U.
HomeRegionsLanguagesEmotionsCollections
Find Your Word

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”

— Ludwig Wittgenstein, Philosopher

Untranslatable

A curated collection of the world's most beautiful expressions—words that remind us language is humanity's greatest invention.

  • Home
  • Collections
  • Regions
  • Countries
  • Emotions
  • Tags
  • Contexts
  • Finder
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • Americas
  • Africa
  • Middle East
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

2026 © Untranslatable. All rights reserved.

    /
    1. Home
    2. /
    3. Languages
    4. /
    5. Vietnamese

    Vietnamese

    Explore untranslatable words and expressions from Vietnamese.

    63 phrases in Vietnamese

    • Vietnamese

      Hỷ xả

      /Hee SAH/

      Hỷ xả transcends simple forgiveness; it is a profound spiritual act of deliberately releasing the desire for retribution, letting go of attachment to grievances, and transforming negative emotions into inner peace. It's a conscious, joyful liberation from the chains of anger, resentment, or the need for 'justice' in a punitive sense. This practice cultivates a serene heart and fosters harmonious relationships, embodying a deep commitment to spiritual well-being over holding onto past hurts.

      Lit. Joy/Happiness (Hỷ) + To release/Let go (xả)

      Used to describe the act of forgiving someone, letting go of past hurts, or releasing a grudge, especially in Buddhist contexts or when encouraging reconciliation.

      Vietnam
      gratitude
    • Vietnamese

      Đi đứng

      /dee dung/

      Beyond the mere mechanics of walking and standing, "Đi đứng" encapsulates a profound philosophy of self-presentation. It signifies a harmonious blend of physical grace, inner composure, and social conscientiousness. To "Đi đứng" well is to move through the world with an embodied respect for oneself and one's surroundings, projecting confidence, humility, and an acute awareness of one's presence within the intricate tapestry of Vietnamese social interactions.

      Lit. Go stand

      Used to describe someone's posture, gait, and overall physical presence, often in relation to social demeanor and respect.

      Vietnam
      belonging
    • Vietnamese

      Thương người như thể thương thân

      /TUNG-nguh-ee NYOO-tuh-uh TUNG-tuhn/

      This Vietnamese proverb, "Thương người như thể thương thân," transcends mere empathy, serving as a profound ethical cornerstone. It implores individuals to extend the same intrinsic care, boundless compassion, and unwavering consideration to every human being as they instinctively apply to their own well-being. It is a powerful call to recognize the shared humanity and inherent dignity in others, fostering a harmonious society built on mutual respect and active support, where collective welfare is as vital as personal preservation.

      Lit. Love person as if love self

      This phrase is often used as a moral teaching, a piece of advice, or an expression of a fundamental humanitarian value in Vietnamese culture. It can be invoked in discussions about ethics, social justice, or simply as a reminder to be kind and considerate towards others.

      Vietnam
      belonging
    • Vietnamese

      Uống nước nhớ nguồn

      /OONG NWOOK NYUH NGUON/

      This Vietnamese proverb translates literally to 'When drinking water, remember the source.' It encapsulates a profound sense of gratitude and remembrance for those who have paved the way or provided the foundations for one's current well-being. It's a call to acknowledge and honor ancestors, mentors, or any benefactor whose efforts, sacrifices, or contributions made present success or comfort possible. The phrase emphasizes the importance of historical awareness and ethical responsibility, urging individuals not to forget their roots or the origins of their prosperity and opportunities.

      Lit. Drinking water remember source

      This phrase is often invoked during ceremonies, family gatherings, or when discussing history and heritage. It serves as a moral reminder to be thankful and to respect the past.

      Vietnam
      belonging
    • Vietnamese

      Lá lành đùm lá rách

      /LAH-lahn DOOM-lah RAHK/

      This Vietnamese proverb beautifully encapsulates the profound spirit of mutual aid and collective responsibility, particularly among those facing adversity. It literally translates to 'a whole leaf shelters a torn leaf,' signifying that those with more resources or stability are morally bound to support those in greater need. This isn't mere charity, but an intrinsic understanding that communal well-being is paramount, ensuring no one is left to suffer in isolation. It underscores a deep cultural imperative to share and uplift, fostering resilience within the community.

      Lit. A whole leaf shelters a torn leaf

      This proverb is often invoked to encourage generosity, especially towards the less fortunate, or to highlight instances where people are helping each other through difficult times. It serves as a reminder of shared responsibility within a community.

      Vietnam
      belonging
    • Vietnamese

      Điệu

      /DYEW/

      The Vietnamese word 'điệu' encapsulates a captivating, often deliberate, stylization in one's mannerisms, speech, or movement. It goes beyond mere elegance, hinting at a charming affectation or a coquettish flair that distinguishes an individual. This unique 'điệu' is an instantly recognizable signature, cherished for its expressiveness and the distinct personality it conveys, deeply embedded in Vietnamese ideals of social grace and personal allure.

