Ways to say it
| Vietnamese | IPA |
|---|---|
| bánh | [ʔɓajŋ̟˧˦] (Hà Nội, narrow) [ʔɓɛɲ˦˧˥] (Huế, narrow) |
| mì (egg noodle) | |
| mì dẹt | |
| mì mống | |
| mì sợi |
While bánh can act as a generic classifier for many dough-based products, other terms specify the ingredients or the physical form.
What does it mean word for word?
The word bánh literally means cake, bread or pastry, but is used as a generic classifier for many types of noodles and dough-based products.
Which one should you use?
While bánh is a general term for many dough products, mì specifically refers to noodles made with egg or wheat, often used to distinguish them from rice-based noodles. Specifically, mì (egg noodle) refers to egg noodles. mì dẹt refers to flat noodles, mì mống refers to thin noodles and mì sợi is used when specifically referring to the individual strands or the string-like shape of the noodles.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In northern Vietnam, mỳ is often used to refer to instant noodles.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- bánh phởPho noodle(s)This example shows the use of bánh in the context of pho noodles.
- Cho tôi một tô mì, làm ơn.Can I have a bowl of noodles, please?
- Cửa hàng này có phở không?Does this restaurant serve phở?
- Tôi muốn ăn mì xào.I want to eat stir-fried noodles.
- Bạn có thể gợi ý một món mì ngon không?Could you recommend a delicious noodle dish?
- Bún chảGrilled pork with noodles
Example conversation
Lan and Hùng are deciding what to eat for lunch at a street stall.
- LanHùng ơi, mình ăn bánh canh nhé?Hung, shall we eat thick noodle soup?
- HùngĐược, anh cũng đang đói.Okay, I am hungry too.
- LanAnh có muốn thêm bánh cuốn không?Do you want to add some steamed rice rolls?
- HùngKhông cần đâu, ăn bánh canh là đủ rồi.No need, eating the noodle soup is enough.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “noodle” translations and entries bánh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bánh, mì, mống, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
