tshuaj
The Hmong word for medicine is tshuaj.
The term tshuaj is a broad word used to refer to any substance used for healing. This includes modern pharmaceutical drugs, traditional herbal remedies and topical ointments.
Meaning: substance which promotes healing (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the Hmoob Leeg (Green Hmong) dialect, the term lub tshuaj may be used to refer to medicine.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify that medicine is taken orally, speakers often add the verb haus (to drink) after the noun, resulting in the phrase tshuaj haus.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, tshuaj can refer to a poison or a toxic substance, as both medicine and poison are seen as powerful agents that affect the body's state.
- In Hmong culture, tshuaj does not just mean chemical medicine, but extends to any spiritual or ritualistic remedy used by a shaman to heal the soul.
- When taking oral medication, Hmong speakers use the verb haus, which literally means 'to drink', even if the medicine is a solid pill.
Examples in context
- Kuv yuav tsum haus tshuaj.I need to take medicine.
- Tshuaj no zoo heev.This medicine is very good.
- Koj puas muaj tshuaj rau plab?Do you have medicine for the stomach?
Example conversation
Yee is feeling sick at home.
- YeeKao, kuv xav tau tshuaj.Kao, I need some medicine.
- KaoKoj muaj dab tsi kev mob?What are your symptoms?
- YeeKuv mob taub hau heev.I have a very bad headache.
- KaoKuv yuav coj tshuaj tuaj rau koj.I will bring medicine for you.
