What does it mean word for word?
The phrase xin chào consists of xin, which means "to ask" or "to please" and chào, which means "to greet".
Which one should you use?
While xin chào is a standard way to say hello, you can use Chào bạn for a friendly and informal greeting for someone your own age. For a more formal approach when addressing someone older or of higher social status, you can use Chào anh/chị. In a professional setting, if you are addressing a group of esteemed guests or respected individuals, the phrase Kính chào quý vị is used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Xin chào is a polite, standard way to say hello that is suitable for strangers or formal settings. For a higher level of formality and respect, especially toward elders or those of higher social status, use Chào anh/chị. For professional contexts involving a group, use Kính chào quý vị. Conversely, Chào bạn and the English word "Hi" are informal options for casual settings or friends.
How does it change in a sentence?
To sound natural and polite, the word chào is almost always followed by a kinship pronoun (such as anh, chị or em) rather than being used alone.
Did you know?
- Although they sound similar, the Vietnamese chào and the Italian 'ciao' are not related. One is a native Vietnamese word and the other is an Indo-European term.
Examples in context
- Xin chào mọi người.Hello everyone.
- Tôi muốn nói xin chào với cô ấy.I want to say hello to her.
- Xin chào bạn, rất vui được gặp bạn.Hello friend, nice to meet you.
Example conversation
Hương and Nam meet at a coffee shop.
- HươngXin chào Nam!Hi Nam!
- NamChào Hương, rất vui được gặp bạn.Hi Hương, it is very nice to meet you.
- HươngBạn đang làm gì ở đây vậy?What are you doing here?
- NamMình đang đợi một người bạn.I am waiting for a friend.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry xin chào, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chào, xin, xin chào, CC BY-SA 4.0.
