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1. Letter to a Former Teacher on Teacher's Day
..., on the ... day of ... month, ... year...
Dear Teacher,
Today is Vietnam's Teacher's Day, a day chosen to honor the teaching profession. I am writing this letter to express my gratitude and appreciation to you for all the wonderful lessons you have taught me. I miss those moments very much.
How are you doing lately? Has your back pain returned? I remember when you couldn't come to school because of it. Please make sure to eat well and take care of yourself so you recover soon. I miss the times when we used to talk in class, and you would share interesting life stories with me.
You have always been my inspiration, motivating me to keep learning and improving myself. The lessons you taught me will never be forgotten. I miss you and our class so much. I remember your voice while teaching, and the moments when you encouraged us and shared your study tips. I also remember how you were sad when we misbehaved, but you were always kind and never gave up on us.
I truly admire you, and I felt very happy and fulfilled learning from you last year. Even though I have left the school, your image and the memories of our class remain with me. Thank you for that wonderful time.
I will stop writing here. Once again, I wish you good health and continued success in your work. Please always remember me, Teacher.
Your former student.
2. Letter to a Relative About My Future Aspirations
..., on the ... day of ... month, ... year...
Dear Thanh,
It’s been almost a year since I moved to the South, hasn’t it? Today, after finishing my lessons, I decided to write a few lines to check on you and share with you my dream for the future.
How have you been, Thanh? Is your father still receiving treatment for his illness? Are you still doing well in school as usual? Is your mom still working in the industrial zone? Has little Thai started kindergarten yet? How far is your school from home?
As for us here, everything is going fine. This year, I’m learning from Mr. Lap. It’s tough, Thanh! Grade 4 is full of challenging lessons, and the thinking skills required are higher. Our teacher always says, “With effort, even iron can be sharpened to a needle.” Do you know what? I have a dream to become a general practitioner, able to treat severe illnesses and help people in need. I picture myself working in a big hospital, wearing a white coat with a stethoscope around my neck. I’ll be performing surgeries with advanced equipment, saving many lives.
That’s my dream, Thanh. What about you? What do you dream of becoming in the future? Please tell me when you have time. I look forward to your reply!
The letter has gotten long, so I’ll stop here. I wish you success in your studies and good fortune in everything. I hope your dreams come true soon!
Your cousin.
3. Letter to My Father Who is Working Far Away
..., on the ... day of ... month, ... year...
Dear Dad,
First of all, I wish you good health and continued success in your work.
The weather has turned colder recently, so please remember to wear warm clothes when you go outside. Mom and I are both doing fine, but we miss you so much. I’ve included a photo of the two of us in this letter – make sure to open it! In your last letter, you mentioned you would be coming home soon, and we’ve been waiting eagerly for your return. When will you be home? How long will you stay?
Grandparents have been asking about you a lot too. They hope you can come back soon. I’m still doing well in my studies, and don’t forget to bring me a present when you come home! I still remember the last time you took me to the children’s palace, it was so much fun. Please take me there again when you return!
Dad, how are you doing there? Have you gained some weight since the last time you were home? Everyone was so happy to see you looking healthier. I hope your work is going well, but please don’t drink too much alcohol or smoke too much, Mom and I are worried about you.
The weather is getting colder, and Grandma’s health is a bit weaker these days. Her arthritis pain flares up whenever the weather changes. I feel so sorry for her, but there’s nothing much I can do. I hope she stays healthy. She keeps asking about you too. Mom misses you a lot as well. I once saw her hugging your jacket and sitting there quietly. Please come home soon and don’t make her sad.
The cat that used to sneak food has run away, Dad. You were right – it had a red nose because it always stole food. The house feels a bit emptier without it. The door you fixed in summer is now letting in cold air since the wood has contracted in the winter. Please fix it when you’re home, and also the chicken coop, because Mom and I can’t do it ourselves.
Please come home soon, Dad. Well, the letter is getting long, so I’ll stop here. I love you so much, and I’m looking forward to your letter.
Your daughter.
4. Viết thư cho mẹ
..., ngày ... tháng ... năm ...
Mẹ kính yêu của con!
