What are the forms of address in Vietnam?

Addressing Conventions in Vietnam

Addressing individuals in Vietnam adheres to specific etiquette and hierarchical structures. The forms of address vary depending on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the addressee.

Formal Addressing

In formal settings, Vietnamese addresses typically follow a hierarchical order, beginning with the smallest unit and progressing to larger ones:

• House number: The number assigned to a specific residence.
• Alley: A narrow passageway or lane leading to a house or group of houses.
• Street: The named roadway on which a house is located.
• Cluster: A group of houses or apartments sharing a common entrance or courtyard.
• Ward: An administrative subdivision within a district or city.
• District: A larger administrative subdivision within a city or province.
• City/Province: The highest level of administrative division in Vietnam.

For example, a formal address may be written as:

10 Nguyen Van A Alley,
Phan Chu Trinh Street,
Hang Buom Ward,
Hoan Kiem District,
Hanoi City

Addressing Individuals

When addressing an individual, the appropriate form of address depends on their age, social status, and relationship with the speaker:

• Anh (Mr.)/Chị (Ms.): Used for adults whom the speaker respects and is not familiar with.
• Ba (Uncle)/Mẹ (Auntie): Used for older adults who may be family members, neighbors, or acquaintances.
• Cháu (Niece/Nephew): Used for younger individuals by someone who is older.
• Bạn (Friend): Used for individuals whom the speaker is close with.

Name Order

In Vietnamese culture, the family name comes before the given name. When addressing someone formally, it is customary to use their full name in the order of family name, middle name, and given name. For example, if a person’s name is Nguyen Van Anh, the formal address would be “Anh Nguyen Van.”

Additional Notes

• Pronouns: Vietnamese does not have gender-specific pronouns. The pronoun “tất cả” (all) is often used to address a group of people.
• Titles: Professional titles such as “doctor” or “professor” are typically used in conjunction with a person’s name in formal settings.
• Respectful Language: It is considered polite to use respectful language when addressing others, especially those who are older or in positions of authority.