khib nyiab
The Hmong word for "trash" is khib nyiab.
khib nyiab is used to refer to things that are no longer wanted and are intended to be discarded.
Meaning: things to be discarded (noun)
Did you know?
- In certain traditional contexts, discarding certain items deemed 'trash' must be done carefully to avoid bad luck or disturbing the spirit world.
- When cleaning a house, some Hmong elders prefer to sweep 'trash' toward the door rather than into a corner to signify that bad energy is being pushed out of the home.
- Because Hmong was traditionally an oral-only language, the written form of 'trash' is a relatively modern adaptation of sounds that had no script for centuries.
Examples in context
- Kuv tsis muaj chaw rau khib nyiab.I don't have a place for the trash.
- Thov coj cov khib nyiab tawm mus.Please take the trash out.
Example conversation
Yee and Nao are cleaning the kitchen together.
- YeeNao, thov pab kuv nqa khib nyiab mus.Nao, please help me carry the trash out.
- NaoTau, kuv yuav pab koj.Okay, I will help you.
- YeeLub thau khib nyiabpwm txhij lawm.The trash can is full.
- NaoKuv yuay nqa nws mus txog ntawm qhov tsev.I will carry it to the house.
