Signification
Expressing that you are sick.
Contexte culturel
In Laos, health is often discussed openly. It's not rude to ask someone 'Are you sick?' if they look tired. Many Lao people use 'bor sabai' to cover both physical illness and spiritual malaise (loss of 'kwan'). When someone says they are 'bor sabai', the standard response is 'Suao vai vai doe' (Get well soon). Taking sick leave is generally accepted without much questioning if you use this phrase politely.
Add 'Noy Nueng'
Add 'noy nueng' (a little) to the end to sound less dramatic if it's just a minor cold.
Tone Matters
Make sure 'Bor' is a clear middle tone. If you change the tone, it might mean something else entirely.
Signification
Expressing that you are sick.
Add 'Noy Nueng'
Add 'noy nueng' (a little) to the end to sound less dramatic if it's just a minor cold.
Tone Matters
Make sure 'Bor' is a clear middle tone. If you change the tone, it might mean something else entirely.
The Response
If someone tells you this, always say 'Suao vai vai' (Get well soon). It's the polite Lao way.
Dropping the Subject
In Lao, you can just say 'Bor sabai' if it's obvious you are talking about yourself. It sounds more natural.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'I am not well.'
ຂ້ອຍ ___ ສະບາຍ
'ບໍ່' (bor) is the negator used to say 'not'.
How would you tell your boss you are very sick?
Which sentence is most appropriate?
'ຫຼາຍ' (lai) adds the meaning of 'very'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ເປັນຫຍັງເຈົ້າບໍ່ກິນເຂົ້າ? B: ________.
Being sick is a logical reason for not eating.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You have a fever and want to tell a doctor.
'Pen khai' means to have a fever.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Bor Sabai' vs 'Chep'
Bor Sabai (General)
- • Fever
- • Flu
- • Nausea
- • Tiredness
Chep (Specific Pain)
- • Cut finger
- • Broken bone
- • Toothache
- • Stomach ache
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesຂ້ອຍ ___ ສະບາຍ
'ບໍ່' (bor) is the negator used to say 'not'.
Which sentence is most appropriate?
'ຫຼາຍ' (lai) adds the meaning of 'very'.
A: ເປັນຫຍັງເຈົ້າບໍ່ກິນເຂົ້າ? B: ________.
Being sick is a logical reason for not eating.
You have a fever and want to tell a doctor.
'Pen khai' means to have a fever.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's better to say 'Bor sabai chai' (Not well in the heart/mind).
Yes, it is perfectly polite. You can add 'khap' or 'ka' at the end for extra respect.
'Bor sabai' is general; 'pen khai' specifically means you have a fever.
Just add 'muea wan ni' (yesterday) at the beginning. The phrase itself doesn't change.
Technically, monks have their own special vocabulary ('อาพาธ' - a-phat), but they will understand you.
No, it means comfortable. But in this specific phrase, it always refers to health.
In Thailand, they say 'Phom/Chan mai sabai'. It's very similar and understood in both countries.
Add 'lai lai' at the end: 'Khoy bor sabai lai lai'.
Use 'hu sik bor dee' (feel not good).
Yes, it's a common euphemism for being hungover.
Expressions liées
ເປັນໄຂ້
specialized formTo have a fever
ເຈັບຫົວ
builds onHeadache
ຮູ້ສຶກດີ
contrastTo feel good
ພັກຜ່ອນ
similarTo rest
ໄປຫາໝໍ
builds onGo to see a doctor
