riam
/ʈiə̯˩̰/
The Hmong word for knife is riam. Wiktionary also lists rab riam and ntaj.
Meaning: utensil or tool designed for cutting (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hmong | IPA |
|---|---|
| riam | /ʈiə̯˩̰/ |
| rab riam | |
| ntaj | /ⁿda˥˧/ |
The word riam is the general noun for a knife or any utensil designed for cutting. When you need to describe a tool specifically intended for heavy-duty cutting or hacking, the word ntaj is used.
Which one should you use?
riam is the general term for a knife. In contrast, ntaj specifically refers to a blade used for more utilitarian, heavy-duty tasks like hacking.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to count or specify a knife, you use the form rab riam. This occurs because rab is the standard classifier used for tools and implements in Hmong.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʈiə̯˩̰/
Did you know?
- The classifier rab used for a knife has ancient roots in Old Chinese, originally referring to flat objects like bows or zithers.
Examples in context
- Kuv siv riam los hlais nqaij.I use a knife to cut meat.
- Thov muab ib lub riam rau kuv.Please give me a knife.
Example conversation
Kao and Tou are preparing food in the kitchen.
- KaoTou, qhov twb nyob qhov twg?Tou, where is the knife?
- TouNws nyob ntawm lub rooj.It is on the table.
- KaoUa tsaug, kuv yuav hlais nqaij.Thanks, I am going to cut meat.
- TouUa vim li cas, ceev faj nrog rab riam.You're welcome, be careful with the knife.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “knife” translations and entries riam, ntaj, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ntaj, rab, riam, CC BY-SA 4.0.
