Chinese vs. Vietnamese — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
Chinese pertains to China, its people, language, or culture, while Vietnamese relates to Vietnam, its people, language, or culture.
Difference Between Chinese and Vietnamese
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Chinese is associated with China, the most populous country globally, known for its rich history and diverse culture. The Chinese language, a Sino-Tibetan language, is widely spoken and includes several dialects, with Mandarin being the most prominent. In contrast, Vietnamese refers to anything related to Vietnam, a Southeast Asian country with its own distinct history and cultural identity. The Vietnamese language is part of the Austroasiatic language family and is notably different from Chinese in structure and phonetics.
Cuisine is another area where Chinese and Vietnamese differ significantly. Chinese cuisine is varied, with regional dishes like Sichuan or Cantonese being globally recognized. It often includes ingredients like soy sauce, rice, and noodles. Vietnamese cuisine, on the other hand, is known for its fresh ingredients, herbs, and balanced flavors, with famous dishes like pho and banh mi.
In terms of writing systems, Chinese uses a complex system of characters, each representing a word or a concept. This script has thousands of characters and requires extensive learning. Vietnamese, however, uses the Latin alphabet with additional diacritical marks to denote tones, making it relatively easier for those familiar with the Latin script.
Chinese art and philosophy have been influential for centuries, with Confucianism and Taoism playing significant roles. Traditional Chinese art includes calligraphy, painting, and ceramics. Vietnamese culture, while influenced by Chinese, has its unique aspects, including folk music, water puppetry, and a rich tradition of storytelling.
Comparison Chart
Country of Origin
China
Vietnam
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Language Family
Sino-Tibetan
Austroasiatic
Writing System
Characters
Latin alphabet with diacritical marks
Cuisine
Varied, includes noodles, soy sauce
Fresh ingredients, herbs, balanced flavors
Cultural Influences
Confucianism, Taoism
Unique folk traditions, some Chinese influence
Compare with Definitions
Chinese
Native to China.
She taught Chinese calligraphy at the community center.
Vietnamese
Of Vietnamese descent.
Vietnamese Americans contribute greatly to the cultural mosaic.
Chinese
The official language of China.
He is learning Chinese to communicate better on his business trips.
Vietnamese
The official language of Vietnam.
Learning Vietnamese can be challenging due to its tones.
Chinese
Relating to Chinese cuisine.
They ordered Chinese food for dinner.
Vietnamese
Relating to Vietnamese cuisine.
Vietnamese spring rolls are a popular appetizer.
Chinese
Pertaining to China.
The Chinese New Year is celebrated with great fervor.
Vietnamese
Of or relating to Vietnam or its people, language, or culture.
Chinese
Of or relating to China or its peoples, languages, or cultures.
Vietnamese
A native or inhabitant of Vietnam.
Chinese
A native or inhabitant of China.
Vietnamese
A person of Vietnamese ancestry.
Chinese
A person of Chinese ancestry.
Vietnamese
The language of the largest ethnic group in Vietnam and the official language of the nation.
Chinese
See Han1.
Vietnamese
A native or inhabitant of Vietnam
Chinese
The sole member of the Sinitic branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family, consisting of numerous languages and dialects such as Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese, and Fujian.
Vietnamese
The Mon-Khmer language spoken in Vietnam
Chinese
Any of the Sinitic varieties of speech spoken by the Chinese people.
Vietnamese
Of or relating to Vietnam;
The Vietnamese countryside
Chinese
The official national language of China; Mandarin.
Vietnamese
Of or relating to the vietnamese language;
Vietnamese tones
Chinese
Of or pertaining to China; peculiar to China.
Vietnamese
Of or relating to or characteristic of the people of Vietnam;
Vietnamese boat people
Chinese
A native or natives of China, or one of that yellow race with oblique eyelids who live principally in China.
Vietnamese
Pertaining to Vietnam.
The Vietnamese landscape is stunningly diverse.
Chinese
The language of China, which is monosyllabic.
Vietnamese
Native to Vietnam.
She shared stories of her Vietnamese heritage.
Chinese
Any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China; regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system
Chinese
A native or inhabitant of Communist China or of Nationalist China
Chinese
Of or pertaining to China or its peoples or cultures;
Chinese food
Chinese
Of or relating to or characteristic of the island republic on Taiwan or its residents or their language;
The Taiwanese capital is Taipeh
Chinese
Of Chinese descent.
The Chinese community in the city is quite vibrant.
Common Curiosities
What script does Chinese use?
Chinese uses a character-based writing system.
Can Chinese cuisine be spicy?
Yes, some Chinese cuisines, like Sichuan, are known for being spicy.
What countries do Chinese and Vietnamese refer to?
Chinese refers to China, while Vietnamese refers to Vietnam.
Are Chinese and Vietnamese languages similar?
No, they belong to different language families and have different structures.
Is Vietnamese food known for any particular characteristic?
Vietnamese food is known for its fresh ingredients and balanced flavors.
Are there dialects in the Chinese language?
Yes, Chinese has several dialects, with Mandarin being the most widely spoken.
Is Buddhism prevalent in both Chinese and Vietnamese cultures?
Yes, Buddhism has influenced both cultures, among other religious beliefs.
What script does Vietnamese use?
Vietnamese uses the Latin alphabet with additional diacritical marks.
What is a famous Vietnamese dish?
Pho, a noodle soup, is a well-known Vietnamese dish.
Do both Chinese and Vietnamese use tones?
Yes, both languages are tonal, but the tones and their usage differ.
Is it difficult to learn Vietnamese tones?
For some learners, mastering the tones in Vietnamese can be challenging.
Are chopsticks commonly used in both Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines?
Yes, chopsticks are commonly used in both cuisines.
Are there any common cultural influences between Chinese and Vietnamese?
Vietnamese culture has some Chinese influences but also has its unique elements.
What is a traditional Chinese art form?
Traditional Chinese calligraphy is a revered art form.
What is a unique aspect of Vietnamese culture?
Water puppetry is a unique and traditional Vietnamese performance art.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
