ພໍ່
phǭ[pʰɔː˧]
The Lao word for daddy is ພໍ່ (phǭ).
ພໍ່ is an informal noun used to refer to a father. It is often used in a childish manner.
Meaning: (informal, usually childish) father (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
phǭ
Did you know?
- The word ພໍ່ is used in various idioms to describe a 'master' or 'expert' of a particular craft or skill.
- In Lao culture, ພໍ່ is not only used for biological fathers but can be used as a respectful title for any older man in a community.
- While ພໍ່ is common, some families use the term ປ๋า (pa) as a loanword from French 'papa' or English 'papa'.
Examples in context
- ພໍ່ຢູ່ໃສ?pho yu sai?Where is daddy?
- ພໍ່ມາແລ້ວ.pho ma laeo.Daddy is here.
Example conversation
A young girl is asking her mother about her father's return.
- Aພໍ່ມາແລ້ວບໍ່?pho ma laeo bo?Is daddy here yet?
- Bຍັງບໍ່ມາເທື່ອ.yang bo ma thuea.Not yet.
- Aພໍ່ຈະມາຕອນໃດ?pho cha ma ton dai?When will daddy come?
- Bອີກບຶດໜຶ່ງຈະມາ.ik bid neung cha ma.He will come in a little bit.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ພໍ່, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
