mus
The Hmong word for go is mus.
The verb mus is used to describe moving through space, specifically moving from one place to another.
Meaning: to move through space (especially from one place to another) (verb)
Which one should you use?
Use mus for movement away from the speaker, while tuaj is used for movement toward the speaker.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say you are going to a specific destination, place mus directly before that place. If you want to say you are going with someone, use the construction mus nrog followed by the person.
Did you know?
- The word mus originates from a Proto-Hmongic root that also relates to the concept of 'id', suggesting a very ancient linguistic connection between movement and identity.
- Because Hmong was traditionally an oral language, the written forms of mus seen today were developed much later using the Latin alphabet.
- Because Hmong is a tonal language, the meaning of mus can change entirely if the pitch is altered, even though it is written with the same letters.
Examples in context
- Kuv yuav mus.I will go.
- Zaum no koj mus qhov twg?Where are you going now?
- Nws mus deb heev.He went very far.
Example conversation
Yee and Yia are deciding whether to visit a friend.
- YeeYia, koj xav mus xyuas peb phooj ywg lov?Yia, do you want to go visit our friend now?
- YiaYee, kuv xav mus heev.Yee, I really want to go.
- YeePeb mus tam qab kaum feeb.We will go in ten minutes.
- YiaTau, kuv yuav npaj.Okay, I will get ready.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mus, CC BY-SA 4.0.
