Ua tsaug
To say "thank you" in Hmong, use Ua tsaug.
Ua tsaug is used as a standalone expression of gratitude in both spoken and written Hmong.
Meaning: an expression of gratitude (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ua meaning "to do" or "to make" and tsaug meaning "to be grateful".
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "thank you very much", you can add ntau (meaning many or much) after the phrase to form Ua tsaug ntau.
Did you know?
- The word tsaug used in 'thank you' shares an ancient root with the word for 'porcupine'.
- Because Hmong was historically an oral language, the written form of Ua tsaug uses a Latin-based alphabet developed much later by missionaries.
- In some Hmong social contexts, saying Ua tsaug too frequently can be seen as creating a formal distance between the speaker and the listener.
Examples in context
- Ua tsaug ntau.Thank you very much.
- Ua tsaug koj.Thank you.
Example conversation
Xiong gives Yia a gift.
- YiaUa tsaug, Xiong!Thank you, Xiong!
- XiongTsis ua li cas, Yia.You're welcome, Yia.
- YiaQhov no zoo heev.This is very nice.
- XiongKuv zoo siab muab rau koj.I am happy to give it to you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tsaug, ua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
