Signification
Explaining limited proficiency in the Vietnamese language.
Contexte culturel
Hanoians value formal politeness. When using this phrase, adding 'ạ' at the end is highly recommended to sound respectful. Saigonese are often more casual. You might hear them say 'Hổng hiểu' instead of 'Không hiểu.' They will likely switch to English quickly to help you. The Central accent is notoriously difficult even for other Vietnamese. Don't feel bad if you have to use this phrase more often there! Among foreigners, this phrase is often joked about as the 'universal survival sentence' that everyone learns in their first week.
Smile while saying it
In Vietnam, a smile acts as a social lubricant. Saying you don't understand with a smile prevents the situation from becoming awkward.
Don't just say 'Không'
Saying just 'Không' (No) when someone asks if you understand can sound very blunt or rude. Always use the full phrase.
Signification
Explaining limited proficiency in the Vietnamese language.
Smile while saying it
In Vietnam, a smile acts as a social lubricant. Saying you don't understand with a smile prevents the situation from becoming awkward.
Don't just say 'Không'
Saying just 'Không' (No) when someone asks if you understand can sound very blunt or rude. Always use the full phrase.
Use 'Một chút'
If you want to sound more positive, say 'Tôi chỉ hiểu một chút' (I only understand a little) instead of the negative 'không hiểu nhiều'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'I don't understand Vietnamese much.'
Tôi không ____ tiếng Việt nhiều.
'Hiểu' is the correct verb for 'understand.'
Which sentence is the most polite way to tell an older person you don't understand much?
Select the best option:
Using 'Dạ,' 'con,' and 'ạ' makes the sentence very polite for an older listener.
Complete the dialogue.
Local: 'Bạn thấy thời tiết ở Việt Nam thế nào?' Learner: 'Xin lỗi, _________.'
The local asked a complex question about weather; the learner uses the phrase to signal they didn't catch it.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a bank and the clerk is explaining a contract.
This phrase is necessary to stop the clerk and ask for a simpler explanation or translation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTôi không ____ tiếng Việt nhiều.
'Hiểu' is the correct verb for 'understand.'
Select the best option:
Using 'Dạ,' 'con,' and 'ạ' makes the sentence very polite for an older listener.
Local: 'Bạn thấy thời tiết ở Việt Nam thế nào?' Learner: 'Xin lỗi, _________.'
The local asked a complex question about weather; the learner uses the phrase to signal they didn't catch it.
You are at a bank and the clerk is explaining a contract.
This phrase is necessary to stop the clerk and ask for a simpler explanation or translation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsFor beginners, yes. It is neutral. As you learn more, you will use 'Em', 'Anh', or 'Con' to be more natural.
Not at all! Vietnamese people are generally very happy that you are even trying to speak their language.
Then say 'Tôi không biết tiếng Việt' (I don't know Vietnamese).
They are likely trying to encourage you or think you just need them to speak slower.
Expressions liées
Tôi không biết
similarI don't know.
Nói chậm lại
builds onSpeak slower.
Tôi hiểu rồi
contrastI understand now.
Tiếng Việt khó quá
similarVietnamese is too difficult.