Có lẽ mẹ sẽ ngạc nhiên lắm khi nhận được lá thư này. Bởi lẽ mẹ sẽ chẳng hiểu tại sao con viết thư này và viết gì trong đó khi mà con không mắc lỗi gì. Mẹ biết không?
Con muốn viết cho mẹ thật nhiều những bức thư yêu thương thay vì mẹ phải nhận những bức thư xin lỗi đều đặn của con. Chỉ tại con là một đứa ngang bướng và không biết cách biểu lộ tình cảm nên con khó có thể nói với mẹ những lời từ sâu thẳm lòng con. Vì vậy, con chỉ có thể viết những dòng này để mẹ biết được con yêu mẹ đến nhường nào. Mẹ ơi! Con nghĩ Đấng Tạo Hóa quá hào phóng với con, bởi Ngài đã cho con đến trong cuộc đời này, ban cho con vô số quà tặng.
Nhưng với con, mẹ là quà tặng quý nhất không phải vì mẹ là một vị thánh hay một vĩ nhân mà chỉ đơn giản vì mẹ là MẸ của con. Con biết mẹ đã hi sinh cho chúng con quá nhiều: tuổi thanh xuân, sức khỏe, thời gian riêng của bản thân… có lẽ là cả cuộc đời này chúng con luôn được mẹ bao bọc che chở. Chúng con được sinh ra, kinh tế gia đình mình không khá giả chính vì thế mà mẹ luôn chắt chiu, dành dụm để lo tiền ăn học, thuốc men khi chúng con ốm đau.
Dẫu cuộc sống có khó khăn nhưng chúng con luôn được sống trong tình thương yêu và mẹ luôn để chúng con được bằng các bạn cùng trang lứa. Con vẫn nhớ những khi chúng con bị ốm, không ngủ được và khóc vì đau thì mẹ lại thức trắng cả đêm để dỗ dành, tìm mọi cách cho chúng con ngủ.
Con đi học, mẹ luôn lo lắng để chúng con khỏi thua bạn thua bè. Mẹ nói: “Các con thấy đó vì hồi trẻ mẹ không chịu cố gắng học hành cho tốt nên bây giờ mẹ phải làm công việc vất vả, các con phải chịu khó cố gắng nỗ lực học giỏi sau này con có cuộc sống tốt hơn, con có thể đi đến các nước trên thế giới, điều quan trọng hơn là con chứng minh được bản thân mình với mọi người”.
Dù công việc bận rộn, vất vả là thế nhưng mẹ luôn theo sát chỉ bảo chúng con học hành. Rồi con cũng không phụ sự kỳ vọng của mẹ, ngày con nhận giải thưởng học sinh giỏi toán của tỉnh mẹ đã khóc vì sung sướng, tự hào. Mẹ còn là người vị tha, con nói điều này không phải vì mẹ chưa bao giờ đánh chúng con. Mà vì mẹ luôn thông cảm và sẵn sàng tha thứ những lỗi lầm của chúng con.
Bởi vậy từ khi còn bé mỗi lần bị điểm kém hay mắc phải lỗi gì thì mẹ là người đầu tiên con thổ lộ. Mẹ ơi! Con biết mẹ buồn vì con nhiều lắm! Bởi đôi lúc con chẳng vâng lời, còn cãi lời, thậm chí thờ ơ trước những lời khuyên của mẹ. Con xin lỗi mẹ dù là lời xin lỗi muộn màng nhưng con hứa sẽ không để mẹ phiền lòng nhiều vì con nữa. Mẹ yêu dấu! Con viết những dòng này nhưng rất có thể con sẽ không bao giờ gửi đi.
Thời gian sẽ dần qua đi, những dòng chữ này rồi cũng mờ nhạt theo năm tháng nhưng mẹ ơi tình yêu chúng con dành cho mẹ là mãi mãi. Mẹ hãy dành thời gian chăm sóc bản thân mình. Hãy cho chúng con cơ hội để đền đáp tình yêu của mẹ. Mẹ hứa phải sống thật lâu với chúng con mẹ nhé!
Con yêu và gửi tới mẹ ngàn nụ hôn!
Con yêu của mẹ.
5. Letter of Sympathy and Encouragement After Hearing About the Storm Damage in Your Hometown
...Date...
