Nyob zoo
/ɲɒ˥.ʐɒ̃˧/
The English phrase "hi" is translated into Hmong as Nyob zoo.
Nyob zoo is used as a way to say hello. It is also used in the specific formal greeting Nyob zoo xyoo tshiab to say "Happy New Year" on New Year's Day.
Meaning: friendly, informal greeting (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Nyob zoo literally translates to "stay good" or "live well".
How does it change in a sentence?
In casual conversation, you can add the particle os to the end of the greeting to form Nyob zoo os, which makes the tone sound softer.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɲɒ˥.ʐɒ̃˧/ (2 syllables)
Did you know?
- The word zoo in the greeting might be a very ancient loanword from Old Chinese, specifically the character 良 meaning 'good'.
Examples in context
- Nyob zoo.Hello.
- Nyob zoo, sawv daws.Hello, everyone.
- Nyob zoo, koj nyob li cas?Hi, how are you?
Example conversation
Yee and Mai meet at a market.
- YeeNyob zoo, Mai!Hi, Mai!
- MaiNyob zoo, Yee!Hi, Yee!
- YeeKoj nyob li cas?How are you?
- MaiKuv nyob zoo, ua tsaug.I am good, thanks.
Sources
- Pronunciation from the Wiktionary entry nyob zoo.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nyob, nyob zoo, zoo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
