siab
/ʂiə̯˥/
The Hmong word for liver is siab.
In Hmong, the word siab is used to refer to both the physical liver and the abstract concept of the heart or mind/spirit.
Meaning: organ of the body (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ʂiə̯˥/
Did you know?
- Hmong has two different meanings for siab that sound almost identical but have different origins: one meaning 'liver' and another meaning 'high' or 'tall'.
- In traditional Hmong beliefs, the siab is central to the soul's equilibrium, making it a key focus in certain spiritual healing practices.
- In Hmong culture, because siab means both 'liver' and 'heart', many expressions of emotion are linked to this organ rather than the pump in your chest. For example, feeling 'badly' or 'sadly' is often described as a state of the 'liver'.
Example sentences for Hmong are not verified yet.
Example conversation
Kao and Yee are talking about health at a clinic.
- KaoLeej Yee, koj lub siab puas nyob zoo?Yee, is your liver healthy?
- YeeKuv tsis paub, kuv tsis tau tshawb.I don't know, I haven't been checked.
- KaoKoj yuav tsum tshawb lub siab.You should have your liver checked.
- YeeKao, kuv yuav mus tshawb hnub no.Kao, I will go get it checked today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “liver” translations and entries siab, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries siab, CC BY-SA 4.0.
