How to Say "Hey" in Vietnamese

này

[naj˨˩]

The Vietnamese way to say "hey" is này.

này is used as an informal way to get someone's attention or to express mild annoyance, functioning much like the English "hey".

Meaning: informal greeting (intj)

What does it mean word for word?

Literally, này means "this" when it functions as a demonstrative pronoun.

While này can be used to get someone's attention, it is much more abrupt and less polite than using a person's title or name.

The word này is a linguistic relative of the Khmer word 'nih', which also means 'this'.
If you use này to get someone's attention in a crowded place, you are essentially pointing at them with your voice, much like pointing a finger.
In many regions of Vietnam, particularly in the North, people might use a slightly different tone or a similar-sounding particle to achieve the same effect as a 'hey' to grab attention.

Này, chờ tí đã.
Hey, wait a second.
This sentence shows how to use này to get attention to ask someone to wait.
Tatoeba #13344257 by leucammieuvu, translation #3575395 by CK
Này, bạn đang cười gì vậy?
Hey, what are you laughing at?
This sentence uses này to get someone's attention before asking a question.
Tatoeba #11368518 by chaule3, translation #3575499 by CK
Này, tôi đã nói xin lỗi rồi.
Hey, I said I was sorry.
This sentence demonstrates using này to express something in a tone of mild annoyance.
Tatoeba #13342789 by leucammieuvu, translation #3575389 by CK
Chào anh! Tôi là David.
Hello, sir! I am David.
Xin chào, tôi là Anna.
Greetings, I am Anna.
Chào bạn! Bạn có khỏe không?
Hello, friend! Are you doing well?
Ê, bạn!
Hey, you!
2 more sentences on Tatoeba

Mai and Minh are meeting up at a cafe.

Sources

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