How to say "请" in Vietnamese

In Vietnamese culture, politeness is deeply tied to social hierarchy, age, and relationships. The phrase vui lòng is a polite marker used to soften requests, especially when addressing someone older, in a higher position, or in formal settings. It literally means "please" but carries a stronger sense of deference than the English equivalent. Beginners should use it when asking for favors, giving instructions, or making polite requests to avoid sounding abrupt. Avoid using it with close friends or younger people unless you want to sound overly formal.

1. Formal requests to strangers or elders Use vui lòng at the start or end of a sentence to sound respectful. It’s common in customer service, public announcements, or when asking someone significantly older for help.

   • Vui lòng cho tôi xem thực đơn.
     Please show me the menu.
   • Làm ơn, vui lòng ngồi xuống.
     Please, have a seat.

2. Requests in professional settings In workplaces or formal emails, vui lòng is standard when addressing superiors or clients. It signals professionalism and respect.

   • Vui lòng gửi báo cáo trước 5 giờ chiều.
     Please submit the report by 5 PM.
   • Tôi vui lòng nếu anh/chị có thể giúp đỡ.
     I would be grateful if you could help.

3. Softening instructions or commands Unlike English, Vietnamese often uses vui lòng to turn a direct command into a polite request. This is especially true in service industries.

   • Anh vui lòng đợi ở đây.
     Please wait here.
   • Chị vui lòng ký vào đây.
     Please sign here.

4. Casual but polite requests among acquaintances With friends or peers, vui lòng can sound overly formal unless used playfully. Instead, beginners might use làm ơn (a softer alternative) or omit the phrase entirely.

   • Cho tôi mượn cây bút vui lòng!
     Please lend me the pen! (playful/formal)
   • Mở cửa sổ giùm tôi được không?
     Can you open the window for me? (casual)

5. Avoiding overuse While vui lòng is polite, using it too often—especially with close friends—can sound unnatural or sarcastic. Reserve it for situations where deference is expected.

👉 Most useful for daily life: Start by memorizing vui lòng for formal requests. Pair it with làm ơn (softer) for casual situations. Example: Vui lòng đợi một chút. (Please wait a moment.)