How to Say “Pink” in Hmong

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liab dawb
/liə̯˥ daɨ̯˥/word by word
The Hmong word for pink is liab dawb.
liab dawb is an adjective used to describe a color that is positioned between red and white.
Meaning: colored/coloured between red and white (adj)

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is a compound of liab, meaning red or reddish and dawb, meaning white.

How do you pronounce it?

/liə̯˥ daɨ̯˥/

Did you know?

  • While liab dawb means pink, the word dawb on its own can also be used colloquially in some contexts to mean 'free of charge'.
  • Hmong is a tonal language, meaning the pitch of liab and dawb can completely change their meaning.

Examples in context

  • Kuv xav tau ib lub paj liab dawb.
    I want a pink flower.
  • Cov ntaub no yog liab dawb.
    These fabrics are pink.

Example conversation

Xiong and Nao are looking at art supplies.

  1. Xiong

    Koj puas nyiam qab liab dawb no?
    Do you like this pink color?
  2. Nao

    Yog, kuv nyiam liab dawb heev.
    Yes, I like pink very much.
  3. Xiong

    Kuv yuav lub paj liab dawb no.
    I will buy this pink pen.
  4. Nao

    Ua tsaug, Xiong.
    Thank you, Xiong.

Sources

  • IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (liab, dawb) and can differ in connected speech.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries dawb, liab, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Graham Charlie
Graham CharlieHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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