Signification
A polite way to request an item.
Contexte culturel
Politeness is hierarchical. While 'tôi' is safe, using 'em' (younger) or 'chị/anh' (older) shows you understand Vietnamese social fabric. People in the South often add 'xin' to the phrase to make it sound softer and more endearing. In Hanoi, the phrase might sound slightly more formal. Using 'ạ' at the end of the sentence is a must for politeness. In meetings, 'Làm ơn' is used to introduce a request for data or a change in topic, maintaining professional harmony.
The 'Ạ' Factor
Add 'ạ' at the end of the phrase to sound 100% more like a native speaker who knows their manners.
Avoid 'Tôi' with Elders
If the person is clearly older, swap 'tôi' for 'em' to avoid sounding cold.
Signification
A polite way to request an item.
The 'Ạ' Factor
Add 'ạ' at the end of the phrase to sound 100% more like a native speaker who knows their manners.
Avoid 'Tôi' with Elders
If the person is clearly older, swap 'tôi' for 'em' to avoid sounding cold.
Smile and Nod
A small smile while saying 'Làm ơn' goes a long way in Vietnamese culture.
Use with Verbs
Remember you can use this for actions too, like 'Làm ơn cho tôi đi nhờ' (Please let me hitch a ride).
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to order a tea.
Làm ___ cho ___ một ly trà.
'Làm ơn' is the fixed phrase for 'please' and 'tôi' is the standard pronoun.
Which sentence is the most polite when asking a waiter for the bill?
How do you ask for the bill?
The third option uses the polite 'Làm ơn' formula.
Complete the dialogue at the shop.
Customer: Làm ơn cho tôi xem cái áo này. Shopkeeper: ______.
The shopkeeper politely hands over the item requested.
Match the request to the situation.
1. Làm ơn cho tôi một bát phở. 2. Làm ơn cho tôi hỏi đường. 3. Làm ơn cho tôi mượn bút.
Phở is for a restaurant, directions are for the street, and a pen is for an office.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Politeness Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesLàm ___ cho ___ một ly trà.
'Làm ơn' is the fixed phrase for 'please' and 'tôi' is the standard pronoun.
How do you ask for the bill?
The third option uses the polite 'Làm ơn' formula.
Customer: Làm ơn cho tôi xem cái áo này. Shopkeeper: ______.
The shopkeeper politely hands over the item requested.
1. Làm ơn cho tôi một bát phở. 2. Làm ơn cho tôi hỏi đường. 3. Làm ơn cho tôi mượn bút.
Phở is for a restaurant, directions are for the street, and a pen is for an office.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNot at all! It's better to be too polite than not polite enough. Vendors will appreciate the effort.
Yes, but it's usually followed by the request. Saying just 'Làm ơn' is like saying 'Please!' when you're frustrated.
'Làm ơn' is for spoken requests; 'Vui lòng' is for formal signs or written instructions.
As a beginner (A1), 'tôi' is acceptable. As you improve, you should start using kinship terms like 'em', 'anh', or 'chị'.
You say 'Làm ơn cho tôi tính tiền.'
Yes, it's very common and polite. 'Làm ơn cho tôi đến [Địa chỉ].'
You can say 'Cho tôi xin...' which is also polite, or just add 'ạ' at the end of your sentence.
No, 'Làm ơn' is 'Please.' 'Cảm ơn' is 'Thank you.' Don't mix them up!
Yes, but 'Vui lòng' is more common in professional emails.
It sounds like the 'u' in 'burn' but without the 'r' sound. Keep it flat.
In the South, people often just say 'Cho xin...' in very casual settings.
Yes, 'Làm ơn giúp tôi' (Please help me) is a standard way to ask for help.
Like in English, 'Please!' can be used sarcastically to mean 'Give me a break!'
Yes, it's used nationwide, though Southerners might prefer 'Cho tôi xin'.
Expressions liées
Cho tôi xin
similarGive me, I request
Vui lòng
specialized formPlease (formal)
Cảm ơn
builds onThank you
Phiền bạn
similarBother you...
Giúp tôi với
similarHelp me
