This paper examines the basic Vietnamese textbooks for foreigners in terms of expressions and how to make a basic Vietnamese vocabulary list. Based on the collections of the expressions in 33 basic Vietnamese textbooks for foreigners, we classified and statistically analysed the basic Vietnamese expressions supplied in these textbooks. After that, based on the result of the statistical anlyses, we will make a basic common Vietnamese vocabulary list. By doing this, we suggest the application of the results of this study to writting basic Vietnamese textbooks and test questions for basis Vietnamse language proficiency test in terms of expression. We also provide an appendix that introduces the list of 1.000 basic Vietnamese expressions so that teachers and learners can use in their teaching and learning of the language.