consideration for the other person.

Phrases for small talk and checking in

Phrase 8: “Bạn khỏe không?” is read as “ban koe kon” and means “How are you?” Use it after a morning greeting or during break-time small talk to show concern for the other person’s well-being.

Phrase 9: “Ăn cơm chưa?” is read as “an komu chua” and means “Have you eaten?” In Vietnam, this is a classic way to show care for someone, and using it around lunchtime helps build rapport.

Phrase 10: “Nghỉ ngơi đi” is read as “gī goi di” and means “Please rest.” Use it after overtime or when a staff member seems unwell. Showing concern for their health helps build trust.

[Work & Instructions] Vietnamese Phrases ③: 10 That Help on the Job

Next are 10 phrases for work requests and checks, reporting and consultation, and emergency response. We chose expressions useful on manufacturing floors and in offices alike.

Phrases for requests and confirmation

Phrase 11: “Bạn có thể giúp tôi không?” is read as “ban kōtē juppu toi kon” and means “Could you help me?” It is a polite request when you are short-handed during a task or want someone’s cooperation.

Phrase 12: “Bạn hiểu không?” is read as “ban hieu kon” and means “Do you understand?” Use it after giving work instructions to check comprehension. Soften your expression so it does not sound like an interrogation.

Phrase 13: “Làm lại nhé” is read as “ramu rai nyē” and means “Please do it again.” It works for quality control on the manufacturing floor or when asking someone to revise documents. The ending “nhé” softens the tone.

Phrase 14: “Kiểm tra lại” is read as “kiemu chā rai” and means “Please check again.” It is useful when asking for inspection work or a double-check, and especially helpful in quality control.

Phrases for reporting, contacting, and consulting

Phrase 15: “Xong chưa?” is read as “son chua” and means “Are you finished?” It is a short phrase for checking progress and fits well as a call-out on the manufacturing floor.

Phrase 16: “Có vấn đề gì không?” is read as “kō vandē jī kon” and means “Is there any problem?” Using it in regular progress checks or meetings makes it easier for Vietnamese staff to raise concerns.

Phrase 17: “Báo cho tôi biết nhé” is read as “bao chō toi bietto nyē” and means “Please let me know.” Use it when you want someone to report if anything comes up. It can also help introduce a culture of reporting, contacting, and consulting.

Phrases for trouble response and emergencies

Phrase 18: “Dừng lại” is read as “zun rai” and means “Stop.” It is an important phrase you can use immediately for an emergency stop on a production line or when a safety issue arises. It is short and easy to remember, so it is fair to treat it as something everyone should know.

Phrase 19: “Cẩn thận” is read as “kantan” and means “Be careful.” Use it before hazardous work or when walking on a slippery floor. From a safety management perspective, it is a useful phrase for supervisors to know.

Phrase 20: “Gọi người quản lý” is read as “goi gui kuan rī” and means “Call the manager.” It helps frontline staff escalate quickly to a supervisor when trouble occurs. We recommend sharing it together with your emergency response flow.

Vietnamese Phrases ④: Three Ways to Make Them Stick at Work

Memorizing phrases means little if they are not used day to day. Here are three concrete ways to spread Vietnamese phrases across the workplace.

Post a phrase list

One effective approach is to turn the 20 phrases in this article into a list and post it where people can see it easily, such as in the break room or work area. A simple table with four columns—“original / katakana reading / Japanese meaning / when to use”—lets anyone check quickly. Laminating the sheet helps it last longer in environments with water or oil, such as manufacturing sites. Having a posted reference also makes Japanese staff more likely to try Vietnamese in casual moments.

Add one Vietnamese phrase to morning meetings

Introducing one “Vietnamese phrase of the day” in the morning meeting also helps phrases stick. Setting aside time for everyone to say it out loud reduces resistance to pronunciation. If you cycle through all 20 phrases over a month, the basics settle in naturally. Building this into an everyday routine like the morning meeting is an advantage because you create ongoing exposure without scheduling special study time.

Two-way language exchange strengthens relationships

When Japanese staff learn Vietnamese and also ask Vietnamese staff to teach them Japanese—creating two-way language exchange—workplace cohesion rises significantly. Instead of a one-sided teaching relationship, mutual teaching builds a more equal partnership. Companies that set aside just five minutes at lunch for a “Vietnamese and Japanese exchange time” often report that staff feel closer. Layering mutual understanding through language supports better teamwork across the workplace. For more on communicating effectively with Vietnamese employees, also see “How to Interact with Vietnamese Employees｜Workplace Manners and Communication Skills.”

Conclusion

In this article, we introduced 20 basic Vietnamese phrases for the workplace, divided into greetings and daily use, and work and instructions. Vietnamese pronunciation is not easy for Japanese speakers, but it does not need to be perfect. What matters is the willingness to say even one word in the other person’s native language.

Even with katakana-style pronunciation, Vietnamese staff feel that you took the trouble to learn their language, and the psychological distance shrinks quickly. Why not start with just two phrases: “Xin chào” and “Cảm ơn”? Small words, repeated over time, help build workplace trust and support higher productivity.