Vietnamese Slang: 14 Words Locals Actually Use
Vietnamese slang is a lively part of everyday conversation that textbooks often overlook. It's the kind of language that brings people together and adds flavor to interactions. Learning these expressions can help you sound more natural and relatable in casual settings.
Slang sticks when you say it
Reading a slang list does nothing. Say these out loud and get corrected. That is how real Vietnamese lands.
14 Vietnamese slang words worth knowing
| Slang | What it means | Hear |
|---|---|---|
| đi bão used during celebrations, especially after football matches Hôm qua đội bóng thắng, cả thà nh phố đi bão. (Yesterday the football team won, the whole city celebrated wildly.) | to celebrate wildly, usually after a sports victory | |
| chill common among younger people when talking about leisure time Mình chỉ muốn chill ở nhà hôm nay. (I just want to relax at home today.) | to relax or hang out | |
| cà y phim used when someone is watching a lot of shows in one go Cuối tuần nà y mình sẽ cà y phim cả ngà y. (This weekend I'm going to binge-watch movies all day.) | to binge-watch movies or series | |
| bánh bèo often used playfully among friends Cô ấy rất bánh bèo, thÃch mặc đồ dá»… thÆ°Æ¡ng. (She is very delicate, loves to wear cute clothes.) | a term for a delicate or feminine girl | |
| mlem mlem often used humorously when talking about food Món nà y nhìn mlem mlem quá! (This dish looks so delicious!) | to eat something delicious or to describe something tasty | |
| sống ảo used when someone is overly focused on their online presence Cô ấy chỉ sống ảo thôi. (She only lives in the virtual world.) | to live a virtual life, often through social media | |
| quẩy used when going out to enjoy a lively atmosphere Tối nay đi quẩy không? (Are we going to party tonight?) | to party or have fun | |
| mát tay often used in the context of cooking or gardening Bà ấy mát tay trong việc nấu ăn. (She has a knack for cooking.) | to have a green thumb or be good at something | |
| Ä‘iệu used to compliment someone's fashion sense Cáºu hôm nay Ä‘iệu quá! (You look so stylish today!) | to be stylish or trendy | |
| xịn used to describe something impressive or desirable Chiếc xe nà y xịn ghê! (This car is really cool!) | cool or high-quality | |
| khoai often used in a light-hearted way when discussing tasks Bà i táºp nà y khoai quá! (This homework is too difficult!) | to be difficult or challenging | |
| bựa used when something is funny or absurd Câu chuyện nà y bựa quá đi! (This story is so ridiculous!) | silly or ridiculous | |
| đỉnh used to express admiration for something great Buổi tiệc hôm qua đỉnh quá! (The party yesterday was awesome!) | awesome or top-notch | |
| hóng often used when waiting for news or updates Mình Ä‘ang hóng tin từ cáºu. (I'm eagerly waiting for news from you.) | to eagerly wait or anticipate something |
Don't just read it. Say it.
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Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to use slang in formal situations?
It's best to avoid slang in formal settings, as it can come off as unprofessional.