txiv neeb
/t͡ɕi˧˦.nẽ˥/
In Hmong, the word for shaman is txiv neeb. Wiktionary also lists neeb.
Meaning: spiritual or religious medium between the concrete and spirit worlds (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hmong | IPA |
|---|---|
| txiv neeb | /t͡ɕi˧˦.nẽ˥/ |
| neeb | /nẽ˥/ |
The term is used to describe a spiritual or religious medium who acts as a bridge between the concrete world and the spirit world. While txiv neeb refers specifically to the person who holds this role, the word neeb can also refer to the shamanic trance or the ritualistic practice itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The term txiv neeb is composed of txiv, meaning father or master/expert and neeb, which refers to the spirit or the shamanic trance/ritual.
Is it said differently in some regions?
txiv neeb is used to refer to a shaman in Northern Hmong dialects, whereas in Northeastern dialects, the term neeb might be used.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɕi˧˦.nẽ˥/
Did you know?
- In a neeb ritual, the shaman often enters a trance by rocking violently in a wooden chair, which is believed to simulate a spiritual horse carrying them to the spirit world.
- The component txiv is believed to share an ancestral root with the Chinese word for 'father', 父.
- While txiv neeb is the standard term, the role is often hereditary or chosen by spirits, meaning one does not simply study to become a txiv neeb through schooling.
Examples in context
- Nws yog ib tug txiv neeb zoo.He is a good shaman.
- Txiv neeb yuav tuaj pab peb.The shaman will come to help us.
Example conversation
Tou and Kao are talking about a sick relative.
- TouKoj puas paub txog ib tug txiv neeb?Do you know about a shaman?
- KaoKuv paub ib tug txiv neeb zoo.I know a good shaman.
- TouThov pab hu nws tuaj.Please call him to come.
- KaoYog, kuv yuav hu nws.Yes, I will call him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “shaman” translations and entries txiv neeb, neeb, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries txiv, CC BY-SA 4.0.
