Koj nyob li cas?
In Hmong, "how are you?" is expressed as Koj nyob li cas?
Koj nyob li cas? is a standard greeting used to inquire about a person's current well-being or state of being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "You live/stay how?" The word Koj means "you" and li cas is an interrogative phrase meaning "how" when asking about manner or state.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, Koj is the singular second-person pronoun for "you" and li cas functions as the interrogative component for "how".
Did you know?
- In some Hmong communities, asking Koj nyob li cas? is less common than asking if someone has eaten yet, as food is a primary indicator of well-being.
- Hmong is a tonal language, so the meaning of the words in Koj nyob li cas? would change entirely if you used the wrong pitch.
- While Koj nyob li cas? is the standard form, Hmong speakers may use different greetings based on the relative age and social status of the person they are addressing.
Examples in context
- Kuv nyob zoo.I am fine.
- Nyob zoo, koj nyob li cas?Hello, how are you?
Example conversation
Mai and Cheng meet at the market.
- MaiNyob zoo Cheng, koj nyob li cas?Hello Cheng, how are you?
- ChengKuv nyob zoo, ua tsaug Mai.I am well, thank you Mai.
- MaiKoj puas nyob zoo?Are you doing well?
- ChengYee, kuv nyob zoo heev.Yes, I am doing very well.
