Xin chào! Ready to learn numbers Vietnamese? This easy guide will show you why counting in Vietnamese is essential for navigating markets, ordering food, and experiencing Vietnam like a local. Plus, you’ll get insider tips on haggling like a pro!
(P.S. Speaking of food, if you’re curious about what to eat in Vietnam, check out my articles on meat in vietnamese and vegetarian in vietnamese – your taste buds will thank you!)
Contents
Numbers Vietnamese 1-10
Ready to master the building blocks of Vietnamese numbers? These first ten digits are your key to unlocking a world of smooth communication, from ordering food to haggling at the market.
Don’t worry if it seems a bit intimidating at first – I’ve got you covered with easy pronunciation tips and even some audio examples!
The Basics: Numbers 1-10 in Vietnamese
| Number | Vietnamese | Pronunciation (approximate) |
| 1 | một | “mote” (like the word “mote” but with a short “o” sound) |
| 2 | hai | “high” |
| 3 | ba | “ba” (like the sound a sheep makes) |
| 4 | bốn | “bone” (but with a short “o” sound) |
| 5 | năm | “num” (rhymes with “hum”) |
| 6 | sáu | “sow” (like the female pig) |
| 7 | bảy | “bye” (like saying goodbye) |
| 8 | tám | “tam” (rhymes with “palm”) |
| 9 | chín | “chin” |
| 10 | mười | “mư-oi” (like “moo-oy”) |
Pro Tip: Tones are super important in Vietnamese. Each word has a different tone, and changing the tone can change the meaning of the word. So, practice saying these numbers out loud and pay attention to the tones!
Why Bother Learning Vietnamese Numbers?
Trust me, it’s worth it! Here are just a few reasons:
- Ordering Food: You’ll be able to confidently tell the vendor how many bánh mì or skewers of grilled meat you want.
- Bargaining: Knowing the numbers gives you an edge when haggling at markets.
- Asking for Directions: Locals are more likely to help you if you can communicate your needs clearly.
- Making Friends: Even a few simple phrases can go a long way in building connections with the locals.
Beyond the Basics: Counting to 100 and Beyond
Ready to take your Vietnamese counting skills up a notch? Once you’ve got those first ten numbers down, the rest is a piece of (sticky rice) cake! Let’s dive into the patterns and tricks for counting to 100 and beyond.
Numbers 11-19: It’s All About the “Mười”
Things get super easy from here! To form numbers 11 through 19, you just combine “mười” (ten) with the unit digit:
- 11: mười một (muoi mote)
- 12: mười hai (muoi high)
- 13: mười ba (muoi ba)
- …and so on
Exception Alert! The only exception is the number 15, which is “mười lăm” (muoi lam), not “mười năm.” Don’t worry, it’s the only oddball in this group!
Numbers 20-99: Mix and Match!
Now for the big leagues! To form numbers 20 through 99, you simply combine multiples of ten with unit digits:
- 20: hai mươi (high muoi)
- 21: hai mươi mốt (high muoi mote)
- 30: ba mươi (ba muoi)
- 32: ba mươi hai (ba muoi high)
- …and so on
See the pattern? It’s super easy!
Hundreds, Thousands, Millions: The Big Guns
Ready for some seriously impressive numbers? Let’s break down the bigger guys:
- Hundred: trăm (tram)
- Thousand: nghìn (nghin) – sounds a bit like “kin”
- Million: triệu (triệu) – rhymes with “pew”
To form larger numbers, just combine these words with the numbers you already know:
- 100: một trăm (mote tram)
- 101: một trăm lẻ một (mote tram le mote) *
- 200: hai trăm (high tram)
- 1,000: một nghìn (mote nghin)
- 2,000: hai nghìn (high nghin)
- 1,000,000: một triệu (mote trieu)
Note: The word “lẻ” (le) is used for “and” when combining hundreds with numbers less than 10.
Bonus Tip: When you’re haggling, it’s often more effective to use hand gestures and point to numbers on your phone calculator. This avoids any miscommunications due to pronunciation or tone differences.
Real-World Applications: Using Vietnamese Numbers in Everyday Life
Now that you’ve got a handle on numbers Vietnamese, let’s put them to work in the real world.
Trust me, these skills will come in handy in all sorts of situations – from bargaining for souvenirs to ordering your favorite street food. Let’s get started!
Shopping Like a Pro: Haggling 101
Markets are a must-visit in Vietnam, but they can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t know the language. Here are some key phrases to help you navigate the bargaining process:
- “Cái này bao nhiêu tiền?” (How much is this?)
- “Đắt quá!” (That’s too expensive!)
- “Bớt chút đi!” (Give me a discount!)
- “Em mua hai cái, bớt thêm được không?” (I’ll buy two, can you give me a better price?)
Remember, bargaining is a friendly negotiation, so always smile and be respectful. And don’t forget to use those numbers you’ve learned!
Transportation: Numbers on the Go
- Bus Numbers: Look for the bus number on the front of the bus or at the bus stop. You can also ask a local for help or use a navigation app.
- Taxi Fares: Make sure the meter is running or agree on a price before you get in. You can use the meter reading to calculate the fare using your newfound numbers vietnamese skills!
- Motorbike Taxis (Xe Ôm): These are a popular and convenient way to get around, but always negotiate the price before you hop on.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit local markets on specific days, check out my guide to vietnamese days of the week to make sure they’re open!
Food and Drink: Ordering Like a Local
- Understanding Menus: Many restaurants have pictures or English translations on their menus, but it’s still helpful to know the numbers so you can order the correct quantity.
