Learning how to ask “how much” in Vietnamese is crucial for everyday interactions, especially when shopping or dining. This skill allows you to navigate markets, restaurants, and other commercial settings with confidence.
Understanding the nuances of Vietnamese currency and numerical expressions is also essential for accurate communication and avoiding misunderstandings. This guide is designed for beginners to intermediate learners who want to improve their Vietnamese language skills.
By mastering the phrases and grammar rules presented here, you will be able to confidently inquire about prices and quantities in various situations.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition: Asking “How Much” in Vietnamese
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “How Much” Questions
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition: Asking “How Much” in Vietnamese
Asking “how much” in Vietnamese involves using specific phrases and sentence structures to inquire about the price, quantity, distance, or time of something. The most common phrase is “Bao nhiêu?” (pronounced roughly as “bow nyew”), which directly translates to “how much?” or “how many?”. However, the choice of phrase and sentence structure can vary depending on the context and what you are asking about. Understanding these variations is crucial for effective communication.
In Vietnamese, the structure of a question often differs from English. The interrogative word (“how much”) is typically placed at the end of the sentence.
For example, instead of saying “How much is this?”, you would say “This is how much?” in a more literal translation, using the Vietnamese sentence structure. This article will explore these structural differences and provide examples to help you master the art of asking “how much” in Vietnamese.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure for asking “how much” in Vietnamese is relatively straightforward, but understanding the nuances can greatly improve your fluency. Here’s a breakdown:
- Identifying the Object or Service: First, identify what you are asking about. This could be a specific item, a service, or a general concept.
- Placing the Object/Service at the Beginning: Typically, the object or service comes at the beginning of the sentence.
- Using “Bao nhiêu?”: The phrase “Bao nhiêu?” is placed at the end of the sentence to indicate the question “how much?”.
- Optional Classifiers (For Quantity): When asking about quantity, you might need to use classifiers, which are words that specify the type or unit of the object.
- Adding Contextual Words: You can add words like “cái” (thing), “kg” (kilogram), or “giờ” (hour) to provide more context.
For example, to ask “How much is this book?”, you would say: “Cuốn sách này bao nhiêu?” (Book this how much?). Here, “Cuốn sách này” (this book) comes first, followed by “bao nhiêu?”.
Types and Categories of “How Much” Questions
The phrase “bao nhiêu?” can be used in various contexts. Here are some common categories:
Price Inquiries
Price inquiries are the most common use of “bao nhiêu?”. You use this when you want to know the cost of an item or service.
The basic structure is: [Item/Service] + “bao nhiêu?”. For example: “Cái áo này bao nhiêu?” (This shirt, how much?).
Quantity Inquiries
When asking about quantity, you also use “bao nhiêu?”, but you might need to include classifiers to specify the unit. The structure is: [Item] + [Classifier] + “bao nhiêu?”.
For instance: “Mấy quả táo bao nhiêu?” (How many apples?). “Quả” is a classifier for round fruits.
Distance Inquiries
To ask about distance, you can use “bao xa?” (how far?). The structure is: [Place A] + “đến” + [Place B] + “bao xa?”.
For example: “Hà Nội đến Sài Gòn bao xa?” (Hanoi to Saigon how far?).
Time Inquiries
For asking about time, you use “bao lâu?” (how long?). The structure is: [Activity] + “mất” + “bao lâu?”.
For example: “Học tiếng Việt mất bao lâu?” (Learning Vietnamese takes how long?).
Examples
Here are several examples of how to use “bao nhiêu?” in different scenarios, categorized for clarity.
Price Inquiry Examples
This section provides examples of asking about prices for various items and services. The tables below illustrate how the structure changes slightly depending on the context.
