Insight Guides: Explore Vietnam

Classical Vietnamese literature concerns itself greatly with myths and legends. Undoubtedly the best-known piece of writing in Vietnam is Tale of Kieu, a 3,254-verse epic poem written by 18th-century author Nguyen Du.

a lady the age of your grandmother Chào bà.

for a lady the age of your aunt chào co

for a lady slightly older than you chào chị

for a man the age of your grandfather chào ông

for a man slightly older than you chào anh

for a man the age of your uncle chào bác

for a person the age of your younger sibling chào em

for a child chào con

Goodbye Tậm biệt

Excuse me (begging pardon) Xin lỗi

Excuse me (asking for service) Chị ıi! Anh ıi! Em ıi! (etc)