nyob zoo
Hello in Hmong is nyob zoo.
You may also encounter the phrase nyob zoo xyoo tshiab, which means 'happy new year' and is used during the Hmong New Year celebration.
Meaning: greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase nyob zoo literally translates to 'stay well' or 'live well'. It is composed of the word nyob, meaning 'to be/stay/live' and the word zoo, meaning 'good/well'.
Did you know?
- While nyob zoo is the standard greeting, Hmong speakers often transition quickly into asking if the person has eaten, which serves as a secondary way to show care.
- In Hmong culture, greetings are often accompanied by a slight nod of the head to show respect, especially when addressing elders.
- The word zoo in nyob zoo is potentially a very ancient loanword from Old Chinese, originating from the character 良 meaning 'good'.
Example sentences for Hmong are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Yia and Cheng meet on the street.
- YiaNyob zoo, Cheng.Hello, Cheng.
- ChengNyob zoo, Yia.Hello, Yia.
- YiaKoj nyob li cas?How are you?
- ChengKuv nyob zoo, ua tsaug.I am doing well, thank you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hello” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nyob, nyob zoo, zoo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Tsis zoo nkauj” definition of this is on your page does not seem accurate…..unless you’re calling someone ugly
The definition is updated to give a better understanding. Thanks for the feedback!