Dear An,
It’s me, Thuc, your friend from the summer camp, the one you met in Sầm Sơn last month. Do you remember? I’m writing to you with a heavy heart after hearing the terrible news from your hometown. The reports on the radio and TV have been showing how badly the storm has hit your village. Many fishermen have lost their boats and equipment, and the damage is widespread. The sight of your village, with fallen trees and hundreds of destroyed homes, has left my family and me deeply saddened.
The fury of nature is so frightening, isn’t it? Watching the news, I couldn’t hold back my tears when I saw young mothers, holding their babies, standing on the beach, anxiously waiting for their loved ones to return after the storm. The material losses can be repaired over time, but the emotional scars, the pain of loss, are irreplaceable.
The sea, at times peaceful and at others violent, is so unpredictable. But I believe that with the strength of unity and solidarity, the Vietnamese spirit of helping one another will surely help your village recover from this disaster. People all over the country are already coming together to provide support, and in our city, we’ve started a campaign to donate clothes, books, and toys for those affected by the storm. Although the value of these things may seem small, they carry our heartfelt sympathy and solidarity with you all.
I hope that you and your community will soon regain stability and return to normal life. I wish you good health and success in your studies. Let’s meet again next summer, An!
Your new friend,
6. Letter to Congratulate a Friend for the New Year
Hanoi, January 18, 2018
Dear Mai Lan,
It has been quite a while since I last wrote to you and still haven’t received your reply. I was getting a bit anxious, so I’m writing another letter to you. I hope this message finds you well, and please extend my warm greetings to your entire family.
Since you moved to Ho Chi Minh City with your parents, I hope everything is going smoothly for you. Is your new school close to your home? Have you made any new friends yet? I’m confident you’re still doing well in your studies, just like when you were here.
I’ll never forget the wonderful memories we created together. Your bright smile and your cute braids are etched in my mind. Back here, things are still the same. Your classmates often ask about you, especially Ngoc Anh!
The end of the year has come so quickly. Today marks the day the Táo Quân ascends to heaven on a carp to report to the gods. In just a week, we’ll be celebrating the New Year, dressed in new clothes, visiting relatives, and enjoying the spring festivities. Thinking about all the fun we have during Tết makes me miss you even more! This year, we won’t be able to hold hands and weave through the bustling streets around Hoan Kiem Lake to ring in the New Year like we used to. It’s such a shame!
On this New Year, I send my sincere and heartfelt wishes to you and your family! May Ngoc Anh continue to excel in school, sing beautifully, and encounter good luck!
I look forward to seeing you in Hanoi next summer! Warm regards,
Your old friend,
Nhan Binh
7. Letter to Inquire About the Health of a Sick Person
Hai Phong, February 10, 2018
Dear Grandma,
Yesterday, I received a letter from Uncle Loi telling us that you are ill. Our entire family is very concerned. I’m writing to inquire about your health and to wish you a speedy recovery.
How are you feeling now, Grandma? Have you been able to eat? Are you able to read your books? Last month, when Dad visited, you were in good health, but now you are sick. Is it due to the weather change, or just from old age?
We all love you dearly! Sometimes, Dad tells us stories from the past, like when Grandpa went to war and you worked hard to support the family. You’ve spent your whole life taking care of us. Hearing these stories has made us realize the immense sacrifices you’ve made for us.
Dear Grandma,
Due to Dad and Mom's work being far away, they aren't able to be with you regularly to take care of you. With your illness, we are all extremely worried. I don’t know what to do, but I just hope you stay healthy and live a long life with us. Dad will arrange to come visit you soon. I also have some good news to share: I just scored another 10 in Math!
I'll end my letter here. Wishing you, Uncle, and the rest of the family good health! I hope to visit you during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.
With respect,
Your granddaughter,
Hong Anh
8. Letter to a Friend Sharing About Your School
Son Tay, November 20, 2004
Dear Lương Yên,
First of all, I send my warmest greetings and well wishes to your grandmother, your parents, your sister Bình, your brother Trọng, and you, my dear friend.
