Vietnamese culture is steeped in superstitions that influence daily speech, from avoiding unlucky words to embracing auspicious phrases. Understanding these linguistic quirks isn’t just about vocabulary - it’s about respecting cultural beliefs and avoiding accidental faux pas. Here’s how to navigate them.
Lucky and Unlucky Numbers
Numbers carry weight in Vietnamese. The number 7 (bảy) is neutral, but 8 (tám) sounds like 'prosperity' in Chinese-influenced contexts, making it highly desirable. Meanwhile, 4 (tư) is avoided - it echoes the word for 'death' (tử). You’ll notice this in everything from hotel floors to gift-giving.
Taboo Words and Phrases
Certain words are avoided, especially during holidays or important events. For example, saying đổ (to spill) might invite bad luck, so people use làm rơi (to drop) instead. Similarly, mentioning death, illness, or failure is a no-go during celebrations.
Xui
[suj˧˧]“Bad luck”
Superstitions in Greetings
Vietnamese New Year (Tết) comes with linguistic rules. Never say chết (death) or đau (pain). Instead, stick to phrases like Chúc mừng năm mới (Happy New Year) or An khang thịnh vượng (Safety and prosperity).
- Avoid sweeping or taking out garbage on New Year’s Day - it symbolises sweeping away good fortune.
- Gift oranges (cam) or kumquats (quất) - their golden colour represents wealth.
Ghosts and Spirits in Language
Vietnamese folklore is rich with spirits (ma), and some phrases reflect this. For example, whistling at night is said to summon ghosts, so people might warn you: Đừng huýt sáo ban đêm! (Don’t whistle at night!).
Similarly, avoid pointing at graves or using disrespectful language near them - many believe it invites bad luck or even hauntings.
Practical Tips for Learners
- Listen for context. If locals avoid a word, there’s likely a superstition behind it.
- When in doubt, ask politely: Tại sao không nên nói từ này? (Why shouldn’t I say this word?).
- Brush up on Vietnamese pronouns - using the wrong one can be as awkward as a superstition slip-up.
Further Reading
For more on cultural quirks in language, check out our guides on Turkish superstitions or Russian superstitions.
