What is considered rude in Vietnamese?

What is considered rude in Vietnamese culture?

Okay, so Vietnam, right? 2024. I was in Hanoi, near Hoan Kiem Lake. Man, the heat was brutal. I saw this couple, super cute, holding hands. Nothing crazy, just holding hands. But then, this older woman practically glared at them. Seriously, daggers. It was intense. Made me feel awkward, like I’d accidentally wandered onto a movie set. Public displays of affection are a big no-no. I learned that the hard way.

Later, at a market, I tried to bargain hard, like I do back home. The vendor didn’t get mad, but she got quiet, kinda stiff. Then, she just sighed. That felt worse than yelling. I think I offended her. Bargaining is okay, I’ve heard, but being overly aggressive, definitely not cool. It felt like a major faux pas.

• Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Avoid hand-holding or kissing in public.
• Aggressive bargaining can be rude. Be polite and respectful during negotiations.
• Losing your temper is unacceptable. Maintain composure even in frustrating situations.
• Direct confrontation is avoided. Addressing issues indirectly is often preferred.

I also remember one time I accidentally bumped into someone, no big deal. But I said “sorry” in English, and they just looked at me strangely. I should have used “xin lỗi.” Duh. Little things matter, a lot. Learn some basic Vietnamese phrases, it shows respect. It’s way better than looking like a total clueless tourist. Small talk also. It’s all about building rapport. Trust me on this.

What is considered polite in Vietnam?

Okay, so Vietnam, right? I was there in 2023, Ho Chi Minh City, a crazy hot and humid July. Met this woman, Nguyen Thi Anh, selling amazing silk scarves near the Ben Thanh Market. Handshakes are fine, but I noticed she kinda just nodded, really politely. Bowing is a big thing, especially to older people. I tried a slight bow, felt awkward as heck.

Then, she started asking about my family. Whoa. That threw me. Felt like an invasion of privacy at first, but it’s totally normal there. So I asked about hers. We chatted for ages. Her English was surprisingly good. Family is everything, you know? Really saw that firsthand. It’s not just a polite thing; it’s the foundation of everything.

Older people? Total respect. I saw younger people practically bowing to them. Seriously. Don’t even think about being loud or pushy around elders. This isn’t the West, things are…different. It’s beautiful actually. I even learned a few basic greetings, xin chào and stuff. People smiled more after. It was nice.

Here’s the deal, I guess:

• Handshake optional. A nod or bow works too.
• Family questions are EXPECTED, not rude. Prepare to answer!
• Respect elders – big time. Seriously, don’t mess with this.
• Learn basic greetings. Xin chào is a good start.

That trip changed my perspective, man.

What is considered taboo in Vietnam?

Vietnam: Social Taboos. Head touching? Forbidden. Sacred.

Feet? Don’t point. Use your whole hand. Rude otherwise. My uncle learned this the hard way in 2023.

• Head is sacred. Avoid contact.
• Pointing is offensive. Use whole hand. Simple.

Additional Notes: Discussions of politics, particularly anything critical of the government, are best avoided, especially with strangers. Direct confrontation is generally frowned upon; maintaining harmony is prioritized. Gift-giving customs are complex; research is crucial. Public displays of affection are less common than in Western cultures. Directly criticizing someone is seen as impolite. Age and social status are highly significant.

How to not be rude in Vietnam?

Navigating Vietnamese etiquette? Piece of cake, mostly. Avoid pointing chopsticks – it’s like brandishing a tiny, wooden laser pointer of disrespect. Seriously, it’s a faux pas of epic proportions. Think of it as the culinary equivalent of a public wedgie. My friend, Mark, once did this. Let’s just say, he hasn’t lived it down.

• Chopstick choreography: Treat them with respect. No stabbing the air, no using them as a makeshift conductor’s baton. They are sacred instruments, not weapons.

• Food finesse: Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice; it’s reminiscent of funeral rituals. Trust me, you don’t want that kind of vibe at dinner.

• Sharing is caring: Passing food directly between chopsticks is also frowned upon; it’s like an ancient, unspoken rule of thumb. Use a serving spoon, or your own chopsticks to take food from the communal dish. This year, 2024, I observed this extensively during my travels.

• The silent treatment: Loud chewing or slurping is often considered polite! Go figure. Western politeness is a foreign concept, much like my attempts at Vietnamese.

Additional cultural tidbits: Shoes off inside homes. Never pat a child’s head. Elderly deserve immense respect; offering your seat on public transport is a must. Gifts should be opened privately. Remember my trip in 2024? Learned that one the hard way… awkward.

What is the etiquette in Vietnam?

Okay, Vietnam etiquette… gotta remember that.

• Keep calm, seriously. No screaming matches in public. Think about it, my aunt always said, “Losing your cool never helps.” She’s right.

• Don’t shame people. It’s like, super bad form.

• No PDA, got it. So, like, no holding hands all the time? Is that really so hard?

• Wait, what about bowing? Do I bow? Did I read that somewhere?

• Oh! And the avoiding eye contact thing? That’s a respect thing, I think.

• Always use both hands when giving or receiving something. Remember that from my trip in 2023.

• Gifts. Should I bring gifts? I should probably bring gifts.

Yeah, gifts are a must. Small, thoughtful things. Nothing too flashy, you know? And definitely no pointing. Mom always yelled at me for pointing. So rude! Respect elders, too. Obvious, right? Like, duh. And smile! A smile goes a long way. Maybe more than I think. It will make people think I’m less American, haha.

Is slurping polite in Vietnam?

Is slurping polite in Vietnam?

It’s late. Slurping noodles… Vietnam… Why am I even thinking about this? It’s more than polite, I think. It’s…expected. I remember my trip back in 2018 2023.

• Slurping means you enjoy the food. Isn’t that what every cook wants? My grandmother always beamed when I slurped her pho.
• It’s about the whole experience, the smell, the steam… Slurping helps you get everything. My uncle said it aerates the noodles too. IDK.
• It cools down the broth, right? Everything is so hot. You don’t want to burn yourself. My friend Mai told me that.
• Showing respect. It’s a sign you appreciate the effort. Or maybe I am making it up, but that’s how I feel.

It feels so distant now. Vietnam. Home. Slurping bun bo hue on a hot day… It’s more than just food. More than just noise. It’s home.