      Lit. mannerism, style, tune (in music)

      Used to describe someone's mannerisms, style of speech, or way of walking, often implying a deliberate and noticeable grace or affectation.

      Vietnam
      joy
    • Vietnamese

      Kính trên nhường dưới

      /kinh trehn nyuhng duh-uh-ee/

      This Vietnamese phrase encapsulates a deeply ingrained Confucian value system emphasizing respect for elders and social hierarchy. It translates to 'respect those above, yield to those below.' It's not merely about politeness but a fundamental societal principle that guides interactions within families, workplaces, and communities. It fosters harmonious relationships by encouraging deference to those with more experience, authority, or age, while also implying a responsibility for those in higher positions to care for those beneath them. This concept promotes social order and mutual obligation.

      Lit. Respect above yield below

      Used to describe the expected social behavior and ethical conduct within Vietnamese society, particularly in family and community settings, emphasizing respect for elders and those in positions of authority.

      Vietnam
      belonging
    • Vietnamese

      Chắt chiu

      /CHAT chew/

      Chắt chiu embodies the profound act of meticulously gathering and preserving every last drop or grain, driven by a deep-seated appreciation for resources and an acute awareness of potential scarcity. It's the painstaking effort to conserve not just material wealth like money or food, but also intangible assets such as time, knowledge, or opportunities, ensuring nothing is wasted. This mindful dedication goes beyond simple frugality, reflecting a cultural imperative to make everything last, to plan thoughtfully, and to build resilience against life's uncertainties.

      Lit. Save diligently/carefully

      Used to describe the act of carefully saving or conserving resources, especially when they are scarce or precious. It can refer to saving money, food, or any other valuable item, emphasizing the careful and diligent nature of the act.

      Vietnam
      contentment
    • Vietnamese

      Gia giáo

      /Gia Jao/

      Gia giáo encapsulates the profound moral and ethical framework meticulously cultivated and transmitted across generations within a Vietnamese family. It is a living heritage, a tapestry woven from Confucian ideals of filial piety, deep respect for elders, the pursuit of knowledge, and the cultivation of harmonious social conduct. This ingrained spiritual and ethical upbringing molds an individual's identity from childhood, instilling a profound sense of duty, responsibility, and belonging to their family and the wider community, forming the very bedrock of Vietnamese societal order.

      Lit. Family teaching

      Used to describe the traditional values and moral education instilled by a family, often in reference to upbringing and cultural heritage.

      Vietnam
      belonging
    • Vietnamese

      Hồn nhiên

      /Hoon-nyen/

      Hồn nhiên describes a state of being natural, unpretentious, and genuinely innocent, often associated with children or those who possess a pure, unadulterated spirit. It's a radiant quality that speaks to an effortless charm and an absence of self-consciousness or artifice. This word captures the essence of someone who lives with an open heart and a light spirit, untouched by the cynicism or complexities of the adult world. It's a deep appreciation for genuine simplicity and spontaneous joy that doesn't have a direct English equivalent, often translated inadequately as 'natural' or 'innocent'.

      Lit. Soul natural / Spirit spontaneous

      Used to describe a person's demeanor, especially a child's, or a general atmosphere of naturalness and spontaneity. It can also refer to the beauty of nature that appears effortlessly charming and pure.

      Vietnam
      joy
    • Vietnamese

      Thanh thoát

      /tahn-twaht/

      “Thanh thoát” captures a sublime quality of effortless elegance and refined grace, often manifesting in a person's demeanor, movements, or artistic expression. It describes a subtle charm and sophistication that is inherently natural and captivating, devoid of any pretense or ostentation. This term evokes the image of a gentle breeze, a flowing silk, or a perfectly executed dance, embodying a delicate balance of inner purity and outward poise that creates a profound sense of aesthetic pleasure and admiration. It's an understated beauty that speaks volumes without needing to be loud.

      Lit. Clear/Pure/ thanh - thoát/escape/light/free

      Used to describe people (especially women), their movements, speech, art, or even objects that possess an elegant and refined quality.

      Vietnam
      gratitude
    • Vietnamese

      Liêm sỉ

      /LIEM SEE/

      Liêm sỉ is the intrinsic moral compass that steers an individual's conduct, embodying a profound sense of self-respect, honor, and a keen awareness of social decorum. It's the internal guardian ensuring one's actions align with deeply ingrained ethical principles, safeguarding personal dignity and the collective reputation of family and community. To possess liêm sỉ is to live with integrity, while its absence signifies a shameful disregard for these fundamental values, leading to significant social disapproval.

      Lit. Integrity/Shame

      Used to describe someone's sense of personal integrity, honor, or shame, often in the context of their actions and how they reflect on themselves and their community.

      Vietnam
      belonging
    • Previous
    • 1
    • 2
    • 3
    • 4
    • 5
    • 6
    • Next