Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab
Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab is the Hmong way to say Happy New Year.
Meaning: Happy New Year (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Nyob zoo (stay well/hello), xyoo (year) and tshiab (new).
Did you know?
- During the New Year celebrations, the phrase Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab is often exchanged during the 'ball tossing' game, where young people throw a cloth ball to express romantic interest.
- In Hmong culture, the New Year is a time for spiritual cleansing, and saying Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab coincides with rituals to 'call the souls' back to the home.
- The Hmong New Year is not tied to a calendar date but traditionally follows the lunar cycle and the end of the harvest season. Because of this, the timing of Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab changes every year.
Examples in context
- Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab rau txhua tus.Happy New Year to everyone.
- Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab, txhua tus neeg.Happy New Year, everybody.
Example conversation
Xiong and Mai meet at a family gathering.
- XiongNyob zoo xyoo tshiab, Mai!Happy New Year, Mai!
- MaiNyob zoo xyoo tshiab rau koj thiab, Xiong!Happy New Year to you too, Xiong!
- XiongKoj puas tau noj mov?Have you eaten yet?
- MaiTsis tau, peb mus noj ua ke.Not yet, let's go eat together.
