Table of Contents
Introduction
Vietnamese culture is rich in history, tradition, and wisdom that have been passed down through generations.
One of the best ways this wisdom is shared is through proverbs—short, meaningful sayings that offer life lessons, advice, and insights into everyday situations.
Rooted in family values, respect, and the importance of hard work, Vietnamese proverbs reflect the heart of a culture that treasures both humility and resilience.
In this blog post, I’ve compiled 28 Vietnamese proverbs that offer valuable life advice and provide a glimpse into the thoughtful spirit of Vietnamese culture. Let’s dive in…
7 Vietnamese Proverbs About Love
Yêu nhau củ ấu cũng tròn.
Love smooths imperfections.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Thuận vợ thuận chồng, tát biển Đông cũng cạn.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Harmony makes anything possible.
Tình yêu là sự hy sinh.
True love puts others first.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Một ngày nên nghĩa, trăm ngày nên tình.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Love deepens over time.
Sometimes a strong connection can form in just a single day, creating a bond that feels meaningful and special. But it takes time and shared experiences to grow that bond into something deeper and lasting.
This quote reminds us that while quick connections are possible, real love and deep relationships are built slowly. Through patience, care, and time, simple moments can turn into lasting affection that stands the test of life. It is a gentle reminder to value both beginnings and the journey that follows.
Vợ chồng nghĩa nặng tình sâu.
Real love is loyalty.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Tình yêu không nhìn bằng mắt, mà bằng tâm hồn.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Love is felt, not seen.
Yêu là không hối tiếc.
Love embraces every outcome.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Also Read: 18 Inspiring Amish Proverbs About Life (Amish Wisdom Quotes)
7 Vietnamese Proverbs About Life
Thùng rỗng kêu to.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Empty barrels make the loudest noise
Đi một ngày đàng, học một sàng khôn.
A day of travel brings a basketful of wisdom.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Có công mài sắt, có ngày nên kim.
Vietnamese Proverbs
With effort, one can sharpen iron into a needle.
Ăn quả nhớ kẻ trồng cây.
When eating the fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.
Vietnamese Proverbs
It teaches us the importance of gratitude. When we enjoy the results of something good, we should take a moment to think about the people who made it possible. Behind every success or comfort, there’s often someone whose hard work or kindness laid the foundation.
It’s a reminder not to take things for granted. Whether it’s parents, teachers, or anyone who helped us grow, we should remember and appreciate their efforts, even if they’re no longer in the picture. Gratitude keeps us grounded and respectful.
Gừng càng già càng cay.
Vietnamese Proverbs
The older the ginger, the spicier it gets.
Sông có khúc, người có lúc.
A river has bends, and a person has their moments.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Vietnamese Proverbs
Cha mẹ sinh con, trời sinh tính.
Parents give birth to the child, but heaven gives the character.
7 Vietnamese Proverbs About Family
Một giọt máu đào hơn ao nước lã.
Blood ties surpass all others.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Also Read: 90 Native American Proverbs About Life, Wisdom & Nature
Anh em như thể tay chân.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Family is inseparable and supportive.
Cây có cội, nước có nguồn.
Know your origin; honor your family.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Con có cha như nhà có nóc.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Parents provide protection and structure.
It is said that having a father is similar to a house having a roof. Just like a roof protects the home and holds it together, a parent gives a child safety, guidance, and support. Without that presence, things can feel uncertain or incomplete.
It reminds us how important family structure is in a child’s life. Parents help shape who we become, offering love and strength through life’s challenges. Their role isn’t just practical, it’s emotional and deeply meaningful too.
Gia đình là nơi cuộc sống bắt đầu và tình yêu không bao giờ kết thúc.
Family is where life begins, and love never ends.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Chim về tổ, người về gia đình.
Vietnamese Proverbs
No matter how far we go, family is our anchor.
Cha mẹ nuôi con biển hồ lai láng, con nuôi cha mẹ kể tháng kể ngày.
Parental love is boundless; reciprocation is often measured.
Vietnamese Proverbs
7 Vietnamese Proverbs About Death
Sống gửi, thác về.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Reflects the Buddhist view of life as impermanent and death as a return to the spiritual realm.
Sinh ký, tử quy.
Life is a loan; death is the soul’s homecoming.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Người chết để lại tiếng, người sống để lại danh.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Legacy and honor transcend mortality.
Cây chết để lại gỗ, người chết để lại tiếng.
Reputation is the enduring echo of one’s life.
Vietnamese Proverbs
This quote reminds us that even after someone is gone, what people remember about them stays alive. Just like a tree leaves behind wood when it dies, a person leaves behind their name, actions, and how they treated others.
It encourages us to live with honesty and kindness because our reputation outlives us. People may forget our words or even our faces, but they will remember how we made them feel and the values we stood for. That is our lasting legacy.
Sống chết có số.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Destiny governs our time on earth.
Thác là thể xác, hồn là linh thiêng.
The spirit lives on beyond physical death.
Vietnamese Proverbs
Vietnamese Proverbs
Chết là hết một kiếp người.
Mortality marks the close of one earthly chapter.
