10 Vietnamese Survival Phrases for Expats in the Market in Vietnam 

If you’re living in Vietnam, visiting a local market is a must-do experience! From colorful fruits to aromatic spices and street food stalls - markets are the heart of Vietnamese daily life.
But let’s be honest - if you don’t speak Vietnamese, buying things or bargaining can feel intimidating. Don’t worry! Here are 10 essential Vietnamese survival phrases that every expat should know before heading to the market.

1. Cái này – This one

Pronunciation: kai nay
 Pointing at something? Just say “Cái này” to mean “this one”.

2. Đây là gì? – What is this?

Pronunciation: day la zee?
 Perfect when you spot something new and don’t know what it is.

3. Tôi chỉ xem thôi. – I’m just looking

Pronunciation: toy chee sem thoy
 A polite way to say you’re not ready to buy yet - great for avoiding pressure from sellers!

4. Bao nhiêu tiền? – How much is it?

Pronunciation:  bow nyew tee-en?
 You’ll use this every day! Example: “Cái này bao nhiêu tiền?” (How much is this?)

5. Đắt quá! – Too expensive!

Pronunciation: dat wah!
Say this with a smile — it’s a friendly part of the bargaining culture.

6. Ối giời ơi! Đắt quá! – Oh my god! So expensive!

Pronunciation: oy zoi oi! dat wah!
Locals say this with a laugh - it makes bargaining fun and friendly.

7. Giảm giá đi. – Please give me a discount.

Pronunciation: zam zah dee
This is your key bargaining phrase. Most vendors expect you to negotiate, especially at traditional markets.

8. Tôi thử được không? – Can I try it on?

Pronunciation: toy thuh dewk khong?
Useful when you’re buying clothes or accessories.

9. Ok, tôi lấy. – Okay, I’ll take it.

Pronunciation: ok, toy lay
Once you’ve agreed on a price, say this confidently!

10. Cảm ơn. – Thank you.

Pronunciation: gahm un
Always end your transaction politely. Add “ạ” (Cảm ơn ạ) to sound extra polite.

Bonus Tip: Bring Cash and Small Change

Most traditional markets in Vietnam are cash-only, and sellers often prefer smaller bills.
You’ll fit right in if you carry 10,000-50,000 VND notes.

Learn How to Communicate Naturally at the Market
Learning a few Vietnamese phrases can turn a simple shopping trip into a fun cultural adventure.
At iSpeak Vietlingo, we help expats speak Vietnamese confidently - from ordering coffee to bargaining at the market - through our practical “Vietnamese with Ease” textbook series and interactive lessons.

👉 Join our Survival Vietnamese class to learn how to communicate naturally in daily life in Vietnam!
📅 Book a Free Trial Lesson

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