Today, Hằng attended a ceremony at Phùng Hưng Primary School to celebrate Vietnam Teachers' Day. The event was lively and joyful, with over 1,500 teachers and students attending. We received the second-class Labor Medal and celebrated our tradition of respecting and honoring teachers. Various competitions like tug-of-war, shuttlecock kicking, stilts walking, flower arranging, and making candies took place between the classes, making for a very exciting atmosphere. In the evening, there were singing and drama contests. Our class 4B won three prizes: Hồng got first place in solo singing, Quế third place in flower arranging, and Quang Hùng received an encouragement prize in chess. Our shuttlecock team lost to class 4A. Yến, Thi, Vịnh... all mentioned you. We miss you and felt something was missing in the celebration without you.
Yên, our homeroom teacher is still Miss Đào. Miss Trường continues to teach art and music, and Mr. Minh teaches PE. Hùng is still our class president. The competitive spirit in our class remains strong and lively. Liên has replaced you in the class’s math excellence team.
How are you, Yên? How are things going at the new school with new teachers and classmates? Are you still leading the class in Vietnamese and Math like you did in grade 3? Are your parents still working at Biên Hòa Hospital? How are your brother Trọng and sister Bình doing in college? I heard that your grandmother can now read the newspaper after her eye surgery. That’s such good news!
Yến, Thi, Vịnh, Liên... all send their best wishes for your health and success in school. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Once again, I wish your grandmother and parents good health, and I hope Trọng and Bình receive scholarships like last year.
Looking forward to seeing you again in our beloved hometown, Phùng Hưng.
Nguyễn Thị Kim Hằng
(Class 4B, Phùng Hưng Primary School)
9. Write a letter to your brother in the army
Ho Chi Minh City, day ... month ... year
Dear Brother Phong!
It's been a long time since I received a letter from you. Mom and Dad asked me to write to remind you to send news back. You know, the family misses you a lot! Today, on the Victory Day, we all think of you, and our parents feel even more longing for you.
How is your health these days? I imagine life at your post must be tough, with limited food and resources! Once, Phat, a soldier from your unit, came to visit and shared stories about you. I enjoyed listening, but Mom kept worrying. That's how it is. Please write home to Mom as well; even if it's just once every two months, it won’t affect your duty much.
Everyone at home is fine. Mom and Dad are healthy. Brother Hai still teaches despite the hardships. Sister Thu has entered the University of Education. As for me, the sibling you once called “the bookworm,” I’m now studying in the District’s specialized literature class. How do you think I’m doing?
Our house has been renovated by the neighborhood. The old “pigeon coop” is now repaired and can keep out the rain and sun. You’ll be surprised when you return!
Everyone who knows you always asks about you. Your classmates visit us often to inquire about you. And Sister Anh Thuy always says:
- Brother Phong is like the wind, just passing by and forgetting everything...
It makes me laugh every time I hear her say that!
By the way, Brother.
When you come back, you will see many changes. Several houses have been repaired, and the market in the neighborhood has been rebuilt. There’s even a new recreational area, Kỳ Hoã, Đầm Sen, Thanh Đa...
Mom and Dad remind you to take care of your health. As a soldier, you must be brave and fulfill your responsibilities as the older brother. Don’t worry about us. We know what to do so that you can stay strong at the front. As for me, I’ll strive to be a good student like you once were.
The whole family is waiting for your letter, eagerly anticipating the day “the soldier comes home on leave.”
Your sister
Nguyen Phuong
10. Write a birthday letter to your sister
Ho Chi Minh City, day ... month ... year 2005
Dear Sister Yen!
Yesterday, Mom mentioned you, Brother, and little Thao. She especially mentioned your birthday and said that this year, due to being too busy, she wouldn’t be able to go to Dalat to celebrate it with you. So, I’m writing this letter to inquire about your health, and to send my best wishes to you and Thao. As for you, I wish you a very joyful and healthy birthday.
I’m so happy to have a sister who is filial to our parents, loving to her husband and children, successful in her studies, and a wonderful friend to everyone, just like you.
This year, you have several great reasons to celebrate: not only did you successfully defend your Master's thesis, but Thao is growing up beautifully and healthily. So, I wish you another year filled with achievements in both your career and studies. I have so much to learn from you.
Once again, I wish you a birthday full of joy, health, and happiness.
Your sister
Van
11. Write a letter to your friend about your studies
..., day ... month ... year ...
