Signification
Using a motorcycle for transport.
Contexte culturel
The motorbike is the 'legs' of the Vietnamese people. It's used for everything from weddings to transporting refrigerators. In Hanoi, people strictly say 'đi xe máy'. In Saigon (HCMC), 'chạy xe' is much more prevalent in daily speech. This refers to women on Honda Lead scooters who wear extensive sun protection. They are a cultural icon of the Vietnamese road. During Tet, 'đi xe máy' takes on a festive tone as people carry peach blossom trees (cây đào) or kumquat trees on their bikes.
Keep it simple
When in doubt, just use 'đi xe máy'. It's never wrong in any part of Vietnam.
Tones matter
If you say 'mày' (low falling) instead of 'máy' (rising), you are saying 'you' (informal/rude) instead of 'machine'.
Signification
Using a motorcycle for transport.
Keep it simple
When in doubt, just use 'đi xe máy'. It's never wrong in any part of Vietnam.
Tones matter
If you say 'mày' (low falling) instead of 'máy' (rising), you are saying 'you' (informal/rude) instead of 'machine'.
Southern Style
If you are in Saigon, try saying 'chạy xe' to sound more like a local.
The 'Honda' trick
Don't be surprised if older people call every motorbike a 'Honda'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct verb for riding a motorbike.
Tôi ___ xe máy đi học mỗi ngày.
'Đi' is the standard verb for using a vehicle for transport.
Which sentence is the most natural for a daily commute?
How do you say 'I go to work by motorbike'?
'Đi xe máy' is the most natural collocation for commuting.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
You are in a hurry and want to take a motorbike taxi.
GrabBike is the most common way to 'đi xe máy' as a service.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Đường đông quá! B: Ừ, lần sau mình nên ___ cho nhanh.
Motorbikes are known for being faster in heavy traffic.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Đi vs Lái
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTôi ___ xe máy đi học mỗi ngày.
'Đi' is the standard verb for using a vehicle for transport.
How do you say 'I go to work by motorbike'?
'Đi xe máy' is the most natural collocation for commuting.
You are in a hurry and want to take a motorbike taxi.
GrabBike is the most common way to 'đi xe máy' as a service.
A: Đường đông quá! B: Ừ, lần sau mình nên ___ cho nhanh.
Motorbikes are known for being faster in heavy traffic.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
Yes, but only for big, powerful motorcycles. For a standard scooter, use 'xe máy'.
It is a motorbike taxi. You are still 'đi xe máy' when you use one.
For bikes over 50cc, yes. For 50cc or electric bikes, usually no.
It's a regional preference in the South that emphasizes the movement.
You can say 'Tôi ngồi sau' (I sit behind).
Always 'xe máy'. Noun first, then modifier.
An electric motorbike, which is becoming very popular in cities.
Yes, 'đi ô tô' is correct.
It can be chaotic, so always wear a helmet and stay alert!
Expressions liées
Đi bộ
contrastTo walk
Đi ô tô
contrastTo go by car
Chạy xe
similarTo drive/run a vehicle
Đội mũ bảo hiểm
builds onTo wear a helmet
Kẹt xe
similarTraffic jam
