Halloween (Lễ hội ma quỷ) in Vietnam has this wonderful mix of old and new. On the one hand, you’ve got these Western-inspired parties, with people dressed up and decorations everywhere. But then, there’s also this deep connection to local customs, where Vietnam’s rich traditions meet the Halloween spirit.
If you want to learn Vietnamese and the words and phrases they use during this time, I’m here to help. In this post, let me teach you some Vietnamese words for Halloween and also make you understand how Vietnam adds its own touch to the celebrations.
Spooky Entities: The Beings Of Halloween
Okay, let’s start simple. For children, Halloween is about candy and costumes. But for most of us, it’s those spooky creatures that give us the chills. In Vietnam, these creatures have their own names. So, if you want to get into the Vietnamese Halloween spirit, you’ve got to know these beings inside out.
Ethereal Spirits And More
You’ve probably heard of ghosts, zombies, and the like, right? In Vietnam, these creatures have their own tales and names. For instance, ma are spirits that might just scare you if you wander into an old building. And then there’s the cà rồng, which, believe me, you wouldn’t want to bump into on a dark night.
| English | Vietnamese | Pronunciation | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghost | ma | mah | |
| Zombie | thây ma | th-eye mah | |
| Vampire | cà rồng | cah zong | |
| Werewolf | ma sói | mah soy | |
| Witch | phù thủy | foo too-ee |
The Undying, Cursed, And Frightful
I know you’ve heard tales of mummies or monsters. Vietnam has its own Halloween words for them, too. Like xác ướp, those wrapped figures from ancient stories, or quái vật, the kind of creature that makes you want to sleep with the lights on.
| English | Vietnamese | Pronunciation | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mummy | xác ướp | xahk oop | |
| Monster | quái vật | qwhy vaht | |
| Goblin | yêu tinh | yuh teenh | |
| Frankenstein | Frankenstein | frank-en-stine |

Symbols Of Halloween: From Decor To Traditions
Moving on from the creatures, some symbols and items just scream “Halloween” when you see them. In Vietnam, just like anywhere else, these symbols set the mood for the holiday. They’re the backdrop, the props, the little details that make everything come together.
Illuminating And Eerie Symbols
Do you know those things that light up the night during Halloween? Or the ones that give you mini chills when you see them? We’re talking about the classics here. From the glowing faces on porches to the creatures of the night that might just be a bit misunderstood.
| English | Vietnamese | Pronunciation | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkins | bí ngô | bee ngoh | |
| Jack o lantern | đèn bí ngô | den bee ngoh | |
| Bats | dơi | doy | |
| Black cats | mèo đen | meow yen | |
| Bones | xương | soo-ng | |
| Trick or Treat | lừa hoặc đãi | looa hawc dye |
Spooky Settings And Elements
And then, there are those things that give a place that spooky feel. The places and things that make you think, “Yep, this is definitely Halloween.” Think about those old houses in Vietnamese ghost stories you’d dare each other to enter or the decorations that make everything feel creepy.
| English | Vietnamese | Pronunciation | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haunted house | nhà ma ám | nha mah ahm | |
| Spider web | mạng nhện | mang nyen | |
| Skull | đầu lâu | dow lao | |
| Skeleton | bộ xương | boh soo-ng |
Halloween Costumes And Accessories
Let’s talk about one of the best parts of Halloween: the costumes! I mean, who doesn’t love dressing up, right? In Vietnam, they have a twist on some of our favorite outfits. And, of course, no costume is complete without those little extras, the accessories.
Classic Outfits And Their Companions
So, you’ve seen witches and pirates wandering around on Halloween, right? But here’s a fun fact: the Vietnamese word for pirate is cướp biển. Neat, huh? And there are more Vietnamese words for Halloween where that came from. Check this out:
| English | Vietnamese | Pronunciation | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Witch | phù thủy | foo too-ee | |
| Mummy | xác ướp | xahk oop | |
| Pirate | cướp biển | coop byen | |
| Spooky | ma quái | mah qwai | |
| Costume | trang phục | trang fook |
Essential Accessories And More
You know, the things that make you go, “Ah, that’s what was missing!” From the broom that a witch might ride on to the mask that keeps everyone guessing who’s behind it, these are the must-haves for any Halloween look.
| English | Vietnamese | Pronunciation | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broom | chổi | choy | |
| Mask | mặt nạ | maht nah | |
| Cauldron | vạc | vak | |
| Devil | ác quỷ | ahk kwee | |
| Werewolf | chó sói | cho soy |
And How Do You Say “Halloween” In Vietnamese?
