Vietnamese parents usually greet each other by saying “Chào anh” (Hello, older brother) or “Chào chị” (Hello, older sister), regardless of their actual age or relationship. This greeting reflects the importance of age and respect in Vietnamese culture.
Vietnamese parents have a unique way of greeting each other that reflects the cultural values of age and respect. Instead of using standard greetings, Vietnamese parents often address each other as “Anh” (older brother) or “Chị” (older sister), regardless of their actual age or relationship. This traditional greeting showcases the importance placed on hierarchy and respect in Vietnamese society.
One interesting fact about Vietnamese greetings is that they are not solely based on age or familial relationship. The titles “Anh” and “Chị” are also used to show respect to individuals who are not related by blood. It is a way of acknowledging someone’s seniority, status, or social position. This demonstrates the deep-rooted cultural values of honor, deference, and humility within Vietnamese society.
To further illustrate the significance of this greeting tradition, consider a quote from renowned Vietnamese writer Nguyen Khai: “In Vietnamese culture, age is not just a simple number. It carries a wealth of respect and wisdom. Addressing someone as ‘Anh’ or ‘Chị’ acknowledges their experience and signifies a deep reverence for their guidance and advice.”
Here is a table summarizing the different forms of greetings used by Vietnamese parents:
| Vietnamese Greeting | English translation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Chào anh | Hello, older brother | Acknowledging someone’s seniority and showing respect |
| Chào chị | Hello, older sister | Recognizing someone’s elder status and demonstrating respect |
In conclusion, Vietnamese parents have a distinct way of greeting each other that revolves around using the titles “Anh” and “Chị” to emphasize respect, regardless of age or relationship. This form of greeting reflects the cultural values of age hierarchy and deep-rooted reverence within Vietnamese society.
Video answer
In the video “Learn Vietnamese – Greetings,” Xiao Hua Zhou teaches viewers common greetings in Vietnamese. The main greeting is “Xin chào,” which can be used in formal and informal situations throughout the day. When saying goodbye, “Tạm biệt” is used. Other phrases like “Hẹn gặp lại” (see you soon) and “hẹn gặp lại nha” (see you soon, intimate tone) are also mentioned. Zhou explains the complexity of pronouns in Vietnamese, which vary based on gender, age, and relationship closeness. However, the safest and easiest way to greet someone is by using “Xin chào.”
There are additional viewpoints
Families are very strong and help each other in all needs. The Vietnamese generally shake hands both when greeting and when saying good-bye. Shake with both hands, and bow your head slightly to show respect. Bow to the elderly who do not extend their hand.
- Elderly people always have priority and respect in society Vietnam. So always greet the eldest first.
- To address someone in a formal way, use Mr. or Ms. with their first name to greet them.
- When saying goodbye, Vietnamese also shake hands or bow slightly.
More interesting questions on the issue
Secondly, How do you greet a family in Vietnamese? Xin chào is the safest, most polite way of saying “hello” in Vietnamese. You can use it to greet anybody. It’s easy to remember because chào sounds just like the Italian greeting “ciao”, which is often used in English.
What is traditional Vietnamese greeting?
Say hello by saying “Xin Chao” (sin jow). Some people just say, “Chao” but that is better for people you are familiar with. When talking to strangers or someone older than you, it is better to say “Xin Chao” to show respect.
How do you show respect to Vietnamese elders?
Response to this: It is most appropriate to slightly bow on greeting an elder and to shake hands if the elder extends his/her hand first. The most offensive disrespect is to touch an elder on the head, which is offensive in many other countries. Touching the heads of children is culturally allowed.
How do you say hello in Vietnamese to elders? As a response to this: Opt for "chào anh" or "chào chị" when speaking to elders. If the other person is an older male, use "chào anh." If the other person is an older female, use "chào chị."
Keeping this in consideration, How to greet Vietnamese people?
This greeting is more appropriate for non-native speakers because it is the easiest and the most polite way to greet Vietnamese people. Native speakers do not usually say that because it sounds formal. If you get a close relationship with the person you are talking to, let’s use “Chao ban” as a greeting.
Correspondingly, Why do Vietnamese people ask for their age?
That’s why when Vietnamese people first meet each other, they are struggling to choose the right pronoun to address others, so that they have to ask for others’ age. This custom is deemed inappropriate in the Western cultures, but seen as a way to respect others in the Vietnamese culture.
Do Vietnamese people use family pronouns?
In reply to that: Though you’d believe it would be helpful to have it, the Vietnamese people live without it. Alternatively,they use familial pronouns like “aunt,” “sister,” or “grandpa” to greet others and refer to themselves. These phrases don’t just pertain to their biological family. They like using them with everyone, including complete strangers.
How do you Say Goodbye in Vietnam?
The response is: Unlike in Japan, the depth of the bow in Vietnam is not a matter. Elderly people always have priority and respect in society Vietnam. So always greet the eldest first. To address someone in a formal way, use Mr. or Ms. with their first name to greet them. When saying goodbye, Vietnamese also shake hands or bow slightly.