tij laug
/ti˥˧.lau̯˧˩̤/
The Hmong phrase for older brother is tij laug.
tij laug refers to an older brother. Beyond biological relationships, it is used as a respectful way to address older males within social circles.
Meaning: single-word translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of tij (sibling) and laug (older/elder).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 2 syllables and is pronounced /ti˥˧.lau̯˧˩̤/.
When do people say it?
In Hmong culture, this term is used not only for biological brothers but also as a respectful way to address older males in social circles.
Did you know?
- The word tij shares a distant historical connection to the Chinese word for 'younger brother', despite being used here to refer to an older sibling.
- In Hmong culture, the hierarchy of siblings dictates not just what you call them, but also where you sit or eat in relation to them during a meal.
- Hmong kinship terms like tij laug are used to build 'fictive kinship', creating familial bonds with strangers to establish social trust.
Example conversation
Nao and Yee are talking about their family.
- NaoKoj puas muaj tij laug?Do you have an older brother?
- YeeYog, kuv muaj ib tug tij laug.Yes, I have one older brother.
- NaoNws lub npe yog dab tsi?What is his name?
- YeeKuv tus tij laug lub npe yog Tou.My older brother's name is Tou.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry tij laug, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tij, CC BY-SA 4.0.
