One Vietnamese Word A Day: CHÀO

Chào: v. to greet (used before a term of address, either to say hello or to say goodbye)

• Chào anh! (to someone perceived to be as old as an older brother)
• Chào chị! (to someone perceived to be as old as an older sister)
• Chào em! (to someone perceived to be as young as a younger sibling)
• Chào ông! (to someone perceived to be as old as a grandfather)
• Chào bà! (to someone perceived to be as old as a grandmother)
• Chào con! (to someone perceived to be as young as one’s child)
• Chào cháu (to someone perceived to be as young as one’s child or grandchild)
• Chào chú! (to a man old enough to be an uncle)
• Chào cô! (to a woman old enough to be an aunt)
• Xin chào! (Generic hello to a general unspecific audience)
• Xin kính chào quý khách! (Respectful greetings to honored guests/customers)