kev noj qab haus huv ntawm hlwb
The Hmong phrase for mental health is kev noj qab haus huv ntawm hlwb.
kev noj qab haus huv ntawm hlwb refers to emotional well-being.
Meaning: emotional well-being (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is anchored by the word hlwb, which means mind, brain or intellect.
Did you know?
- Traditional Hmong beliefs often view mental health through a spiritual lens involving the 'soul'. While kev noj qab haus huv ntawm hlwb is the modern term, a person might traditionally seek a shaman to 'call back' a lost soul to restore that balance.
- The word hlwb is cognate with the Old Chinese word for 'marrow'. This indicates that ancient speakers viewed the brain and spinal marrow as similar substances.
- The phrase for mental health literally involves the concept of 'eating' and 'drinking'. It uses the words noj (to eat) and haus (to drink) to describe the state of well-being.
Examples in context
- Kev noj qab haus huv ntawm hlwb tseem ceeb heev.Mental health is very important.
- Peb yuav tsum saib xyuas kev noj qab haus huv ntawm hlwb.We must look after our mental health.
- Kev noj qab haus huv ntawm hlwb pab peb tiv thaiv kev ntxhov siab.Mental health helps us resist stress.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about stress at work.
- MaiKuv xav tias kuv tsis muaj kev noj qab haus huv ntawm hlwb.I feel like I don't have good mental health.
- TouVim li cas koj thiaj li xav li ntawd, Mai?Why do you think that, Mai?
- MaiKuv muaj kev ntxhov siab ntau dhau lawm.I am just too stressed out.
- TouKoj yuav tsum nrhiav kev pab rau koj.You should find some help for yourself.
