me
/me˧/
The Hmong word for small is me.
The word me is an adjective used to describe something that is not large in size or scale.
Meaning: not large (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
/me˧/
Did you know?
- Hmong uses a Romanized script called RPA, which uses letters like 'j' or 'v' at the end of words to indicate tones instead of sounds.
- In certain Hmong dialects, words related to 'smallness' are used to humbly refer to oneself or one's own family in formal settings.
- When describing children, Hmong speakers might use me to imply a sense of preciousness or cuteness rather than just physical stature.
Examples in context
- Lub tswb no me heev.This bead is very small.
- Kuv xav tau lub tsev me me xwb.I only want a small house.
- Nws muaj ib lub qhov me me.It has a small hole.
Example conversation
Kao and Tou are looking at a piece of fruit at a market.
- KaoLub pom nees no me dhau.This apple is too small.
- TouKuv nyiam qhov me me.I like the small ones.
- KaoKoj xav tau qhov me no?Do you want this small one?
- TouYog, thov muab qhov me no rau kuv.Yes, please give me this small one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “small” translations and entries me, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
