How to Say “Dress” in Vietnamese

Ways to say it

The term áo dài (phụ nữ) is used to refer to the women's long dress. The parenthetical (phụ nữ) is often included in descriptions or catalogs to specify that the garment is for women, as male versions of the garment also exist. In a different context, related verbs like sửa soạn can mean to prepare food or a surface, while nêm means to season or dress food with a sauce.

What does it mean word for word?

In both áo dài (phụ nữ) and áo đầm, the word áo literally means 'shirt' or serves as a general term for clothing or upper-body garments.

Which one should you use?

áo dài (phụ nữ) refers specifically to the traditional national garment, whereas áo đầm is used to refer to Western-style dresses or one-piece gowns.

Is it said differently in some regions?

In the south of Vietnam, people might use the word đầm for dress.

Related words

To prepare (food) for cooking or eating, especially by seasoning it, to add a dressing or sauce (to food, especially a salad) (verb): sửa soạn, nêm.

To prepare the surface of (a material) (verb): sửa soạn.

When do people say it?

The term áo dài specifically refers to the traditional Vietnamese long tunic worn over trousers, which serves as the cultural equivalent of a formal dress in Vietnam.