Language/Vietnamese/Vocabulary/Giving-Directions

Vietnamese Vocabulary → Transportation → Giving Directions

As a Vietnamese language teacher for 20 years, I have seen how important it is for students to learn how to give and receive directions in Vietnamese. In this lesson, we will learn the vocabulary and phrases related to giving directions in Vietnamese.

Vocabulary

Here are some essential vocabulary words and phrases related to giving and receiving directions in Vietnamese:

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
đường	[ɗɨəŋ]	road
ngã tư	[ŋaː tɕɯ]	intersection
quẹo trái	[kwêw trái]	turn left
quẹo phải	[kwêw fɐ̂ːj]	turn right
đi thẳng	[ɗi tâŋ]	go straight
giao lộ	[zajəw lâw]	crossroads
phố	[fɔ̂]	street
cầu vượt	[kâw ʋɨǰt]	overpass

Other useful phrases include:

• Bến xe bus (bus station)
• Bến tàu (train station)
• Sân bay (airport)

It's important to note that in Vietnam, many streets are named after important people or events in history. Some street names can be difficult to pronounce, so don't be afraid to ask for help!

Giving Directions

Now that we've learned the necessary vocabulary and phrases, let's practice giving directions in Vietnamese:

• Excuse me, how do I get to the post office? (Xin lỗi, tôi đến bưu điện như thế nào?)
• Walk straight ahead until you see the intersection. (Đi thẳng cho đến khi bạn thấy ngã tư.)
• Turn left at the intersection and then walk straight for two blocks. (Rẽ trái tại ngã tư và đi thẳng hai khối.)
• The post office is on your right. (Bưu điện ở bên phải của bạn.)

It's important to use polite forms of speech when asking for directions, so be sure to employ proper Vietnamese etiquette.

Cultural Insights

In Vietnam, motorbikes are the most popular mode of transportation. They are relatively cheap and can easily navigate through the country's narrow streets. However, motorbike accidents are very common in Vietnam, so be sure to exercise caution when on the roads.

Another interesting aspect of Vietnamese transportation is the "xe om," or motorbike taxi. Xe oms are a popular form of transportation, but they are not regulated and can sometimes be dangerous. Always be sure to use reputable xe om drivers.

Conclusion

Giving directions is an essential skill for anyone travelling or living in Vietnam. By learning the necessary vocabulary and phrases, students can make their time in Vietnam much easier and more enjoyable.

I hope this lesson has been helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you for learning with me!

Sources

• Essential Vocabulary for Directions in Vietnamese
• Vietnamese Vocabulary: Transportation and Giving Directions
• 50+ Ways To Ask & Give Directions In Vietnamese Like A Pro - Ling ...

Table of Contents - Vietnamese Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Hello and Goodbye
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Vietnamese Culture Basics

• Vietnamese Values
• Social Etiquette
• Cuisine and Dining

  ---

Numbers and Counting

• Counting 1-10
• Counting 11-20
• Counting 21 and Beyond

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Nouns and Gender
• Pronouns and Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

  ---

Holidays and Celebrations

• Tet
• Mid-Autumn Festival

  ---

Verbs and Verb Tenses

• Present Tense Verbs
• Past Tense Verbs
• Future Tense Verbs
• Modal Verbs

  ---

Food and Drink

• Vietnamese Food
• Drinks and Beverages
• Food Ordering

  ---

Arts and Entertainment

• Traditional Music
• Movie and Television

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives
• Adverbs

  ---

Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Giving Directions

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Traditional Clothing

• Ao Dai
• Other Traditional Clothing

Related Lessons

• Vietnamese Food
• Drinks and Beverages
• Food Ordering
• Months of the Year
• Hello and Goodbye
• Numbers
• Sports
• Animals
• Count from 1 to 10
• Geometry