ເງິນ
ngœn[ŋɤn˧˥]
The Lao word for money is ເງິນ (ngœn).
ເງິນ is used to refer to currency or money in general.
Meaning: currency (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
ເງິນ is a noun.
How do you pronounce it?
ngœn
Did you know?
- In traditional Lao culture, giving money ເງິນ in a white envelope is often associated with funerals, whereas red is used for celebratory events.
- The word ເງິນ literally means 'silver'. While it is the standard term for money today, its roots lie in the precious metal rather than paper currency.
- If you travel to neighboring regions, you will hear very similar versions of this word, such as the Thai เงิน or the Shan ငိုၼ်း, which are direct linguistic relatives.
Examples in context
- ຂ້ອຍມີເງິນໜ້ອຍໜຶ່ງ.khoy mi ngen noy nueng.I have a little money.
- ເຈົ້າມີເງິນເທົ່າໃດ?chao mi ngen thao dai?How much money do you have?
- ລາວບໍ່ມີເງິນ.lao bo mi ngen.He does not have money.
Example conversation
A and B are at a market looking at a souvenir.
- Aອັນນີ້ລາຄາເທົ່າໃດ?un nee laka thao daiHow much does this one cost?
- Bຫ້າໝື່ນກີບ.ha muean kipFifty thousand kip.
- Aຂ້ອຍບໍ່ມີເງິນສົດ.khoy bor mee ngern sotI don't have any cash.
- Bໂອນໄດ້.one daiYou can transfer it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “money” translations and entries ເງິນ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ເງິນ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
