What Language Do They Speak in Vietnam?

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Vietnam

Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, is a nation known for its rich culture, vibrant cities, and breathtaking natural landscapes, ranging from the limestone islands of Halong Bay to the lush green rice terraces of Sapa. It has a captivating history spanning thousands of years, including periods under Chinese and French rule, which have left lasting influences on its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Today, Vietnam boasts a rapidly growing economy, blending tradition with modernity and attracting tourists and investors alike with its unique charm and hospitality.

Languages Spoken

Vietnam is a linguistically diverse country with Vietnamese being the dominant language, spoken by approximately 86.2% of the population. This language serves as the national and official language of the country. Other significant languages spoken in Vietnam include Tay, accounting for 1.9% of the population, Muong and Khmer, each spoken by 1.5% of the population, and Chinese Nùng, spoken by about 1.1%. These languages reflect the rich tapestry of ethnic groups residing in various regions across the country, contributing to Vietnam's cultural diversity.

Different Languages Spoken in Vietnam

Language data last updated 2024 est. from World Population Review - Vietnam

LanguageUsage
Vietnamese86.2%
Tay1.9%
Muong1.5%
Khmer1.5%
Chinese Nùng1.1%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful Vietnamese Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Vietnam

Xin chào

Hello

A common greeting used to say hello.

Bạn có khỏe không?

How are you?

A polite way to inquire about someone's well-being.

Bao nhiêu tiền?

How much does it cost?

Used when you want to know the price of something.

Tôi không hiểu

I don't understand

Useful to indicate that you do not understand what is being said.

Xin vui lòng và cảm ơn

Please and thank you

Polite phrases to use when making requests or expressing gratitude.

Learn to speak Vietnamese

Interested in speaking Vietnamese in Vietnam? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

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