Learn basic Vietnamese: words and phrases for beginners

Here we have put together a quick guide on the most basic aspects of Vietnamese. Common phrases, numbers, the alphabet and a little pronunciation and information about Vietnamese tones. While only a small introduction to the language it should help you to get started. Perfect for tourists and those who just want to learn a little vocabulary.

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We also recommend that you find a way to use a Vietnamese keyboard. We have a small guide you can follow to do that on a PC   here.

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While it may be tempting to jump straight into learning common phrases or numbers first we recommend that you start with the alphabet and move onto tones next. Not as exciting perhaps, but Vietnamese is a tonal language very different to any Western language you may know. Learning to hear and pronounce tones can be very difficult for Western language speakers and should be tackled as soon as possible so that you can develop this skill as quickly as possible.