How to Say “You’re Ugly” in Hmong

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koj dab tuag
The Hmong phrase for "you're ugly" is koj dab tuag.
The phrase koj dab tuag is used to tell someone that they are not physically attractive.

Did you know?

  • The word dab in this phrase can also mean 'spirit' or 'ghost' in Hmong. Calling someone this might imply they are more than just unattractive, suggesting a supernatural or ghostly quality.
  • The term dab is a polysemous word that can also refer to a 'trough' used for feeding animals. This shows how one syllable can bridge the gap between spiritual entities and household objects.
  • The phrase koj dab tuag utilizes a grammar structure where the state of being is implied rather than stated with a verb like 'to be'.

Example conversation

Yee and Nao are arguing during a game.

  1. Yee

    Koj dab tuag, Nao!
    You're ugly, Nao!
  2. Nao

    Koj thiaj li dab tuag tshaj kuv.
    You are even uglier than I am.
  3. Yee

    Kuv tsis dab tuag li.
    I am not ugly at all.
  4. Nao

    Tsis yog, koj dab tuag heev.
    No, you're very ugly.

Sources

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Joanne Violet
Joanne VioletHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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