# Vietnamese

/viˌɛtnɑˈmis/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vietnamese
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the language

noun · CEFR A2

the language spoken by people in Vietnam.

For teachers: the Austroasiatic language spoken predominantly in Vietnam; it is the country's official language.

- She is learning Vietnamese because she plans to work in Hanoi next year.
- Although he grew up in Australia, he speaks fluent Vietnamese with his grandparents to maintain his connection to his heritage.

### 2. the people

noun · CEFR A2

a person from Vietnam or whose family comes from there.

For teachers: a native or inhabitant of Vietnam, or a person of Vietnamese descent.

- The Vietnamese are known for their warm hospitality toward visitors.
- The local community centre offers support services specifically tailored for elderly Vietnamese who recently immigrated to the city.

Usage: The plural form is also 'Vietnamese'.

### 3. related to Vietnam

adjective · CEFR A2

coming from or relating to Vietnam.

For teachers: relating to Vietnam, its people, or its culture.

- We went to a Vietnamese restaurant and had some delicious noodle soup.
- The museum features an extensive collection of Vietnamese silk paintings dating back to the early twentieth century.

## Examples

- I am learning how to speak Vietnamese.
- The local community center offers classes for those who want to learn Vietnamese or improve their English.
- While many people recognize the tonal beauty of spoken Vietnamese, few realize the complexity of its various regional dialects and the historical evolution of its writing system.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.