Xin chào, rất vui được gặp bạn
[sin˧˧ t͡ɕaːw˨˩ zət̚˧˦ vuj˧˧ ʔɗɨək̚˧˨ʔ ɣap̚˧˨ʔ ʔɓaːn˧˨ʔ]word by word
Xin chào, rất vui được gặp bạn is the Vietnamese way to say hello nice to meet you.
This phrase is a polite greeting used when meeting someone for the first time.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase can be broken down into several components: rất functions as an intensifier meaning 'very' or 'extremely', and bạn is a neutral way to say 'you' when addressing a peer or someone of equal social standing.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using Xin chào at the beginning makes the greeting formal and polite. While chào can be used as an informal way to say hello, the full phrase provided is a more respectful option.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word rất acts as an intensifier for the subsequent expression of being happy to meet someone.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Because Vietnamese pronouns like bạn change based on the age and gender of the person being addressed, this specific phrase is most appropriate for peers.
Did you know?
- Although chào sounds like the Italian 'ciao', the two words are not related. The Vietnamese word is actually a derivative of a Chinese term meaning 'to attend the emperor's audience'.
- In traditional Vietnamese culture, the act of greeting is deeply tied to social hierarchy. While bạn is used for peers, using it with an elder could be seen as a significant social error.
Example conversation
Two people introduce themselves at a networking event.
- HùngXin chào, rất vui được gặp bạn.Hello, nice to meet you.
- LanChào Hùng, mình là Lan. Rất vui được gặp bạn.Hello Hùng, I am Lan. Nice to meet you too.
- HùngBạn đến từ đâu vậy?Where are you from?
- LanMình đến từ Hà Nội.I come from Hanoi.
