sib ntsib dua
/ʂi˥.ᶯd͡ʐi˥.duə̯˧/
The Hmong phrase for "bye" is sib ntsib dua.
sib ntsib dua is used to say "see you again" or "goodbye" when parting ways with the expectation of meeting again in the future.
Meaning: short for goodbye (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sib (reciprocal marker), ntsib (to meet) and dua (again/second time).
How do you pronounce it?
/ʂi˥.ᶯdʐi˥.duə̯˧/
Did you know?
- The word dua in the phrase for 'bye' evolved from a Proto-Hmongic root meaning 'to tear'.
- While sib ntsib dua is the standard 'bye', Hmong speakers often use a variety of kinship terms during the parting process to maintain social hierarchy.
- Because Hmong was historically an unwritten language, the spelling of sib ntsib dua uses a Romanized Popular Alphabet developed relatively recently.
Examples in context
- Sib ntsib dua!See you again!
- Mus zoo, sib ntsib dua.Go safely, see you later.
Example conversation
Xiong and Nao are leaving a cafe.
- XiongKuv mus lawm, Nao.I am leaving now, Nao.
- NaoSib ntsib dua, Xiong.Bye, Xiong.
- XiongUa tsaug rau txhua yam.Thanks for everything.
- NaoTsis ua li cas.You're welcome.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sib ntsib dua, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dua, sib, CC BY-SA 4.0.
