Language/Vietnamese/Vocabulary/Family-Members

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Vietnamese Vocabulary → Family and Relationships → Family Members

In this lesson, we will learn Vietnamese vocabulary related to family members. Vietnamese culture places a strong emphasis on family values and obligations, and it is important to understand how to refer to family members in Vietnamese conversations.

Don't miss the chance to check out these pages as you wrap up this lesson: How to Say Hello and Greetings & Vegetables.

Immediate Family Members

The most common family members you may need to refer to are your immediate family members. Here are the Vietnamese words for mother, father, sister, brother, and child:

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Mẹ	meh	Mother
Cha	chah	Father
Chị	chee	Sister
Anh	ahhn	Brother
Con	kon	Child

• It is important to note that in Vietnamese, the words for older sister and younger sister, as well as older brother and younger brother are different. "Chị" refers to an older sister while "Em gái" is used for a younger sister. Similarly, "Anh" refers to an older brother and "Em trai" is used for a younger brother.

• The word "con" does not specify the gender of the child. The gender can be specified by adding the words "trai" for son and "gái" for daughter after "con".

Extended Family Members

In Vietnamese culture, extended family members are also referred to using specific words. Here are some of the most common words for grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins:

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Bà	bah	Grandmother (maternal)
Ông	ohng	Grandfather (maternal)
Nội	noy	Grandmother (paternal)
Ong	ohng	Grandfather (paternal)
Dì	dee	Aunt (father's sister)
Cô	caw	Aunt (mother's sister)
Chú	choo	Uncle (father's brother)
Bác	bahk	Uncle (mother's brother)
Anh em họ	ahhn eh-huh	Cousin

• It is important to note that when referring to aunts and uncles, Vietnamese people often use the word followed by the person's name instead of the word alone. For example, instead of saying "Cô" for aunt, a Vietnamese person may say "Cô Lan" (Aunt Lan) to refer to their aunt.

In-Laws

When talking about in-laws, Vietnamese also has specific words to use. Here are some examples:

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Vợ	vuh	Wife
Chồng	chohng	Husband
Mẹ chồng	meh chohng	Mother-in-law
Bố chồng	boh chohng	Father-in-law
Cô dâu	caw dow	Bride
Chú rể	choo rê	Groom

• The word "cô dâu" and "chú rể" are used to describe the bride and groom on their wedding day. However, many Vietnamese people continue to use these words when referring to people who are already married.

Learning vocabulary about family members and in-laws is important if you plan on communicating with Vietnamese people. It is also a great way to learn more about Vietnamese culture and values.

Tip

If you would like to respectfully speak to an elder who is not related to you, use "chú" for men and "cô" for women when addressing them.

Sources

• Vietnamese Vocabulary For Family - Ling App
• Family words in Vietnamese
• Vietnamese Vocabulary For Family. If you are invited to visit a… | by ...

Table of Contents - Vietnamese Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Hello and Goodbye
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Vietnamese Culture Basics

• Vietnamese Values
• Social Etiquette
• Cuisine and Dining

  ---

Numbers and Counting

• Counting 1-10
• Counting 11-20
• Counting 21 and Beyond

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Nouns and Gender
• Pronouns and Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

  ---

Holidays and Celebrations

• Tet
• Mid-Autumn Festival

  ---

Verbs and Verb Tenses

• Present Tense Verbs
• Past Tense Verbs
• Future Tense Verbs
• Modal Verbs

  ---

Food and Drink

• Vietnamese Food
• Drinks and Beverages
• Food Ordering

  ---

Arts and Entertainment

• Traditional Music
• Movie and Television

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives
• Adverbs

  ---

Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Giving Directions

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Traditional Clothing

• Ao Dai
• Other Traditional Clothing

Other Lessons

• Ask Directions
• Counting 11 20
• Months of the year
• Family
• House
• How to say Good Bye?
• Count from 1 to 10
• Idiomatic Expressions
• Fruits
• City

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