Signification
Asking for the price of an item
Contexte culturel
Hanoians tend to be more formal. Using 'ạ' at the end of 'Cái này bao nhiêu tiền ạ?' is highly recommended to show respect. Saigonese are more casual and fast-paced. You will frequently hear 'nhiêu' instead of 'bao nhiêu'. The accent in Hue is very distinct. 'Bao nhiêu' might sound more like 'Bao nhiu' with a lower, heavier tone. In communities in the US or Australia, the phrase is often mixed with English, but the core 'bao nhiêu tiền' remains the standard.
The 'Ơi' Rule
Always add a pronoun + 'ơi' before the phrase to sound 10x more natural. E.g., 'Chị ơi, cái này bao nhiêu tiền?'
Don't just say 'Bao nhiêu'
Just saying 'Bao nhiêu?' can sound demanding or rude. Adding 'tiền' or 'ạ' softens the blow.
Signification
Asking for the price of an item
The 'Ơi' Rule
Always add a pronoun + 'ơi' before the phrase to sound 10x more natural. E.g., 'Chị ơi, cái này bao nhiêu tiền?'
Don't just say 'Bao nhiêu'
Just saying 'Bao nhiêu?' can sound demanding or rude. Adding 'tiền' or 'ạ' softens the blow.
Bargaining is a game
If they give a price, try offering 20-30% less with a smile. It's expected in markets!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to ask for the price.
Cái này ___ nhiêu tiền?
'Bao nhiêu' is the standard word for 'how much' when referring to money.
Which is the most natural way to ask a vendor for the price?
Asking for the price of a hat:
This is the standard, most natural structure.
Match the Vietnamese phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Understanding the components helps in building more complex sentences later.
Complete the dialogue at the market.
Buyer: Cô ơi, cái này ___? Seller: Hai mươi ngàn con.
The seller's response 'Hai mươi ngàn' (20,000) indicates a price was asked.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to use this phrase
Markets
- • Chợ Bến Thành
- • Chợ Đồng Xuân
Transport
- • Taxi
- • Grab
- • Xe ôm
Food
- • Street food
- • Cafes
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesCái này ___ nhiêu tiền?
'Bao nhiêu' is the standard word for 'how much' when referring to money.
Asking for the price of a hat:
This is the standard, most natural structure.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Understanding the components helps in building more complex sentences later.
Buyer: Cô ơi, cái này ___? Seller: Hai mươi ngàn con.
The seller's response 'Hai mươi ngàn' (20,000) indicates a price was asked.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's very informal. It's better to say 'Bao nhiêu tiền?' or 'Nhiêu tiền?'
It's a common Southern Vietnamese contraction used in casual speech.
In a market, no. In a private home, yes.
No, 'cái' is for objects. Use 'con' for animals, but 'cái này' is a safe general 'this' for beginners.
1k = 1,000 VND. So 50k is 50,000 VND.
Change 'này' (this) to 'kia' (that). 'Cái kia bao nhiêu tiền?'
If the context is clearly about buying, you can drop it, but keeping it is clearer for learners.
In markets (chợ), yes. In supermarkets or malls, no.
'Dạ, cho con hỏi cái này giá bao nhiêu ạ?'
Yes, e.g., 'Cắt tóc bao nhiêu tiền?' (How much for a haircut?)
Expressions liées
Giá bao nhiêu?
synonymWhat is the price?
Bán thế nào?
similarHow do you sell this?
Đắt quá!
builds onToo expensive!
Bớt không?
builds onAny discount?
Cái kia bao nhiêu?
specialized formHow much is that one?
