Basic Phrase: How to Say “I Don’t Understand” in Vietnamese
The Standard Expression
The most common way to say “I don’t understand” in Vietnamese is:
Tôi không hiểu
Here is the breakdown of the phrase:
- Tôi means “I” or “me”.
- không means “not” or “no”.
- hiểu means “understand”.
So, “Tôi không hiểu” literally translates to “I not understand” or “I don’t understand”.
Pronunciation Guide
Vietnamese is a tonal language, so proper pronunciation is important. Here’s how you can pronounce each word:
- Tôi: /toy/ (like “toy” in English)
- không: /khong/ (the “kh” is a throaty sound, similar to the “ch” in the German “Bach”)
- hiểu: /hee-u/ (with a rising tone at the end)
Other Useful Variations
Polite and Formal Ways
If you want to sound more polite or formal, especially in professional or academic settings, you can add a polite particle:
Dạ, tôi không hiểu
Here, “Dạ” is a respectful word commonly used to show politeness, especially when speaking to elders or people of higher status.
Casual and Informal Situations
With friends or younger people, you can drop “Tôi” and simply say:
Không hiểu
This is more relaxed and commonly used in everyday conversations.
Extra Phrases for Clarification
Sometimes, you may want to ask someone to repeat what they said or to speak more slowly. Here are some helpful phrases:
- Bạn có thể nói lại không? – Can you say it again?
- Bạn nói chậm lại được không? – Can you speak more slowly?
- Bạn có thể giải thích không? – Can you explain?
Cultural Tips When Using “I Don’t Understand” in Vietnam
Vietnamese people are generally patient and understanding with language learners. If you say “Tôi không hiểu”, most locals will appreciate your effort to speak their language and may try to help you by speaking slower or using simpler words. Using polite words like “Dạ” or “Xin lỗi” (excuse me/sorry) before the phrase can further show respect and friendliness.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master this phrase and other Vietnamese expressions is through regular practice. Use language learning platforms like Talkpal, which offers AI-powered conversation practice, to reinforce your listening and speaking skills. Practicing with native speakers and in real-life scenarios will help you gain confidence and fluency in Vietnamese.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “I don’t understand” in Vietnamese is a crucial step for any beginner. Remember the basic phrase “Tôi không hiểu” and its variations, and do not hesitate to use them when needed. With practice and the right language learning tools like Talkpal, you will become more comfortable navigating Vietnamese conversations and embracing the local culture.
