Nyob zoo hmo ntuj
The English phrase "good night" is translated into Hmong as Nyob zoo hmo ntuj.
Nyob zoo hmo ntuj is used specifically as a farewell when parting ways at night or before going to sleep.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nyob zoo (to stay well/be well) and hmo ntuj (nighttime).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase Nyob zoo is the standard greeting for any time of day and is the first part of the specific nighttime greeting.
Did you know?
- Hmong is a tonal language, meaning that the pitch used to say Nyob zoo hmo ntuj changes the meaning of the words entirely. A slight change in tone could turn 'good night' into a completely different set of words.
- The word ntuj in the phrase refers to the 'sky' or 'heaven', meaning 'good night' literally translates to 'stay well the night sky'.
- The term zoo (good) may have its origins in Old Chinese, specifically from the word 良 meaning 'good'.
Examples in context
- Nyob zoo hmo ntuj.Good night.
- Ua tig zoo, nyob zoo hmo ntuj.Sleep well, good night.
- Nyob zoo hmo ntuj rau txhua leej.Good night to everyone.
Example conversation
Yee and Mai are saying goodbye before going to sleep.
- YeeKuv mus pw lawm, Mai.I am going to sleep now, Mai.
- MaiNyob zoo hmo ntuj, Yee.Good night, Yee.
- YeeNyob zoo hmo ntuj rau koj thiab.Good night to you too.
- MaiMus pw zoo os.Sleep well.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hmo, ntuj, nyob, zoo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
