Bro blur185, don't feel disheartened and don't give up.
I can understand that if you don't understand the 6 different tones and consommants of the Vn language, it can be quite a challenge to use the v.dict.
Normally I use my Viet-Eng dictionary which I bought from MPH or Times Bookstore, and then piece together the words and roughly I will understand the sentence. You can also buy the Eng-Viet phrase book from the bookstores, for less than $20 I think.
You can also attend the basic Vn language courses run by Cambridge Institute at Peninsular Plaza or Spring School International at Bishan. I think the course fee is about $400 for 10 lessons, and teaches you on the basics such as greeting, asking for directions, asking for a person's name, job, etc.
Of course you can always rely on Bro jackbl's updates for the commonly used words that you can use to send sms to your loved ones. The first few pages of this thread is particularly useful for the basic words and pronounciations.
Lastly, as Bro jackbl pointed out, you can also get help from the long-haired walking dictionaries in the JC ktvs/pubs. Who knows, they may even become your language teacher and tour-guide in HCMC.
Most importantly, don't give up.
Before I know this thread, the most common sentence I smsed to my Vn girls is "Toi kg hieu"!!
