khw
/kʰɨ˧/
The Hmong word for 'store' is khw.
Meaning: shop (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /kʰɨ˧/.
Did you know?
- Because Hmong is a tonal language, the meaning of khw can change entirely depending on the pitch used by the speaker.
- The word khw can sometimes refer to a marketplace or a specific gathering place rather than a single permanent building.
- In Hmong-speaking diaspora communities in the United States, 'khw' is often used to describe small, family-run ethnic grocery stores that serve as community anchors.
Examples in context
- Kuv mus rau khw.I am going to the store.
- Khw no loj heev.This store is very big.
- Lub khw kaw lawm.The store is closed.
Example conversation
Nao and Tou are deciding where to go shopping.
- NaoTou, koj puas xav mus rau khw?Tou, do you want to go to the store?
- TouKuv xav mus, Nao.I want to go, Nao.
- NaoPeb mus rau khw twg?Which store shall we go to?
- TouMus rau khw tom qab tsev xwb.Just to the store behind the house.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry khw, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
