 |
lt[kpfu |
Sa-bai-dee |
Good morning/Hello/Hi |
When Lao people meet one another, beside shaking hands they have another way to greet. They'll say "Sa-Bai-Dee". The customary greeting is the "Wai", with the hands raised as if in prayer. This practice is widely used for most Lao women and children but shaking hands is commonly used for most Lao men. Traditionally, the higher the hands are held the more respectful is the "Wai", so that by observing two people you can tell theoretically their respective ranks. The rank is a complicated matter in Laos but for the outsider, it is enough to make a good gesture. |
| English | Lao | Pronunciation | Listen |
| I don't understand | [+g0Qk.9 | Khoy Baw Khao Jai |  |
| Good-bye | ]kdjvo | Lah Gon | |
| Thank you | 0v[.9 | Khop Jai | |
| Happy Birthday! | l5dlao ;aogdyf | SookSan Wan Gerd! | |
| How are you? | lt[kpfu[+ | Jao Sabaidee Baw? | |
| Good luck | 0=.sh3-dfu | SokDee | |
| Where is the restroom? | svh'oE1j6.lL | HongNam Yoo Sai? | |
| What is this? | oUc,jospa'L | UnNee Men Nyang? | |
