Survivor: Vietnam

To survive the daily grind of Saigon life a girl just needs three main things: guts, tawad powers and survivor Tieng Viet (Vietnamese). Of the three, the most challenging is probably the last one. I like learning new languages and have dabbled with Japanese and Spanish sometime back in college when I first took up International Studies. But dammit, Tieng Viet is HARD! The words are easy enough to remember, but the language is tonal so if you don't get the pronunciation right, you'll know soon enough from the blank stares you'll be getting. But be patient, you will probably get it after 5 tries or so (and there's a chance that it's just me).

So here I am writing a post, of the select Vietnamese phrases you need to learn in case you swing this way sometime in the future (or swing again if you've been here already). Tieng Viet 101 anyone? Trust me, my kodigo is very much within reach. Hah.

1. "Xin Chao" - Hello, or can also double as goodbye; equivalent to 'Kamusta?' in Tagalog or in more popular and hip swardspeak, 'Heller!'. Say it with zest.

2. "Cam On" or "Xin Cam On" - means 'Thank You'; you may go further and say "Cam On nhieu" with nhieu translating to 'a lot' or 'very much'. Say it with a smile on your face.

3. "Xin Loi" - Sorry or Excuse me. Used if you want to pass by and someone is blocking your way or if you want to ask for permission to say something (no need to start with 'Your Honor' :p). On a grander scale, if you have offended someone use this phrase too. Works on many levels. Say it like you mean it.

4. "Khong heo" - 'I don't understand'. If you're Asian (and look like one), you will at one point or another be mistaken by the locals as one of their own. So this phrase comes in handy. Say it like you really regret not being able to understand.

5. "Toi La (your name/adjective here)" - Toi la means 'I am' so add your name afterwards or be creative and fill in with your choice adjective. Some suggestions: "dep" (beautiful), "khieu dam" (sexy), "dien khung" (crazy). Throw in some english words over it too, if the vietnamese word escapes you at that time. Chances are, they'll get your humor (or at least humor you). Say it with style ("loai").

6. "Sau!" - Liar, but meant in a teasing manner (unless you say it angrily of course). You may use it with people to whom you have some sort of friendly relationship already. Not quite appropriate to use with a client, but you can try if you really want to. Say it teasingly.

7. "Dung Lai" - means "Stop". When a waiter puts too much chili in your soup, or an overeager tindera tries to sell you stuff... or simply when your stop is there and you need to get out of the cab/bike, say 'Dung lai!' and say it commandingly.


Disclaimer:
These seven phrases will probably last you half a day and is not in any way suggested as strong enough to let you survive a trip to the doctor, the bank, the postal office, participate in discussions about politics, law or business. If you're a flirt, I'm sorry but this may still be limiting for you too (but I'm sure you'll find a way to up your ante, you expert). At best, you will survive a stroll in Pham Ngu Lao street. Other phrases for another day, overload never helped anyone. Notice how I say that to mask the very limited phrases I actually know. In short, naubusan na ako ng Vietnamese. :D

Xin Chao!