Significado
A request for someone to reduce their speaking speed.
Contexto cultural
When asking someone to speak slowly, especially an elder, it is common to perform a slight 'Nop' (placing hands together) to show that you are asking for a favor, not demanding a change. This symbol is unique to the Lao and Thai scripts. It saves space and adds a rhythmic quality to the language. In Lao culture, repeating words often signals a friendly, informal, or gentle tone. The concept of 'Pela Lao' (Lao Time) suggests a more relaxed approach to life. This is reflected in the speech; while it can be fast, there is a cultural acceptance of slowing down for others. In Luang Prabang, the tones are different from Vientiane. You might need to use 'Vao sa sa' more often there even if you are proficient in the Vientiane dialect.
Add 'Dae'
Always add 'Dae' (ແດ່) at the end to sound like a polite learner rather than a demanding boss.
Watch the Tone
If you say 'Sa' with a low tone, it might not be understood. Keep it high!
Significado
A request for someone to reduce their speaking speed.
Add 'Dae'
Always add 'Dae' (ແດ່) at the end to sound like a polite learner rather than a demanding boss.
Watch the Tone
If you say 'Sa' with a low tone, it might not be understood. Keep it high!
Combine with 'Kho Thot'
Start with 'Kho thot' (Excuse me) to get their attention before asking them to slow down.
Smile
A smile in Laos goes a long way. If you smile while asking to slow down, people will be much more patient.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the polite request to speak slowly.
ກະລຸນາ ______ ຊ້າໆແດ່.
'Vao' means to speak. The other options are eat, go, and sleep.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a teacher to slow down?
How do you say 'Please speak slowly' formally?
Adding 'Khaluna' (Please) and 'Dae' (polite particle) makes it the most formal and respectful.
Match the Lao phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Reduplication is used for all these adverbial requests.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: ເຈົ້າເຂົ້າໃຈບໍ່? B: ບໍ່, ເຈົ້າເວົ້າໄວເກີນໄປ. _________.
If someone speaks too fast (vai koen pai), the logical request is to speak slowly.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosກະລຸນາ ______ ຊ້າໆແດ່.
'Vao' means to speak. The other options are eat, go, and sleep.
How do you say 'Please speak slowly' formally?
Adding 'Khaluna' (Please) and 'Dae' (polite particle) makes it the most formal and respectful.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Reduplication is used for all these adverbial requests.
A: ເຈົ້າເຂົ້າໃຈບໍ່? B: ບໍ່, ເຈົ້າເວົ້າໄວເກີນໄປ. _________.
If someone speaks too fast (vai koen pai), the logical request is to speak slowly.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it's not rude if you use a polite tone and add 'dae'. It's actually helpful for the speaker to know you're struggling.
It's better to listen quietly to monks. If you must speak, use the most formal version: 'Khaluna vao sa sa dae'.
'Sa' is the adjective 'slow'. 'Sa sa' is the adverb 'slowly'. In Lao, we repeat the word to make it an adverb.
You say 'Vao vai vai' (ເວົ້າໄວໆ).
Yes, 'sa' can mean late (e.g., 'Ma sa' - come late). Context tells you which one it is.
Not really slang, but 'Sa sa nae' is a very casual way to say it among friends.
Yes, but use the formal 'Khaluna vao sa sa dae' to show respect.
You can say 'Vao sa long ik' (Speak even slower).
Yes, it's common in text messages if you're doing a voice call or language exchange.
In this phrase, yes. It's rare to see 'Vao sa' written without it in this context.
Frases relacionadas
ເວົ້າອີກ
similarSpeak again
ເວົ້າໄວໆ
contrastSpeak fast
ເວົ້າດັງໆ
similarSpeak loudly
ເວົ້າແຈ້ງໆ
builds onSpeak clearly
ຟັງບໍ່ທັນ
specialized formCannot listen in time