The most common way to say Halloween in Vietnamese is Lễ hội Halloween, which just borrows the English word.
So if you want to wish someone a happy Halloween, you’d just cheerfully say, “Halloween vui vẻ nhé!” (Halloween vwee vay nay!).

Halloween In Vietnam: The Cultural Context
Are you curious about how Halloween plays out in Vietnam? I was, too! And I’ve discovered that it’s a mix of familiar Western vibes, deep-rooted local traditions, and, of course, a dash of modern-day commercial flair.
Western Influence And Urban Celebrations
In Vietnam’s main cities, like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Halloween is more than a date on the Vietnamese calendar. Tourist hotspots, especially streets like Bùi Viện in Saigon and Phố Hàng Mã in Hanoi, come alive in a special way.
Every 31st of October, you’ll find locals and tourists greeting each other with a cheerful “Halloween vui vẻ!” (Happy Halloween) while donning everything from ghostly outfits to superhero costumes. Street vendors might offer Halloween-themed treats while kids excitedly dart between shops, showing off their outfits.
Local bars and eateries? They’re not left out. Many dress up their spaces with orange and black decor, offering special Halloween menus and sometimes hosting events where the best costume might just win you a free meal. Basically, it’s a lively mix of Western tradition and Vietnamese enthusiasm.
The Local Touch: “Vu Lan” Ghost Month And Halloween
Before Halloween even became a thing, Vietnam had its own version called Vu Lan, or the Ghost Month. It’s a time when spirits are believed to wander among the living.
Instead of spooky haunts, Vietnamese people spend this day remembering and honoring their ancestors. Families get together, prepare offerings, and share stories. And nowadays? Most Vietnamese people blend Vu Lan vibes with Halloween fun, making it a unique blend of old and new.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vietnamese Words For Halloween
Do Vietnamese People Celebrate Halloween?
Yes, especially in major cities. While it’s not a traditional holiday, Halloween has become a popular celebration in urban centers like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, particularly among young people and expats. So you’ll find costume parties, decorated shopping malls, and even themed events in cafes and bars.
What Is “Trick Or Treat” In Vietnamese?
The most common translation for “trick or treat” in Vietnamese is kẹo hay ghẹo, which directly mirrors the “treat or trick” phrase. Another way to say it is cho kẹo hay bị ghẹo, meaning “give candy or get tricked.”
What Is The Difference Between Halloween And Vietnam’s Ghost Month?
Halloween is a fun, commercial festival, while Ghost Month is a solemn cultural and religious observance. Halloween in Vietnam involves costumes and parties. In contrast, Ghost Month (Tháng Cô Hồn) is a time for honoring ancestors and making offerings to wandering spirits. The two are separate events with different moods and purposes.
Wrapping Up
We’ve taken a fun tour through the spookier side of the Vietnamese language, from the essential ma (ghost) and phù thủy (witch) to all the classic symbols and costumes. You’re now armed with all the creepy vocabulary you need to talk about Halloween, or Lễ hội Ma, like a local.
It’s this blend of new and old that makes the holiday in Vietnam so special. That’s why we also saw how modern celebrations light up the cities, while traditions like the solemn Ghost Month show a deeper, cultural side to spirits.
With these words in your pocket, you’re all set to join the fun and appreciate the unique twist Vietnam puts on this haunting holiday!
Discover More Vietnamese Words With Ling!
So, there we have it! I hope you felt the chills from their spooky tales and picked up some Vietnamese words for Halloween along the way.
If this article has got you thinking, “Hey, I’d love to learn more words in Vietnamese,” then I’ve got just the thing for you. The Ling app is your go-to to learn Vietnamese. With the app, you can master the language while having fun with interactive games and activities.
So download the Ling app from Google Play and the App Store now. Let’s keep the stories and learning alive!