Vietnamese Grammar Bank
COMPLIMENTS IN VIETNAMESE
In Vietnamese, giving compliments is a subtle yet meaningful way to build relationships and show appreciation.
This lesson explores common expressions used to compliment others at work, with friends, or in social situations, while helping you understand the cultural context behind them.
COMPLIMENTS AT WORK
In Vietnam, it’s common to compliment someone’s effort, skills, or work after they finish a task successfully.
Here are some compliments for such situations:
| Tốt lắm! | Well done! |
| Xuất sắc! | Excellent! |
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| Rất giỏi! | Very good! |
| Bạn làm tốt lắm! | You did well! |
| Cảm ơn bạn, bạn đã làm rất tốt! | Thank you, you did really well! |
| Công việc của bạn thật tuyệt vời! | Your work is amazing! |
SOMEONE’S APPEARANCE
In Vietnam, compliments on someone’s appearance are common, especially among close friends or when someone has made an effort to look good. Some phrases you can use include:
| Bạn đẹp quá! | You are so beautiful! |
| Trông bạn thật ngầu! | You look really cool! |
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| Bạn thật quyến rũ! | You are really attractive! |
| Bạn thật dễ thương! | You are so cute! |
| Hôm nay bạn trông thật xinh đẹp! | You look so beautiful today! |
| Áo này hợp với bạn quá! | This shirt suits you perfectly! |
TO SHOW POLITENESS OR GRATITUDE
In Vietnamese culture, expressing gratitude and politeness is important, and compliments are often used to show appreciation. Here are a few phrases used to compliment someone out of politeness or to show gratitude:
| Cảm ơn bạn rất nhiều! | Thank you so much! |
| Bạn rất tốt bụng! | You’re very kind! |
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| Rất cảm ơn bạn vì sự giúp đỡ! | I really appreciate your help! |
| Tôi rất biết ơn bạn! | I am very grateful to you! |
| Bạn thật là người đáng mến! | You’re really a lovely person! |
| Tôi rất quý bạn! | I really value you! |
EXAMPLES
Here are few sample of conversations which are used with the compliments in Vietnamese:
1. Compliment on work performance
A: Em xin nộp bài ạ. (Here is my homework.)
B: Tốt lắm! (Well done!)
2. Compliment on appearance
A: Anh thấy tóc em hôm nay thế nào? (How do you like my hair today?)
B: Trông em thật xinh đẹp! (You look so beautiful!)
3. Compliment to show gratitude
A: Cảm ơn anh đã giúp em tối qua. (Thank you for helping me last night.)
B: Cảm ơn em rất nhiều! Em thật tốt bụng. (Thank you so much! You’re so kind.)
4. Compliment on skills
A: Em đã hoàn thành công việc rồi ạ. (I’ve finished the work.)
B: Xuất sắc! Công việc của em thật tuyệt vời! (Excellent! Your work is amazing!)
5. Compliment on appearance
A: Em mặc bộ đồ này có đẹp không anh? (Do I look good in this outfit?)
B: Em thật quyến rũ trong bộ đồ này! (You look so attractive in this outfit!)
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FAQs
Can I use the same compliments with coworkers and close friends?
Not always. Compliments at work are usually more formal and focused on achievements, while with friends, they can be casual and personal.
Are compliments commonly given in Vietnamese culture?
Compliments are appreciated but often expressed more subtly than in Western cultures.
Overuse can sometimes feel insincere.
How do I respond to a compliment in Vietnamese?
Common responses include “Cảm ơn” (Thank you) or modest replies like “Không có gì đâu” (It’s nothing).
Is it appropriate to compliment someone’s appearance in Vietnamese?
Yes, but it depends on the context and relationship.
Keep it respectful, especially with new acquaintances or in formal settings.
What’s the difference between praising someone and flattering them in Vietnamese?
Praise (khen) is genuine and appropriate for achievements.
Flattery (nịnh) can come across as insincere or manipulative if overdone.
Can I study in Vietnam with LTL?
Yes, you can!
You can study with us in Saigon or Hanoi, in both group or individual classes.
You’ll even have the opportunity to live with a Vietnamese family, thanks to our homestays.