The following table includes examples of basic price inquiries, focusing on common items you might purchase in Vietnam.
| Vietnamese | Pronunciation (Approximate) | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Cái này bao nhiêu? | Kai nai bow nyew? | How much is this? |
| Áo này bao nhiêu tiền? | Ao nai bow nyew tyen? | How much does this shirt cost? |
| Cái điện thoại này bao nhiêu? | Kai dyen twai nai bow nyew? | How much is this phone? |
| Một ly cà phê bao nhiêu? | Mot ly ka-fe bow nyew? | How much is a cup of coffee? |
| Bánh mì này bao nhiêu? | Ban mee nai bow nyew? | How much is this bread? |
| Dịch vụ này bao nhiêu tiền? | Yik vu nai bow nyew tyen? | How much does this service cost? |
| Thuê xe máy bao nhiêu một ngày? | Tway se mai bow nyew mot ngai? | How much is it to rent a motorbike per day? |
| Vé máy bay này bao nhiêu? | Ve mai bai nai bow nyew? | How much is this plane ticket? |
| Khách sạn này bao nhiêu một đêm? | Khach san nai bow nyew mot nem? | How much is this hotel per night? |
| Cơm này bao nhiêu? | Come nai bow nyew? | How much is this rice? |
| Quần này bao nhiêu? | Kwan nai bow nyew? | How much are these pants? |
| Giày này bao nhiêu tiền? | Yai nai bow nyew tyen? | How much do these shoes cost? |
| Kính này bao nhiêu? | King nai bow nyew? | How much are these glasses? |
| Nước này bao nhiêu? | Nước nai bow nyew? | How much is this water? |
| Trà này bao nhiêu tiền? | Cha nai bow nyew tyen? | How much does this tea cost? |
| Kem này bao nhiêu? | Kem nai bow nyew? | How much is this ice cream? |
| Hoa này bao nhiêu? | Hoa nai bow nyew? | How much are these flowers? |
| Quà này bao nhiêu tiền? | Kwah nai bow nyew tyen? | How much does this gift cost? |
| Bia này bao nhiêu? | Bee-ah nai bow nyew? | How much is this beer? |
| Sim điện thoại này bao nhiêu? | Sim dyen twai nai bow nyew? | How much is this phone SIM card? |
| Taxi đến sân bay bao nhiêu? | Taxi den san bay bow nyew? | How much is a taxi to the airport? |
| Cắt tóc bao nhiêu? | Cat toc bow nyew? | How much is a haircut? |
| Massage bao nhiêu tiền? | Ma-xa bow nyew tyen? | How much does a massage cost? |
The following table provides examples using specific units like kilograms and liters.
| Vietnamese | Pronunciation (Approximate) | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Một ký xoài bao nhiêu tiền? | Mot kee swai bow nyew tyen? | How much is one kilogram of mangoes? |
| Một lít xăng bao nhiêu? | Mot lit xăng bow nyew? | How much is one liter of gasoline? |
| Một cân thịt bò bao nhiêu? | Mot kun thit baw bow nyew? | How much is one kilogram of beef? |
| Hai ký gạo bao nhiêu tiền? | Hai kee gao bow nyew tyen? | How much is two kilograms of rice? |
| Nửa lít nước mắm bao nhiêu? | Nua lit nước mam bow nyew? | How much is half a liter of fish sauce? |
| 100 gram trà bao nhiêu tiền? | Mot tram gram cha bow nyew tyen? | How much is 100 grams of tea? |
| Ba ký đường bao nhiêu? | Ba kee durong bow nyew? | How much is three kilograms of sugar? |
| Năm lít dầu ăn bao nhiêu tiền? | Nam lit dầu an bow nyew tyen? | How much is five liters of cooking oil? |
This table focuses on negotiating prices, a common practice in Vietnamese markets.
| Vietnamese | Pronunciation (Approximate) | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Có giảm giá không? | Kaw yam ya khong? | Is there a discount? |
| Giảm giá được không? | Yam ya dược khong? | Can you give a discount? |
| Bao nhiêu là giá tốt nhất? | Bow nyew la ya tot nhat? | What is the best price? |
| Mắc quá! | Mac kwa! | Too expensive! |
| Có thể rẻ hơn không? | Kaw tay re hoan khong? | Can it be cheaper? |
| Tôi mua nhiều, giảm giá nhé! | Toy mua nyew, yam ya nye! | I’m buying a lot, give me a discount! |
| Giá này được không? (offering a price) | Ya nai dược khong? | Is this price okay? |
| Bán cho tôi giá này nhé! | Ban cho toy ya nai nye! | Sell it to me at this price! |
Quantity Inquiry Examples
This section focuses on asking about the quantity of items. Remember to use the appropriate classifier for the noun you are asking about.
