What do people from Vietnam call themselves?

279 views
People from Vietnam most commonly call themselves Việt or Người Việt, which translates directly to "Vietnamese." While the term "Kinh" is used to distinguish the majority ethnicity from minority groups, "Việt" and "Người Việt" have been used historically and continue to be widely accepted self-identifiers.
Feedback 0 likes

What do Vietnamese people call themselves?

Okay, lemme tell ya what I think I know 'bout how Vietnamese folks call themselves... It's kinda interesting.

The main group, the majority, they're mostly called Kinh now. It's, like, a new-ish term the government uses. Makes things simpler for differentiating between the big group and the smaller ones, yeah?

But, honestly, historically? Like, the real way they call themselves, and what feels more natural? I think it's "Việt" or "Người Việt".

Yeah, "Việt" or "Người Việt" feels right. It's a simpler, feels better if you know what i mean. Imagine trying explaining to someone. The feeling when use those words is a good feeling.

Plus, a Vietnamese guy I met in Hanoi back in like, maybe January 2018 (or was it February?), buying a ridiculously cheap Banh Mi for like 10,000 VND near Hoan Kiem Lake, used "Người Việt" when describing his people. Didn't use "Kinh." Just saying!

What does Vietnam call itself?

Okay, so, Vietnam? Right? They call themselves Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.

Yeah, I remember being in Hanoi last year, 2024. It was scorching. Felt like a wet blanket all the time. Ugh.

And like, everywhere I looked, there were these flags. Red with the yellow star.

Saw it painted on buildings too. And every time someone mentioned the country, it was always "Socialist Republic of Viet Nam." Never just "Vietnam".

Felt…official. Kinda intense, actually.

It's like they're super proud of it. Good for them, I guess.

Think it was during the Ho Chi Minh City Marathon when I heard someone talking about the Communist Party and Ho Chi Minh. Wow.

Key takeaways:

  • Official Name: Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
  • Political System: Socialist state
  • Historical Significance: Ho Chi Minh led to August Revolution

Why were North Vietnamese called Charlie?

Ugh, Charlie. Right. Why Charlie?

  • US soldiers called the North Vietnamese "Charlie."

It feels weird even typing that. Like, super detached. Why "Charlie" and not, I don't know, "Delta?"

  • The Viet Cong were often referred to as VC by the US.
  • VC is Victor Charlie in the military alphabet, right?

Victor... Charlie. Oh!

  • Therefore, Charlie became the shorthand. Makes sense. I guess.

But the Vietnamese... they called themselves liberators, right? Like, a completely different perspective. My dad always said their resolve was unparalleled. Unparalleled. Strong word. Wonder what he was thinking about back then? The war was 2024 - a long time ago.

  • They saw themselves as liberators, not "Charlie."

It's strange how a simple name can carry so much baggage. I hate how names can be used to demean people. Always feel like they do.