Want to experience Vietnam like a local? It all starts with knowing the vietnamese days of the week! This essential knowledge will help you navigate daily life, understand schedules, and even score the best street food deals. Let me, your local guide, show you how it’s done!
Ready to have fun learning Vietnamese? Let’s start with the days of the week – it’s easier than you think! For more language tips and delicious food recommendations, check out my full Vietnamese language guide.
The Vietnamese Days of the Week
Xin chào, language learners! Ready to level up your Vietnamese vocabulary? Today, we’re tackling the days of the week, and trust me, it’s way easier than you might think!
Once you’ve got these down, you’ll be able to understand schedules, ask about opening hours, and even impress the locals with your language skills.
You might even be able to navigate those delicious Vietnamese menus with ease! For instance, some restaurants might have special dishes or promotions on certain days of the week.
To learn more about Vietnamese cuisine and the various types of meat used in our dishes, be sure to check out my guide on meat in Vietnamese.
The Basic Structure: Easy as 1, 2, 3… or Rather, 2, 3, 4…
Vietnamese weekdays follow a super simple and logical pattern:
- Thứ (pronounced “too”): This means “order” or “sequence.”
- Number (2-7): Each day is simply “thứ” followed by a number, from two to seven.
So, it’s basically like counting from Monday to Saturday… but starting at two!
The Vietnamese Days of the Week: Your Cheat Sheet
| Day | Vietnamese | Pronunciation (approximate) |
| Monday | Thứ Hai | “too hi” (like “too high”) |
| Tuesday | Thứ Ba | “too ba” (like “too bah”) |
| Wednesday | Thứ Tư | “too tưa” (like “too tur”) |
| Thursday | Thứ Năm | “too nahm” (like “too num”) |
| Friday | Thứ Sáu | “too sao” (like “too sow”) |
| Saturday | Thứ Bảy | “too bay” (like “too bye”) |
| Sunday | Chủ Nhật | “choo nyut” (like “chew nut”) |
Pronunciation Pro Tips:
- Tones: Pay close attention to the tones! Vietnamese is a tonal language, which means the tone you use can change the meaning of a word. Practice saying each day of the week with the correct tone to avoid any misunderstandings.
- Stress: The stress usually falls on the second syllable of each word.
- Listen and Learn: Try finding audio recordings or videos of native Vietnamese speakers saying the days of the week. This will help you get a feel for the correct pronunciation and rhythm.
Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to learn some common Vietnamese greetings! Saying “Xin chào” (Hello) or “Chào buổi sáng” (Good morning) with a friendly smile can go a long way in making a good impression. See more
Why Bother Learning the Days of the Week?
- Understanding Schedules: Many shops and restaurants in Vietnam have specific opening days, so knowing the days of the week will help you plan your activities.
- Making Plans: Want to meet up with a local friend or book a tour? You’ll need to know the days of the week to communicate clearly.
- Cultural Insights: Some days of the week have special significance in Vietnamese culture, so understanding them will deepen your appreciation for the country’s traditions.
Bonus Tips from a Local
Ready for some bonus tips to make you a Vietnamese language whiz? I’ve got some extra tidbits of information that’ll help you understand our culture, communicate with locals, and navigate everyday situations like a pro.
Vietnamese Calendar: Lunar Vibes
Did you know that Vietnam follows both the Gregorian calendar (the one you’re probably familiar with) and a lunar calendar?
That’s right, we like to keep things interesting! The lunar calendar plays a huge role in our culture, especially when it comes to festivals and holidays.
For instance, the dates of some local markets might be dictated by the lunar calendar, and certain days might be associated with specific types of food, like vegetarian dishes on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month (to learn more, check out my guide on vegetarian in vietnamese).
Everyday Phrases: Chat Like a Local
Here are a few common phrases that’ll come in handy:
- “Hôm nay là thứ mấy?” (What day is it today?)
- “Hẹn gặp bạn vào thứ Sáu.” (See you on Friday.)
- “Chợ Bến Thành mở cửa vào thứ mấy?” (What days is Ben Thanh Market open?)
- “Ngày mai là thứ mấy?” (What day is tomorrow?)
The more you practice these phrases, the easier it’ll be to strike up conversations with locals and make new friends. Remember, even a little effort goes a long way in showing respect for Vietnamese culture.
Navigating Local Markets: Know When to Go!
Many local markets in Vietnam operate on specific days of the week. Some might be open only on weekends, while others might have designated days for different types of goods.
To avoid disappointment, ask a local or your hotel staff for information about the market schedules before you go.
Pro-Tip: Some of the best markets are hidden gems, tucked away in small alleys or off the beaten path. Don’t be afraid to explore and ask locals for recommendations!
Conclusion
Ready to make your Vietnam trip unforgettable? Start by learning a few simple words and phrases, like the days of the week. It’s a small effort that will go a long way in connecting with locals and experiencing the culture more deeply. Share your language-learning wins or questions in the comments below – let’s celebrate together!