Here are examples of quantity inquiries with common classifiers.
| Vietnamese | Pronunciation (Approximate) | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Mấy cái áo này? | My kai ao nai? | How many of these shirts? |
| Mấy quyển sách? | My kwyen sach? | How many books? |
| Mấy quả cam? | My kwa cam? | How many oranges? |
| Mấy con chó? | My con cho? | How many dogs? |
| Mấy người khách? | My ngwee khach? | How many customers? |
| Mấy chai nước? | My chai nước? | How many bottles of water? |
| Mấy tờ báo? | My taw bao? | How many newspapers? |
| Mấy chiếc xe? | My cheek xe? | How many cars? |
| Mấy bát cơm? | My bat come? | How many bowls of rice? |
| Mấy đôi giày? | My doi yai? | How many pairs of shoes? |
| Có bao nhiêu học sinh trong lớp? | Kaw bow nyew hoc sinh trong lop? | How many students are in the class? |
| Bạn có bao nhiêu tiền? | Ban kaw bow nyew ten? | How much money do you have? |
| Có bao nhiêu người ở đó? | Kaw bow nyew ngwee aw daw? | How many people are there? |
| Bạn muốn mua bao nhiêu? | Ban muon mua bow nyew? | How many do you want to buy? |
| Tôi cần bao nhiêu vé? | Toy kun bow nyew ve? | How many tickets do I need? |
| Có bao nhiêu phòng còn trống? | Kaw bow nyew phong kawn trong? | How many rooms are available? |
| Bạn đã ăn bao nhiêu rồi? | Ban da an bow nyew roi? | How much have you eaten? |
| Còn lại bao nhiêu? | Kawn lai bow nyew? | How much is left? |
| Có bao nhiêu trang trong cuốn sách này? | Kaw bow nyew chang trong kwan sach nai? | How many pages are in this book? |
| Bạn có bao nhiêu anh chị em? | Ban kaw bow nyew anh chi em? | How many siblings do you have? |
The following table shows the usage of “bao nhiêu” in questions about age.
| Vietnamese | Pronunciation (Approximate) | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Bạn bao nhiêu tuổi? | Ban bow nyew twoi? | How old are you? |
| Anh ấy bao nhiêu tuổi? | Anh ay bow nyew twoi? | How old is he? |
| Con bạn bao nhiêu tuổi? | Con ban bow nyew twoi? | How old is your child? |
Distance Inquiry Examples
This section presents examples of asking about distances between places.
The table below illustrates how to ask about distance using “bao xa?”.
| Vietnamese | Pronunciation (Approximate) | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Từ đây đến chợ Bến Thành bao xa? | Tu day den cho Ben Thanh bow xa? | How far is it from here to Ben Thanh Market? |
| Hà Nội cách Huế bao xa? | Ha Noi cach Hue bow xa? | How far is Hanoi from Hue? |
| Sân bay cách trung tâm thành phố bao xa? | San bay cach trung tam thanh pho bow xa? | How far is the airport from the city center? |
| Từ nhà bạn đến trường bao xa? | Tu nha ban den truong bow xa? | How far is it from your house to school? |
| Đà Nẵng cách Hội An bao xa? | Da Nang cach Hoi An bow xa? | How far is Da Nang from Hoi An? |
| Bãi biển này cách khách sạn bao xa? | Bai bien nai cach khach san bow xa? | How far is this beach from the hotel? |
| Từ đây đến biên giới bao xa? | Tu day den bien yoi bow xa? | How far is it from here to the border? |
| Thành phố này cách thành phố kia bao xa? | Thanh pho nai cach thanh pho kia bow xa? | How far is this city from that city? |
Time Inquiry Examples
This section focuses on asking about the duration of time needed for different activities.
