How to Say “Colleague” in Vietnamese
The Standard Word: Đồng Nghiệp
The most common and widely accepted word for “colleague” in Vietnamese is đồng nghiệp. This term is used in both formal and informal contexts, making it suitable for emails, meetings, and casual conversations with coworkers.
Pronunciation: dong nyiep (with a falling tone on “nghiệp”)
Breaking Down the Term
- Đồng means “together” or “same.”
- Nghiệp refers to “occupation,” “profession,” or “career.”
So, đồng nghiệp literally means “people with the same profession,” which aligns closely with the meaning of “colleague.”
Other Related Terms and Contexts
Alternative Terms
While đồng nghiệp is the standard, you might also encounter these variations:
- Cộng sự – Often used for “partner” or “associate,” especially in business collaborations.
- Bạn cùng cơ quan – Literally means “friend at the same office/agency,” but is less common in everyday speech.
Formal vs. Informal Usage
Đồng nghiệp is appropriate for both formal and informal situations. Whether you are addressing a colleague in an official letter or chatting during a coffee break, this term is universally understood and accepted in Vietnamese workplaces.
Using “Colleague” in Sentences
To help you feel comfortable using the word in real-life situations, here are a few example sentences:
- Chị ấy là đồng nghiệp của tôi. – She is my colleague.
- Tôi có nhiều đồng nghiệp tốt trong công ty. – I have many good colleagues in my company.
- Đồng nghiệp của bạn có thân thiện không? – Are your colleagues friendly?
Cultural Tips for Using “Colleague” in Vietnam
Vietnamese work culture places a strong emphasis on respect and hierarchy. When referring to colleagues, especially those older or in higher positions, it is common to add polite titles such as anh (older brother/man), chị (older sister/woman), ông (Mr.), or bà (Mrs./Ms.) before their name. For example, anh Nam, đồng nghiệp của tôi means “Mr. Nam, my colleague.”
Building good relationships with your đồng nghiệp is highly valued, as teamwork and harmony are important in Vietnamese workplaces. Small gestures like addressing colleagues respectfully or joining team lunches can help you integrate more smoothly.
Practice With Talkpal AI
If you want to master workplace vocabulary like “colleague” in Vietnamese, consider practicing with Talkpal AI’s interactive lessons and conversation tools. The platform offers personalized exercises and real-life dialogue scenarios to help you gain confidence and fluency in Vietnamese, making it easier to communicate with your đồng nghiệp in any setting.
Conclusion
Understanding how to say “colleague” in Vietnamese—đồng nghiệp—opens the door to more meaningful professional interactions and helps you become a part of Vietnamese workplace culture. Remember to use the term appropriately, pay attention to titles for added respect, and keep practicing with resources like Talkpal AI to enhance your language skills. With these tips, you’ll be ready to build strong connections with your Vietnamese-speaking colleagues.
