txoj kev hlub
/t͡sɒ˥˧.ke˧˦.l̥u˥/
The English word "love" (referring to the noun) is translated into Hmong as txoj kev hlub.
txoj kev hlub refers to the concept or the feeling of love as a noun. If you want to express the action of loving someone or something, you should use the verb hlub.
Meaning: strong affection (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The noun phrase txoj kev hlub is composed of txoj (a classifier for long, thin objects or paths/ways), kev (a prefix used to turn verbs into abstract nouns) and hlub (to love), literally meaning "the way/path of love".
Which one should you use?
Use the noun txoj kev hlub when referring to the abstract concept or the feeling of love itself, but use the verb hlub when describing the actual act of loving.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
While txoj kev hlub is the noun for love, the verb hlub is used to express the action of loving.
How do you pronounce it?
/tsɒ˥˧.ke˧˦.l̥u˥/
Did you know?
- The classifier txoj used in txoj kev hlub was borrowed from the Chinese word for 'twig'.
- Hmong uses classifiers for almost all nouns, meaning that love is grammatically grouped with other linear objects.
- To turn the action of loving hlub into the concept of love txoj kev hlub, Hmong speakers essentially add the word for 'road'.
Examples in context
- Kuv hlub koj.I love you.
- Txoj kev hlub yog ib yam tseem ceeb.Love is something important.
- Kuv nco txog txoj kev hlub ntawm peb.I remember our love.
Example conversation
Kao and Yee are talking about their relationship.
- KaoYee, kuv hlub koj heev.Yee, I love you very much.
- YeeKuv hlub koj thiab, Kao.I love you too, Kao.
- KaoKuv nco txoj kev hlub uas peb muaj.I cherish the love that we have.
- YeeNws yog txoj kev hlub uas zoo kawg nkaus.It is the most beautiful love.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “love” translations and entries txoj kev hlub, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kev, txoj, txoj kev hlub, CC BY-SA 4.0.
