How should I reply to – how do you show respect in Vietnam?

In Vietnam, showing respect is often demonstrated through bowing slightly, using formal language and titles when addressing elders or those in higher positions, and avoiding confrontational or aggressive behavior in public settings.

Showing respect in Vietnam is deeply embedded in the country’s culture and is an important aspect of social interactions. Vietnamese culture places a strong emphasis on communal harmony and age-based hierarchy, which influences the way respect is shown in various situations.

1. Bowing and Greetings: A common way to show respect in Vietnam is through bowing slightly, accompanied by placing the hands together in a prayer-like gesture called “gành” or “hạnh”. This is often done when greeting someone, especially elders or those in higher positions. Using appropriate greetings, such as “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you), is also crucial to display respect.

2. Formal Language and Titles: Addressing individuals with the appropriate titles is an important aspect of showing respect. In Vietnam, people often use titles and pronouns to denote age and social status. For example, addressing someone older as “Anh” (brother), “Chị” (sister), “Cô” (aunt), or “Bác” (uncle) is a common practice. Using more formal language and polite expressions, such as “Xin vui lòng” (please) and “Cảm ơn rất nhiều” (thank you very much), is also considered respectful.

3. Polite Gestures and Behavior: Politeness and humility are highly valued in Vietnamese culture. It is customary to avoid aggressive or confrontational behavior in public settings. Maintaining a calm and reserved demeanor, speaking softly, and not interrupting or criticizing others are considered respectful behaviors.

4. Importance of Family and Elders: Vietnamese society places great importance on family and elders. Respecting and caring for parents and grandparents is deeply ingrained in the values of Vietnamese culture. Children are taught from a young age to be obedient and show deference to their elders, which is reflected in their behavior and language.

Interesting Facts:

• Vietnamese people often address themselves by their given name followed by their family name. For example, Pham Van Nam will refer to himself as “Nam” when speaking.
• Traditional Vietnamese attire known as “ao dai” is a symbol of elegance and is commonly worn during formal occasions. It is considered polite to dress modestly and neatly when attending important events or visiting places of worship.
• Vietnamese tea ceremonies symbolize respect and gratitude. Offering tea to guests, especially to elders, is a gesture of respect and hospitality.
• Elders hold a significant role in Vietnamese society, and their opinions and decisions are highly respected. It is customary for youngsters to seek elders’ advice and follow their guidance.

Quote: “Respect for one’s parents is the highest duty of civil life.” – Confucius

Table:

Ways of Showing Respect in Vietnam
Bowing slightly and using prayer-like gesture
Using appropriate greetings and expressions
Addressing individuals with the proper titles
Avoiding confrontational behavior in public settings
The importance of family and caring for elders
Dressing modestly for formal occasions
Offering tea as a gesture of respect and hospitality
Seeking advice from and valuing the opinions of elders

See more answers

Respecting Others in Vietnam

1. It may be a habit to stand with your arms crossed, but avoid this posture when visiting Vietnam.
2. Don’t stand with your hands on your hips.
3. Don’t flaunt your money.
4. Don’t criticize people.
5. Always give the highest amount of respect to those older than you.

Here’s what you need to know before travelling to Vietnam.

• Greeting each other Greeting someone is perhaps the most common way of showing respect wherever you go, and in Vietnam, “Xin chào” (pronounced sin chow) is the appropriate formal greeting to foreigners.
• Respect for the elderly people Vietnam, as well as other countries in Asia, has great respect for their elders.
• During meals
• Equal sharing
• In the temples
• Practice the art of saving face

Video response to your question

In this Q&A video about Vietnamese culture, the YouTuber shares insights while walking home from a workout. They discuss various aspects such as tipping, gift-giving, drinking culture, dining customs, dialects, and the importance of ancestor worship. The video emphasizes that while tipping is not expected, it is still appreciated in Vietnam. Furthermore, it clarifies that Vietnamese people do accept gifts and discusses the significance of gift-giving in Vietnamese culture. The YouTuber also highlights the importance of social harmony and building relationships through social drinking. Additionally, they explain the practice of eating on the ground during gatherings and the presence of altars in Vietnamese households and establishments. Finally, the video mentions the custom of worshiping ancestors and the influence of Chinese culture on Vietnamese traditions.

Surely you will be interested

Beside above, How do you show respect to Vietnamese elders?
Answer 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 to be polite to Vietnamese people? The reply will be: As a general rule, keep your cool and avoid loud arguments, making a scene, berating others for mistakes, or pointing out anything that may cause the locals to feel shamed. TIP: Vietnamese dislike public displays of affection, and men and women often do not touch in front of others.

Thereof, How do you greet respectful in Vietnamese?
Response will be: 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. The accent on chào tells you that it’s pronounced using the “falling tone”.

Herein, How is respect show when talking to a Vietnamese person? Answer will be: Speaking in a loud tone with excessive gestures is considered rude, especially when done by women. To show respect, Vietnamese people bow their heads and do not look a superior or elder in the eye. To avoid confrontation or disrespect, many will not vocalize disagreement.

How do you show respect for Vietnamese customs?
You can show respect for Vietnamese customs by wearing clothing that does not offend the locals. Mealtimes in Vietnam are all about sharing. Most meals are laid out as an assortment of shared dishes, with small rice bowls and chopsticks for each diner.

Also question is, How do you behave in Vietnam? The Vietnamese people valuehumility, restraint, and modesty. Avoid being boastful or showing off wealth. Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon so try to avoid touching people of the opposite sex. Dress conservatively and keep your body covered. The Vietnamese culture has a great respect for the elderly.

Then, What are the etiquette rules in Vietnam?
It is almost impossible to remember an exhaustive list of etiquette rules. However, when you are aware of what the culture values, you can avoid doing things that are in opposition to those values. The Vietnamese people valuehumility, restraint, and modesty. Avoid being boastful or showing off wealth.

How do you address people in Vietnam? Response will be: address people, formally, you always see Vietnamese people use Mr. or Ms. or a title plus the first name. Traditionally, Vietnamese greet each other by joining hands and bowing slightly. However, in big cities, some men have adopted the Western practice of shaking hands. In public, men often hold hands as an expression of friendship.