neeg dawb
The English phrase 'white person' is translated into Hmong as neeg dawb.
The term neeg dawb is used broadly in Hmong to refer to any person of European descent or anyone with very light skin.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of neeg meaning 'person' and dawb meaning 'white'.
Did you know?
- The word dawb used for 'white' also carries the meaning of 'free' or 'unrestricted' in many contexts. This linguistic link suggests that 'white' is associated with the idea of being 'free' from something, such as a cost or a burden.
- The term neeg dawb is used in a descriptive way that lacks the political or social connotations often attached to 'white person' in English.
- Hmong is a tonal language, so changing the tone of dawb can completely change the word's meaning to something unrelated to 'white'.
Examples in context
- Neeg dawb tuaj ntawm teb chaws.A white person came from abroad.
- Koj pom neeg dawb ntawd los?Did you see that white person?
- Nws yog ib tug neeg dawb.He is a white person.
Example conversation
Yee and Mai are talking about a new neighbor.
- YeeKoj puas tau pom tus neeg dawb tshiab?Have you seen the new white person?
- MaiTsis tau, nws nyob qhov twg?No, where do they live?
- YeeNws nyob lub tsev ntawm no.They live in the house over here.
- MaiKuv yuav mus txaus lus rau nws.I will go say hello to them.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dawb, CC BY-SA 4.0.
