How to Understand Vietnamese Cultural Etiquette

TL;DR

In Vietnam, showing respect through greetings, especially to elders, is crucial. It is common to offer small gifts after traveling and to remove shoes when entering homes. Avoid visiting uninvited on the first day of Lunar New Year, as it is believed to affect the year's luck. Understanding these customs can enhance your experience in Vietnam.

Transcript

want to speak real vietnamese from your first lesson sign up for your free lifetime account at vietnamesepod101.com hi guys welcome back to vietnamesefart101.com the fastest easiest and most fun way to learn vietnamese my name is ling and welcome back uh this video today is going to be about the vietnam culture and it's going to be very helpful for... Read More

Key Insights

• Greeting elders is very important in Vietnam to show respect.
• In Northern Vietnam, it's customary to say 'have a good meal' before and after eating.
• Bringing small gifts after traveling is a sign of thoughtfulness and appreciation.
• Removing shoes before entering a house is a common practice to show respect.
• Touching someone's head or shoulder is considered bad luck by some.
• Avoid visiting someone's house uninvited on the first day of Lunar New Year.
• Requesting a refund or exchange in the morning is seen as a bad omen for the day.
• Borrowing money on the first day of the lunar month is considered unlucky.

Questions & Answers

Q: How to greet elders in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, greeting elders is an important cultural practice to show respect. You can use specific phrases such as 'Chào anh/chị' for slightly older individuals, or 'Chào ông/bà' for much older people. This respectful greeting is a key aspect of Vietnamese social etiquette and is particularly emphasized in Northern Vietnam.

Q: What should you say before and after meals in Northern Vietnam?

In Northern Vietnam, it is customary to say 'Chúc ăn ngon' before a meal, which means 'have a good meal', and 'Cảm ơn' after finishing, indicating gratitude and completion. These phrases are part of the traditional etiquette that reflects respect and politeness during dining.

Q: Why is it important to bring gifts after traveling in Vietnam?

Bringing gifts after traveling is a way to show thoughtfulness and appreciation in Vietnamese culture. It signifies that you remembered those at home while you were away. The gifts don't have to be expensive; even small souvenirs or local foods can convey your respect and care for friends and family.

Q: Why do Vietnamese people remove their shoes before entering homes?

Removing shoes before entering a home is a common practice in Vietnam to show respect and maintain cleanliness. It is a sign of consideration for the household, as it helps keep the indoor space clean and honors the family's living environment. Some families may provide indoor slippers for guests.

Q: What is considered bad luck regarding physical contact in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, touching someone's head or shoulders is often considered a sign of bad luck, particularly among older generations. While younger people may not mind, it is advisable to avoid such gestures to respect cultural beliefs and avoid causing discomfort or offense.

Q: Why should you avoid visiting uninvited on the first day of Lunar New Year?

Visiting someone's house uninvited on the first day of Lunar New Year is discouraged in Vietnam because the first guest is believed to influence the household's luck for the entire year. Families often invite someone with a compatible zodiac sign to ensure good fortune, making unplanned visits potentially unwelcome.

Q: Why is requesting a refund or exchange in the morning seen as bad luck?

In Vietnamese culture, requesting a refund or exchange in the morning is considered bad luck because it sets a negative tone for the rest of the day. The morning is viewed as indicative of the day's overall fortune, so starting with a refund or exchange is believed to bring unfavorable outcomes.

Q: Why is borrowing money on the first day of the lunar month considered unlucky?

Borrowing money on the first day of the lunar month is considered unlucky in Vietnam because it symbolizes financial instability and dependency for the month ahead. This belief is rooted in the idea that the first day sets the tone for the entire month, so starting with a debt is seen as an omen of financial challenges.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Respectful greetings, especially to elders, are vital in Vietnamese culture. In the north, saying 'have a good meal' before and after eating is common. Bringing gifts after traveling shows appreciation.

• Removing shoes when entering homes is a widespread sign of respect in Vietnam. Avoid touching people's heads or shoulders as it may be seen as bad luck.

• Visiting uninvited on Lunar New Year's first day is discouraged due to beliefs about luck. Likewise, avoid requesting refunds or borrowing money at the start of the lunar month.