Welcome, dear readers, to another engaging installment on Mihitravel’s blog where we intricately weave travel and language, unfolding a tapestry of intriguing cultural insights! Today’s expedition is unique, as we escort you through the vibrant lanes of the Vietnamese language, focusing primarily on how to articulate the days of the week. As travelers, being equipped with this essential linguistic toolkit not only smoothens your navigational endeavors but also bridges the chasm between you and the locals, fostering connections that transcend words. So, fasten your seat belts, as we at Mihitravel, guide you through the exhilarating terrain of days of the week in Vietnamese, making your travel diary richer and your journey smoother!
Saying Days in Vietnamese
The Vietnamese word for day is ngày.
Here’s some encouraging news for those eager to learn the days of the week in Vietnamese: if you’ve already mastered Vietnamese numbers from our previous lesson, you’re halfway there!
Recall that in our session on numbers, we introduced the term ‘thứ’, which precedes a number to indicate its ordinal position (like ‘first’, ‘second’, ‘third’, and so on). Notably, the expression for ‘first’ is ‘thứ nhất’.
Applying this knowledge to days of the week is straightforward. Simply pair ‘thứ’ with a number, and voila, you have the days of the week in Vietnamese!
Day of the week in Vietnamese
| Monday | Thứ hai |
| Tuesday | Thứ ba |
| Wednesday | Thứ tư |
| Thursday | Thứ năm |
| Friday | Thứ sáu |
| Saturday | Thứ bảy |
| Sunday | Chủ nhật |
The table illustrates that each weekday corresponds to a number from 2 to 7 (Monday being 2, Tuesday being 3, and so forth until Saturday which is 7), while Sunday stands as an exception.
This numerical assignment for days stems from the Vietnamese perception of a week’s structure. In this cultural context, Sunday is implicitly viewed as the inaugural day of the week. Thus, Monday, perceived as the subsequent day, is articulated as ‘thứ hai’. This pattern continues, culminating with Saturday acknowledged as the week’s seventh and final day: ‘thứ bảy’.
For those familiar with Chinese, a fascinating comparison awaits. The Vietnamese approach to days shares similarities with the Chinese language, where ordinal numbers play a crucial role in naming weekdays. However, a crucial difference lies in their reference point: in Chinese, Monday is deemed the commencement of the week, hence it’s referred to as “the first day”, with the week progressing accordingly. Sunday in Chinese, like in Vietnamese, enjoys a distinct nomenclature, breaking the numerical sequence.
Asking which day of the week
In English, we often inquire about the current day of the week with the phrase: “What day is today, please?”. If you find yourself wanting to ask the same question while in Vietnam, the equivalent phrase in Vietnamese would be:
“Hôm nay là ngày thứ mấy?”
Breaking down the translation and drawing a parallel between the two languages can offer a clearer understanding of the Vietnamese phrase. Let’s delve into a side-by-side comparison to elucidate the linguistic structures at play in both English and Vietnamese.
How to Say Goodbye in Vietnamese
| Hôm nay | là | ngày thứ mấy? |
| Today | is | what day? |
Should you wish to respond to the question “Hôm nay là ngày thứ mấy?” in Vietnamese, simply reply with “Hôm nay là (ngày) thứ hai” if it is Monday. Given the context is understood, you might opt to exclude the term “ngày” during conversation. Therefore, the inquiry can also be succinctly posed as “Hôm nay thứ mấy?”. It’s crucial to recognize that these condensed expressions are perceived as informal. To maintain a respectful tone, employ these short forms primarily with friends or individuals of similar age and status.
Summary
- To articulate the days in Vietnamese, combine “thứ” with numbers ranging from 2 to 7, where “2” corresponds to Monday. For Sunday, use “chủ nhật”.
- To ask ‘What day is today?’ in Vietnamese, you can say “Hôm nay là ngày thứ mấy?”. For informal settings, you might also hear or use the shortened “Hôm nay thứ mấy?”.
As we draw our exploration of Vietnamese weekdays to a close, we hope this journey with Mihitravel has illuminated the fascinating structure and simplicity of the Vietnamese language, particularly in expressing days of the week. With your newfound knowledge, not only will you navigate through the calendar seamlessly, but you’ll also immerse deeper into the vibrant and rich Vietnamese culture during your visits.
Understanding and respecting the nuances of language is integral to experiencing the true essence of any destination. As you tread along the bustling streets of Hanoi or the serene beaches of Da Nang, this linguistic toolkit will surely enhance your connection with the locals, making your Vietnamese adventure truly unforgettable.
We at Mihitravel are delighted to accompany you on this linguistic escapade, and we eagerly await your company on future travels and learning experiences. Until then, practice your Vietnamese, plan your next trip, and stay tuned for more exciting and enlightening adventures with Mihitravel! Safe travels and happy learning!