This table provides examples of asking about time duration with “bao lâu?”.
| Vietnamese | Pronunciation (Approximate) | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Chuyến bay mất bao lâu? | Chween byet mut bow lau? | How long does the flight take? |
| Học tiếng Việt mất bao lâu? | Hoc tyeng vyet mut bow lau? | How long does it take to learn Vietnamese? |
| Đi đến đó mất bao lâu? | Dee den daw mut bow lau? | How long does it take to get there? |
| Phim này dài bao lâu? | Film nai yai bow lau? | How long is this movie? |
| Cuộc họp kéo dài bao lâu? | Kwok hop kyaw yai bow lau? | How long does the meeting last? |
| Nấu món này mất bao lâu? | Now mon nai mut bow lau? | How long does it take to cook this dish? |
| Chờ xe buýt mất bao lâu? | Chaw xe buyt mut bow lau? | How long do you have to wait for the bus? |
| Bài hát này dài bao lâu? | Bai hat nai yai bow lau? | How long is this song? |
Usage Rules
Here are some important usage rules to keep in mind:
- Placement of “Bao nhiêu?”: Always place “bao nhiêu?” at the end of the phrase or sentence.
- Using Classifiers: When asking about the quantity of countable nouns, remember to use the appropriate classifier. For example, use “cái” for general items, “quyển” for books, and “quả” for fruits.
- “Bao nhiêu tiền?” vs. “Bao nhiêu?”: While “bao nhiêu?” is generally sufficient, you can add “tiền” (money) for emphasis or clarity, especially when asking about the price.
- Context is Key: The specific wording of your question may vary depending on the context. Pay attention to how native speakers phrase their questions.
Exception: When asking about age, you use “bao nhiêu tuổi?” (how many years old?), where “tuổi” (years old) is added after “bao nhiêu”.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes learners make when asking “how much” in Vietnamese:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Bao nhiêu cái này? | Cái này bao nhiêu? | “Bao nhiêu?” should be at the end. |
| Sách bao nhiêu? (without classifier) | Mấy quyển sách? | For quantity, a classifier is needed. |
| Bao nhiêu tuổi bạn? | Bạn bao nhiêu tuổi? | Word order is incorrect. |
| Từ Hà Nội bao xa đến Sài Gòn? | Hà Nội đến Sài Gòn bao xa? | The structure should be [Place A] + “đến” + [Place B] + “bao xa?”. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding with these practice exercises. Provide the correct Vietnamese translation for each question.
Exercise 1: Price Inquiries
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How much is this coffee? | Cà phê này bao nhiêu? |
| How much does this hat cost? | Cái mũ này bao nhiêu tiền? |
| How much is one kilogram of bananas? | Một ký chuối bao nhiêu tiền? |
| How much is this water bottle? | Chai nước này bao nhiêu? |
| How much does a taxi to the city center cost? | Taxi đến trung tâm thành phố bao nhiêu? |
| How much is this cake? | Bánh này bao nhiêu? |
| How much is this souvenir? | Quà lưu niệm này bao nhiêu tiền? |
| How much is this postcard? | Bưu thiếp này bao nhiêu? |
| How much is it to rent a bicycle for an hour? | Thuê xe đạp một giờ bao nhiêu? |
| How much is this map? | Bản đồ này bao nhiêu? |
Exercise 2: Quantity Inquiries
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How many pens do you have? | Bạn có mấy cây bút? |
| How many students are in the classroom? | Có bao nhiêu học sinh trong lớp học? |
| How many eggs are in the basket? | Có mấy quả trứng trong giỏ? |
| How many houses are on this street? | Có bao nhiêu ngôi nhà trên đường này? |
| How many chairs are in this room? | Có bao nhiêu cái ghế trong phòng này? |
| How many pages are in this magazine? | Tạp chí này có bao nhiêu trang? |
| How many cars are in the parking lot? | Có bao nhiêu chiếc xe trong bãi đậu xe? |
| How many people are waiting in line? | Có bao nhiêu người đang xếp hàng? |
| How many days are in February? | Tháng Hai có bao nhiêu ngày? |
| How many floors does this building have? | Tòa nhà này có bao nhiêu tầng? |
Exercise 3: Distance and Time Inquiries
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How far is it from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City? | Hà Nội đến Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh bao xa? |
| How long does it take to drive to the beach? | Lái xe đến bãi biển mất bao lâu? |
| How far is the nearest hospital? | Bệnh viện gần nhất bao xa? |
| How long does the train journey take? | Chuyến tàu đi mất bao lâu? |
| How far is the park from here? | Công viên cách đây bao xa? |
| How long does it take to cook dinner? | Nấu bữa tối mất bao lâu? |
| How far is the post office? | Bưu điện bao xa? |
| How long will the meeting last? | Cuộc họp sẽ kéo dài bao lâu? |
| How far is the school from your house? | Trường học cách nhà bạn bao xa? |
| How long does it take to walk to the station? | Đi bộ đến nhà ga mất bao lâu? |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, consider these more complex aspects:
- Regional Variations: The pronunciation and usage of “bao nhiêu?” can vary slightly between Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnamese dialects.
