The Art of Thanking in Vietnamese

Use “cảm ơn.” In Vietnamese, “cảm ơn” is the closest equivalent to the English phrase “thanks.” Translated literally, these words mean “feel favor.” Employ “cảm ơn” to express informal gratitude.

• Unlike English, where “thank you” inherently includes the addressee, Vietnamese requires an additional word to specify the person you are thanking.

EXPERT INSIGHT

Nguyen Huyen Trang
Native Vietnamese Speaker

Insights from Our Expert: In Vietnamese, expressing gratitude typically involves using either 'cảm ơn' or 'cám ơn'.

Mastering the Pronunciation of “cảm ơn”: In Vietnamese, correct pronunciation plays a crucial role due to its tonal nature. To convey 'thank you,' pronounce 'cảm' with a dipping tone and 'ơn' with a level tone. For accurate pronunciation, it's beneficial to listen to audio samples online.

• When articulated properly, “cảm ơn” should sound like “gauhm uhhn”.
• The 'auh' part of the first term is articulated with a rising and falling intonation.

Enhance Politeness with Personal Pronouns. Boost the politeness of your expression by incorporating a personal pronoun corresponding to the individual you're addressing. For example, say “cám ơn,” accompanied by the appropriate term for “you” in Vietnamese.

• Use “bà,” pronounced “baa,” to address an older woman, and “cô,” pronounced “coh,” for a young girl.
• Address a man older than you with “ông,” pronounced “ohng,” and a young man with “anh,” pronounced “ang.”
• For instance, “cám ơn cô” translates to “thank you,” as you would say to a young woman.

Express Deep Gratitude. Amplify your gratitude by adding “nhiều lắm,” pronounced “nyee-oh luhm,” after “cảm ơn” to convey particularly strong appreciation. This addition signifies “a lot” or “so much” in English. Therefore, say “cảm ơn nhiều lắm,” pronounced “gauhm uhhn nyee-oh luhm,” to emphasize your gratitude.

Formalize Your Thanks. Vietnamese offers another word to express appreciation in highly formal and polite contexts. Specifically, “xin,” meaning “to ask” or even “to beg,” precedes “cảm ơn.” Thus, say “xin cảm ơn,” pronounced like “sin gauhm uhhn,” to express extreme formality.

Use a Smile to Show Appreciation. In Vietnamese culture, smiles often convey appreciation instead of verbal thanks. Consider a smile as a silent “thank you.” Modesty holds high regard in Vietnamese culture, and responding with a smile is the best way to modestly acknowledge a compliment.

• Similarly, if you compliment someone, don’t anticipate a verbal response of gratitude.

Replace Verbal Greetings with Smiles. Unlike English culture where people often use phrases like “hello,” “thank you,” and “sorry” in various situations, Vietnamese culture often substitutes these phrases with smiles. Generally, older or authoritative figures may not verbally thank younger or subordinate individuals. Hence, don’t take offense if you don’t receive verbal thanks for a favor.

• Especially, don’t anticipate a verbal thank you from someone older, like your parents or a teacher; a nod is more likely.

Utilize Nonverbal Cues. Besides verbal communication, other expressions and gestures are used in Vietnamese culture to emphasize statements or replace words. However, be cautious as certain physical gestures, such as patting someone’s back or pointing, may be seen as disrespectful. Similarly, avoid putting your hands in your pockets or on your hips, especially when expressing gratitude.

• Instead, cross your arms as a sign of respect when expressing gratitude.

Avoid Prolonged Eye Contact. Sustained eye contact with individuals of higher age or social status might be interpreted as a challenge. Conversely, eye contact with someone of the opposite gender could convey affection or interest. Therefore, it’s advisable to avoid prolonged eye contact to prevent misinterpretation, as it's considered a gesture of respect.

• While maintaining eye contact is common in many cultures during conversation, breaking this habit might require practice.
• Prior to visiting Vietnam, practice diverting your gaze away from your conversation partner’s eyes.

Respond with Equivalent Phrases. In Vietnamese, the English phrase “you’re welcome” is synonymous with “there isn’t any problem.” Thus, respond with “không có gì” to convey “it’s nothing” or “không có chi” to express “you’re welcome” when thanked by someone.

• “Không” is pronounced in a flat tone, while “có” is pronounced with a rising tone. “Không có chi” is articulated as “khong koh tsee.”