Em

A neutral 'I' used by anyone, regardless of age or social standing. Less common in informal speech where kinship terms are preferred.

A neutral 'you' used between peers or people of similar age/status. Can sound a bit distant if used with close friends or family.

An informal 'you' used among very close friends or by an older person to a younger person they are familiar with. Can be rude if used inappropriately.

Can mean 'you' or 'I' depending on the speaker's age relative to the listener, and also 'older brother'.

Used by a younger person to address an older male (meaning 'you'), or by an older female to refer to herself (meaning 'I').

Anh khỏe không? (Are you well? - said to an older male)

Similar to 'Anh', it can mean 'you' or 'I' and also 'older sister'.

Used by a younger person to address an older female (meaning 'you'), or by an older male to refer to himself (meaning 'I').

Chị đi đâu vậy? (Where are you going? - said to an older female)

Can refer to 'grandfather' or be a formal 'you' to an elderly man, or even 'I' for an elderly man.

Context and relative age are key. It's a respectful term for older men.

Ông ăn cơm chưa? (Have you eaten yet, sir? - said to an elderly man)

Similar to 'Ông', it can mean 'grandmother' or be a formal 'you' to an elderly woman, or 'I' for an elderly woman.

Respectful term for older women.

Bà muốn uống gì? (What would you like to drink, madam? - said to an elderly woman)

Can mean 'child' but also used by an older person to refer to themselves when speaking to a much older person (e.g., parent, grandparent).

When addressing elders, 'con' indicates deference and humility from the speaker.

Con chào ông bà ạ. (I greet you, grandparents. - said by a child or younger person)