aih
The Mizo word for "no" is aih.
aih is a particle used to express negation or to indicate disagreement with a statement or question.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Did you know?
- While aih is the direct translation for 'no', Mizo speakers often avoid using it directly when refusing a request to be more polite, instead using a phrase that means 'it is difficult'.
- Mizo is a tonal language, meaning the way you pronounce aih can change depending on the pitch, which is a concept often absent in English negation.
- In many Mizo social interactions, a 'no' is often communicated through subtle non-verbal cues like head movements or facial expressions before the word aih is ever spoken.
Examples in context
- Aih, chu chu a dik lo.No, that is not correct.
- Aih, ka thei lo.No, I cannot.
- Aih, ka duh lo.No, I don't want to.
Example conversation
Zuali and Zirconi are talking about whether it is raining.
- ZualiZirconi, pan a?Zirconi, is it raining?
- ZirconiAih, pan lo.No, it is not raining.
- ZualiKhawiah nge i hmuh?Where did you see it?
- ZirconiKa thlir chiah.I just looked.
