How to say Hello in Laos &
Some basic phrases for travelers

Lao, the country’s official language, closely resembles Thai. To give you an idea, Lao’s similarities with Thai are like those between Spanish and Portuguese.

Unless you’re fluent, there’s not much use in relying on Thai to get by.

Learning Lao is no mean feat, so don’t expect to be able to hold a conversation in the language.

At the same time, it’s good to learn the basics, which will help you meet people and navigate your way around.

Knowing how to say ‘hello’, ‘how are you?’, ‘thanks’ as well as being able to count will help you get along.

As with Thai, the biggest challenge is being able to pronounce words. A slight change in intonation will completely alter the meaning of a word.

But that shouldn’t stop you from trying to speak the local language; Laotians will love that you’re making the effort and you’ll be warmly welcomed in return.

No one’s going to get upset if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.

If, when eating out, you manage to order in Lao, don’t be surprised if you’re met with astonishment or if you unleash fits of giggles.

The few words that you’ll pick up in Lao won’t be enough to hold down a conversation.

Fortunately you can fall back on speaking English.

If English doesn’t work and if you know some French, you can always try the latter during your trip to Laos , particularly when speaking to the older generation.

You’ll also see that official documents are written in both Lao and French. But encountering French speaking Laotians is becoming rare.

Young Laotians tend to speak English and it’s more widely spoken than its European counterpart.

Throughout the country you’ll find that anyone in contact with tourists will be able to speak English.

Speak Thai already? Here’s a three-step program for instant Lao fluency:

• The letter “r” must be eliminated.
  • At the beginning of a word, “r” turns into “l”: roi→ loi “hundred”
  • Within a word, “r” turns into “l”: karunaa→ kalunaa “please”
  • In a cluster, “r” disappears completely: prathet→ pathet “country”
• All “ch” turn into “x” (pronounced “s”). chang→ xang “elephant”
• Say baw instead of mai when you want to say “no” or ask a question.

Of course, there’s quite a bit more than that, but it’s a start!

It is now the high time to start learning some basic words and phrases. Here we just list some most popular cases when you travelling in Laos. Should you want to read further, you can follow this link

You can find below some of the most popular words and/or phrases

Yes – Jao (friendly) / Doi (More formal)

No – Baw

Maybe – Bangthi

Please – Khâluna

Thank you – Khọp Ja̖y

Sorry/excuse me – Khãw thôht

Where is the restroom? – Hàwng nâm yuu sǎi?

I need a doctor – Khoy tong kan Maw

I’m lost – Khoy lohng taang

Can you help me? – Suay khoy dai boh

I don’t understand – Khoi baw khauchay

Never mind – Baw pen nyãng

The first impression decides all your conversation, and learning basic greetings help you make a smooth start.

You should use these when approaching any local or even if you’re just walking past someone with a smile.

You would probably make a locals day if they can see you really trying to learn and embrace their language.

Hello – Sabaidee

Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening – Sabaidee Ton sao/Ton xuay/Ton lewng (it is the fact that Lao people always say ‘Sabaidee’)

How are you? – Sábaidee baw?

I am fine – Khoi Sabai dee

Goodbye! – La khòn

You can also watch the video below from our friend, Ms. Vanida to learn about greetings in Laos

Ordering food in any other language than your own is quite scary, especially when you’re handed the menu and don’t understand what anything is!

If you’re a massive foodie and like to take a gamble, pick randomly! However if you have some food restrictions, it is worth learning a few phrases.

In Asia, a standard meal is usually 10x spicier than normal, made to suite the local palette. If you’re not big on spice, learn the words.

A table for one person/two people, please – tawng hai kon neung/song kon, nah

I would like ___ – khoi yak ___

Not Spicy/ I don’t like spice – Baw xay mak phet der >> this is very important, most of the food in Laos is very spicy, much over what a westerner can imagine

Delicious – Saep lai lai

The check, please – Chèk bin der

Editor note: Read more about top 10 Laos dishes with TUTORIAL VIDEO for you to try at home

Buying some local products helps promote the local economy. Of course, walking around and do some bargain does not make any hurt. Firstly, you may want to learn some words of number

How much does this cost? – Laka tho day?

That’s expensive! – Phaeng lai lai

I can’t afford it – Khoi sue baw day

Can you lower the price? – Lout laka day bo?

1. Read further: you can find plenty of website teaching Lao language, some groups on Facebook can also help. Do some research and find the most suitable ones
2. Watch further: Find on Youtube some channels that teach Lao language and follow (such as the one from Ms. Vanida above), this help you tune your tone as a local.
3. Invest in Lao lessons – If you know you will be in Laos for 6 weeks or 6 months, it’ll definitely be worth investing in lessons. Learning the tone and pronunciation of the language and practicing it one to one will ensure you learn properly and will help build your confidence.
4. Talk with local: Once you’re confident enough to converse, make local friends and practice with them. Being in different social situations and having a range of conversations is the best way to pick up a language and arguably the quickest!
   
5. Take notes: Prepare a small notebook, take a note when you find some new words, and new cases. Read it again at home before bed time. This really helps
6. Practice: This goes without saying. Practice makes perfect, so immerse yourself in local tv, music and books, download apps and go out to practice with your new friends!