hnub
/n̥u˥/
The Hmong word for sun is hnub.
The word hnub refers to the star around which the Earth revolves.
Meaning: the star around which the Earth revolves (name)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to the sun as a specific object, the noun hnub is typically preceded by the classifier lub, resulting in the phrase lub hnub.
How do you pronounce it?
/n̥u˥/
Did you know?
- The word hnub is a distant linguistic relative of the Chinese character for sun, 日 (pronounced 'rì' in Mandarin).
- The word hnub does not just mean the sun, it also means 'day'. This means the same word is used for the celestial body and the unit of time.
- The pronunciation of hnub involves a specific tone that distinguishes it from other similar sounding words in the Hmong language.
Examples in context
- Lub hnub ci nsta iab.The sun is shining bright.This sentence is useful for seeing hnub used to describe the sun shining.
- Lub hnub loj dua ntiaj teb.The sun is larger than the earth.This sentence is useful for using hnub to compare the sun to the earth.
Example conversation
Two people are standing outside during a hot afternoon.
- ChengHnub no kub heev.The sun is very hot today.
- MaiYog, Cheng, peb yuav tsum mus hauv tsev.Yes, Cheng, we should go inside.
- ChengMai, koj puas xav haus dej?Mai, do you want to drink some water?
- MaiYog, kuv xav haus dej heev.Yes, I really want to drink some water.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sun” translations and entries hnub, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hnub, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