Dear Thanh!
Thanh, it's been so long since I last wrote to you. Today, I’m thinking about you a lot, so I’m taking a moment to write a quick note to check on how you're doing and to share a bit about my studies lately.
How have you been? Is school still going well for you? Are your parents busy with work? I bet little Linh is already in first grade now, right? Does your grandmother still have back pain when the weather changes? Has anything changed at your school this year? I’m sure your class has a lot of smart students. Have you participated in the online Violympic competition? Now let me tell you a bit about how my studies have been going. This year, my handwriting has improved a lot. So far, I’ve gotten quite a few good grades. My favorite subject is Math because it helps me develop creative thinking. Our class also gets to use projectors in lessons, which is so cool!
Every lesson, we get to play games, and some classes are really interesting. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, we have a new principal at school. She’s young and very kind. She’s even had a lot of new classrooms built. Our class also participated in the Violympic competition, and I’ve made it past round 4!
Thanh, do you remember how we promised each other to see who would be the top student in our class? Do you have any tips on writing essays? I’m not doing very well in this subject, and I could really use your help. Well, I’ve written quite a lot already, so I’ll stop here. I hope you continue being diligent and keep up the good work in school. I’m sure by the end of the year, you’ll have great results.
I’m so proud to have a friend like you. Oh, don’t forget to write back to me. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Your dear friend
12. Write a letter to check on your grandparents
..., day ... month ... year ...
Dear Grandma,
It’s been a long time since I last visited you, and I miss you so much. Today, I have some free time, so I’m writing this letter to check on how you’re doing.
How have you been lately? Is your back feeling better? Have the fruit trees in the garden produced a good harvest? I bet the chickens have grown a lot by now. I still remember the last time I came to visit, I got to pick fruits from your garden. You also shared with me so many interesting things about the different plants. I can still recall the sweet taste of the persimmon you gave us. In the evenings, we would gather around you to listen to your stories under the bright moonlight.
I really love the green bean porridge you make. All the images of the garden and your charming little house are deeply etched in my memory. But perhaps the most vivid memory I have is when I was sick, and you took such good care of me. That day, it was hot as fire, and butterflies—white and yellow—fluttered around the blooming camellia. I was so distracted by the butterflies that I forgot to wear my hat.
Suddenly, I felt dizzy, my head throbbed, and I became feverish. I sat down on the doorstep, and you quickly came rushing out, saying, "My child is sick!" Then, you went to the garden to gather some leaves and brewed a remedy for me to drink. You gently placed a cold towel on my forehead and cooked a delicious porridge. You told me to add plenty of garlic and perilla leaves to help me recover quickly. Your remedy worked wonders, and I was feeling better in no time. To this day, I still remember your thin, wrinkled hands, which carried so much warmth and love.
Well, the letter is getting long, so I’ll stop here. I wish you good health and peace. Please send my best regards to the neighbors around. I love you so much!
Your loving grandchild
13. Write a letter to check on your grandparents and wish them a Happy New Year
..., day ... month ... year ...
Dear Grandma and Grandpa,
On the occasion of the New Year, I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of my parents, to send my best wishes to both of you. May you always be healthy and live long, so that every summer, I can visit the city named after Uncle Ho to spend time with you.
I wonder if you and Uncle Vinh had a joyful New Year celebration. Over here, the weather was very cold just before the holiday, but starting from the first afternoon of the New Year, the weather warmed up, and the spring atmosphere filled the streets. The two Ba trees at the beginning of the village have begun to bloom. The custard apple tree in our yard is shedding leaves and getting ready to sprout. Every year when the New Year comes, I see the peach tree you planted at the front door blossom brightly with red flowers, and I miss you so much.
Every time we make sticky rice cakes or cook sweet Lam cakes, I think of how skilled your hands are. Our village had a very joyful New Year celebration this year because the rice crops were harvested, and we finished planting corn and beans, so everyone had time to prepare for the holiday. How wonderful it would have been if you had been here to celebrate with us!
Before I finish my letter, I would like to send my warmest wishes for your health. I hope that in the coming year, you both will stay happy and strong so that my parents and we, the grandchildren, can continue working and studying with peace of mind.
Your loving grandchild