- Indirect Questions: You can use indirect questions to be more polite. For example, instead of directly asking “Cái này bao nhiêu?”, you could say “Tôi muốn hỏi cái này giá bao nhiêu?” (I want to ask how much this costs?).
- Using “Giá bao nhiêu?”: While “bao nhiêu?” is common, “giá bao nhiêu?” (price how much?) is also frequently used, especially in formal settings.
FAQ
- What is the most common way to ask “how much” in Vietnamese?
The most common way is to use the phrase “Bao nhiêu?” at the end of the sentence. For example, “Cái này bao nhiêu?” (How much is this?).
- Do I always need to use a classifier when asking about quantity?
Yes, for countable nouns, using a classifier is important for grammatical correctness and clarity. The classifier specifies the type or unit of the object you are asking about. For example: “Mấy quả táo?” (How many apples?). “Quả” is the classifier for round fruits.
- What’s the difference between “bao nhiêu?” and “bao nhiêu tiền?”?
While “bao nhiêu?” is generally sufficient for asking “how much,” adding “tiền” (money) clarifies that you are asking about the price. “Bao nhiêu tiền?” is often used for emphasis or in situations where it’s not immediately clear that you’re asking about the cost.
- How do I ask about the price of multiple items?
You can specify the quantity before the item. For example, “Hai cái áo này bao nhiêu tiền?” (How much are these two shirts?).
- How do I negotiate prices in Vietnamese?
You can use phrases like “Có giảm giá không?” (Is there a discount?) or “Rẻ hơn được không?” (Can it be cheaper?). It’s also common to offer a lower price and see if the seller accepts it. Remember to be polite and respectful during the negotiation.
- Is the word order important when asking “how much” in Vietnamese?
Yes, the word order is crucial. The object or service usually comes first, and “bao nhiêu?” is placed at the end of the sentence. Incorrect word order can lead to confusion.
- What is the best way to remember the correct classifiers for different nouns?
The best way to learn classifiers is through practice and exposure to the language. Pay attention to how native speakers use classifiers and try to incorporate them into your own speech. You can also create flashcards or use online resources to help you memorize the classifiers for common nouns.
- Are there any polite ways to ask about the price without directly asking “bao nhiêu”?
Yes, you can use indirect questions to be more polite. For example, you can say “Tôi muốn hỏi cái này giá bao nhiêu?” (I want to ask how much this costs?). This approach is often appreciated, especially in formal settings or when interacting with older people.
Conclusion
Mastering how to ask “how much” in Vietnamese is a fundamental skill for anyone learning the language. By understanding the basic structure, using appropriate classifiers, and practicing regularly, you can confidently navigate shopping and dining scenarios in Vietnam.
Remember to pay attention to context and regional variations to further refine your language skills. With consistent effort, you will be able to ask about prices, quantities, distances, and time with ease.
Keep practicing with real-life conversations and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Language learning is a journey, and every interaction is an opportunity to improve.
By applying the knowledge gained from this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient Vietnamese speaker!