A1 Proverb Formal

Nhập gia tùy tục

When in Rome

Meaning

Follow the local customs.

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Cultural Background

In Vietnam, 'tục' often refers to ancestral worship and table manners. For example, the youngest must invite the oldest to eat first. Northern customs can be more formal and traditional. Using this phrase shows you respect their long-standing heritage. Southerners are generally more relaxed, but they still value the spirit of 'nhập gia tùy tục' in terms of hospitality and drinking culture. When visiting ethnic minority villages (like the H'mong or Tay), 'nhập gia tùy tục' is vital to avoid offending local spirits or taboos.

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The Magic Phrase

If you make a cultural mistake in Vietnam, just smile and say 'Tôi đang học cách nhập gia tùy tục'. People will love you for it!

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Don't Overdo It

You don't need to change your entire personality. Just follow the basic rules of the house.

Meaning

Follow the local customs.

🎯

The Magic Phrase

If you make a cultural mistake in Vietnam, just smile and say 'Tôi đang học cách nhập gia tùy tục'. People will love you for it!

⚠️

Don't Overdo It

You don't need to change your entire personality. Just follow the basic rules of the house.

Test Yourself

Complete the proverb.

Nhập gia tùy ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tục

The full proverb is 'Nhập gia tùy tục'.

Which situation best fits the proverb 'Nhập gia tùy tục'?

Bạn đến chơi nhà một người bạn và thấy họ cởi giày trước khi vào nhà.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Bạn cởi giày ra giống họ.

Following the host's custom of taking off shoes is a perfect example of 'nhập gia tùy tục'.

Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.

A: Ở đây mọi người ăn cơm bằng đũa à? B: Đúng rồi, bạn nên _______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: nhập gia tùy tục

Using the proverb is the most natural way to advise someone to adapt to local eating habits.

What is the literal meaning of 'Gia' in this phrase?

Gia có nghĩa là gì?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Gia đình/Nhà

In this context, 'Gia' means house or family.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Complete the proverb. Fill Blank A1

Nhập gia tùy ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tục

The full proverb is 'Nhập gia tùy tục'.

Which situation best fits the proverb 'Nhập gia tùy tục'? situation_matching A1

Bạn đến chơi nhà một người bạn và thấy họ cởi giày trước khi vào nhà.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Bạn cởi giày ra giống họ.

Following the host's custom of taking off shoes is a perfect example of 'nhập gia tùy tục'.

Fill in the missing part of the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

A: Ở đây mọi người ăn cơm bằng đũa à? B: Đúng rồi, bạn nên _______.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: nhập gia tùy tục

Using the proverb is the most natural way to advise someone to adapt to local eating habits.

What is the literal meaning of 'Gia' in this phrase? Choose A2

Gia có nghĩa là gì?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Gia đình/Nhà

In this context, 'Gia' means house or family.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, it's perfect for friends! It adds a bit of humor and wisdom to the conversation.

Absolutely. It's highly recommended in business to show you respect the company culture.

The phrase implies that you should observe first, then follow. It's okay to ask questions!

The standard form is 'tục'. 'Lệ' (rules) is sometimes used but 'tục' is the canonical version.

Yes! If everyone is sharing dishes from a common bowl, you should do the same.

It depends on the tone. If said kindly, it's helpful advice. If shouted, it can be rude.

Yes, it's very common in texting when discussing plans or visiting someone.

There isn't a direct opposite proverb, but 'bảo thủ' (conservative/stubborn) describes someone who refuses to adapt.

Yes, it is used and understood perfectly in all regions of Vietnam.

It sounds like 'twee' but with a low, falling tone. Practice dropping your voice at the end.

Related Phrases

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Nhập giang tùy khúc

synonym

Enter a river, follow its bends.

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Ăn trông nồi, ngồi trông hướng

similar

Watch the pot when eating, watch the direction when sitting.

🔗

Lệ làng

builds on

Village rules.

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