- Paying the Bill: When the bill arrives, you can simply point to the total amount and say the number in Vietnamese.
Telling Time: What’s the Hour?
Telling time in Vietnamese is pretty straightforward. Just use the number followed by “giờ” (hour):
- 1 o’clock: một giờ (mote yer)
- 2 o’clock: hai giờ (high yer)
- 3 o’clock: ba giờ (ba yer)
- …and so on.
Phone Numbers: Staying Connected
Vietnamese phone numbers usually have 10 digits and start with a 0. You’ll say each number individually, with a slight pause between groups of numbers. For example, the number 0912 345 678 would be said as “không chín một hai, ba bốn năm, sáu bảy tám.”
Lucky and Unlucky Numbers in Vietnamese Culture
Hey, curious minds! Ever noticed how some numbers seem to pop up more than others in Vietnam?
Maybe you’ve seen lots of phone numbers ending in 8888, or wondered why the 4th floor is often missing in buildings.
Well, let me tell you, numbers hold a special significance in Vietnamese culture!
As your local guide, I’m here to spill the tea on the lucky and unlucky digits that influence everything from phone numbers to wedding dates.
The Magic of Number 8 (Phát): Fortune and Prosperity
In Vietnam, 8 (phát) is considered the luckiest number of all! It sounds similar to the word “phát,” which means wealth, prosperity, and success.
So, it’s no wonder that people try to incorporate this number into their lives whenever possible.
You’ll see businesses with phone numbers ending in 8, license plates with multiple 8s, and even buildings with 88 floors!
The Power of Number 9 (Chín): Forever and Ever
Number 9 (chín) is another lucky number in Vietnam. It sounds like the word “chín,” which means forever or eternity.
This number is often associated with longevity, stability, and enduring relationships. You might see couples getting married on the 9th of a month or choosing a house number with a 9 in it.
The Unlucky Number 4 (Tư): A Word of Caution
Now for the bad news: the number 4 (tư) is considered unlucky in Vietnam. This is because it sounds similar to the word “tử,” which means death.
As a result, many buildings skip the 4th floor, and people avoid using this number in phone numbers or addresses.
Personal Anecdote: I remember once when I was booking a hotel room, and the receptionist insisted on giving me a room on the 5th floor instead of the 4th. She said it was for good luck!
Beyond 4, 8, and 9: Other Lucky Numbers and Combinations
Vietnamese people also believe in other lucky numbers and combinations, like:
- 6 (lộc): Represents good fortune and prosperity.
- 3 and 9: Symbolizes longevity and good luck (three times three = nine).
- 7979: Sounds like “forever and forever” (mãi mãi mãi mãi).
- 28 and 86: Symbolize easy money and prosperity (28 = dễ phát, 86 = phát lộc).
Numbers in Everyday Life: More Than Just Superstition
These beliefs about lucky and unlucky numbers aren’t just superstitions – they actually play a significant role in Vietnamese culture and daily life.
You’ll see them reflected in everything from business decisions to wedding planning.
It’s a fascinating aspect of Vietnamese culture that’s worth learning about and respecting.
Conclusion
So there you have it, number champions! You’ve gone from newbie to nearly fluent in Vietnamese numerals! Counting, bargaining, ordering food, and even telling time in Vietnamese are all within your reach. Pretty cool, right?
But remember, practice makes perfect. The more you use these numbers in real-life situations, the more confident you’ll become. Don’t be shy to test out your skills at the market, in restaurants, or even when chatting with locals. They’ll appreciate your effort, and who knows, you might even score a better deal!
Looking for More Vietnamese Language Tips?
I’ve got you covered! Check out my comprehensive guide to the vietnamese language for more helpful phrases, grammar tips, and cultural insights. You’ll be chatting like a local in no time!
Share Your Number Stories!
Have you had any funny or interesting experiences using numbers vietnamese? Did you impress a vendor with your bargaining skills? Or maybe you had a hilarious miscommunication because of the tones? Share your stories and questions in the comments below! Let’s create a community of Vietnamese language learners and celebrate our successes together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How to say numbers in Vietnamese?
A1: Vietnamese numbers have a unique structure compared to English. Here’s a basic overview:
- 0-9: Each digit has a distinct word: không (0), một (1), hai (2), ba (3), bốn (4), năm (5), sáu (6), bảy (7), tám (8), chín (9).
- 10-19: Formed by combining “mười” (10) with the digits 1-9: mười một (11), mười hai (12), etc. Note that “một” becomes “mốt” in this context.
- 20-99: Formed by combining multiples of ten (hai mươi (20), ba mươi (30), etc.) with the digits 1-9.
- 100+: “Trăm” (100), “nghìn” (1,000), “triệu” (1,000,000), and “tỷ” (1,000,000,000) are used for larger numbers.
Q2: Why do Vietnamese restaurants have numbers?
A2: Vietnamese restaurants often have numbers in their names for a few reasons:
- Easy identification: In areas with many Vietnamese restaurants, numbers help customers distinguish between them.
- Lucky numbers: Certain numbers are considered lucky in Vietnamese culture, and including them in a restaurant’s name is believed to bring good fortune.
- Historical significance: Some numbers may refer to historical events or locations relevant to the restaurant or its owners.
Q3: How many numbers in Vietnamese phone number?
A3: Vietnamese phone numbers typically have 9 or 10 digits. Mobile numbers consist of 10 digits, including the area code, while landline numbers can have 9 or 10 digits, depending on the region.
