ntshav qab zib
The Hmong word for diabetes is ntshav qab zib.
Meaning: A group of metabolic diseases (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ntshav qab zib literally translates to 'blood sweet'.
Did you know?
- The Hmong word ntshav for 'blood' is a linguistic relative of the Khmer word ឈាម (chiəm) for 'blood'.
- While the phrase is used to describe diabetes, it relies on a linguistic coincidence where the word qab refers to 'sweet' in one context and 'back' in another.
- Traditional Hmong speakers may use ntshav qab zib to refer to the general state of 'sugar blood' before seeing a modern doctor.
Examples in context
- Nws yog neeg muaj ntshav qab zib.He has diabetes.
- Kuv xav tsis zoo vim ntshav qab zib.I feel unwell because of diabetes.
- Niam tswj ntshav qab zib kom zoo.Mother manages her diabetes well.
Example conversation
Yee and Kao are talking about health at home.
- YeeKao, koj puas paub txog ntshav qab zib?Kao, do you know about diabetes?
- KaoYee, kuv paub me ntsis xwb.Yee, I only know a little bit.
- YeeNws yog ib qho mob uas nyuag txhim.It is a disease that is hard to treat.
- KaoUa tsau, peb yuav tsum noj mov zoo.Then, we must eat healthy food.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ntshav, qab, CC BY-SA 4.0.
