ntoo
/ⁿdɒ̃˧/
The Hmong word for tree is ntoo.
ntoo is used to refer to a large woody plant.
Meaning: large woody plant (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ⁿdɒ̃˧/
Did you know?
- The word ntoo is related to the word for 'to wear or put on a cap' in the Proto-Hmong-Mien language family.
- In Hmong belief systems, certain trees are not just plants but are believed to house spirits that act as protectors for a home.
- Because Hmong is tonal, changing the pitch of ntoo can completely change its meaning.
Examples in context
- Nws yog ib lub ntoo loj.It is a large tree.
- Muaj ib lub ntoo ntawm lub tsev.There is a tree by the house.
- Kuv xav tias lub ntoo no loj heev.I think this tree is very big.
Example conversation
Nao and Yee are walking in a park.
- NaoYee, saib lub ntoo ntawd.Yee, look at that tree.
- YeeLub ntoo ntawd zoo nkauj kawg.That tree is very beautiful.
- NaoNws muaj ntau paj li cas.It has so many flowers.
- YeeYog, kuv nyiam lub ntoo no.Yes, I like this tree.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tree” translations and entries ntoo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ntoo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
