Vietnamese has plenty of words that sound like English but carry completely different meanings. These linguistic traps, known as false friends, can lead to hilarious or awkward misunderstandings. Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones.
1. 'Bun' – Not What You Eat for Breakfast
Bún
[ʔɓun˧˦]If someone offers you 'bun' in Vietnam, don’t expect a pastry. It’s a staple noodle, thin and white, often served in soups or with grilled meats.
2. 'Silly' – Not an Insult
Xì lí
/si˧˥ li˧˥/“Silly”
Calling someone 'xì lí' in Vietnam is a compliment. It’s the opposite of the English meaning – here, it’s praise for being fashionable or impressive.
3. 'Phở' – Not Just Any Noodle Soup
Phở
[fəː˧˩]While 'phở' might sound like 'fuh' in English, it’s a dish so beloved it’s practically a national symbol. Mispronouncing it as 'foe' won’t win you any points.
4. 'Bia' – More Than Just Beer
Bia
[ʔɓiə˧˧]“Beer”
Ordering 'bia' will get you a cold one, but don’t expect it to sound like the English word. The Vietnamese pronunciation is closer to the original French.
5. 'Cao' – Not a Casual Greeting
Cao
[kaːw˧˧]Saying 'cao' to a Vietnamese person won’t register as a greeting. It’s an adjective describing height, like 'cây cao' (tall tree).
6. 'Đi' – Not a Question About Vision
Đi
[ʔɗi˧˧]“Go”
If someone says 'đi chơi' (let’s go out), they’re not suggesting anything grim. It’s just an invitation to hang out.
7. 'Mai' – Not a Girl’s Name
Mai
[maːj˧˧]“Tomorrow”
Hearing 'mai' in conversation? It’s probably about plans for the next day, not someone’s name.
For more on linguistic quirks, check out our guide to German gestures and body language or Norwegian compound words.
