Signification
Stating possession of something.
Contexte culturel
In Laos, people often drop the 'Khoy' and just say 'Mi' or 'Bor mi' to be concise. It's not rude; it's just efficient. When speaking to monks, the word for 'have' remains 'mi,' but the objects and pronouns change to reflect sacred status. In overseas communities (USA, France), 'Khoy mi' is sometimes mixed with English nouns (Spanglish style), showing the phrase's durability. In villages, 'having' something often implies it is available for the whole guest group. If you 'have' beer, everyone 'has' beer.
The 'Already' Add-on
Always add 'laeo' (ແລ້ວ) at the end if you want to sound like a native when you already possess something.
Age Trap
Remember: NEVER use 'mi' for your age. Use 'ayu'.
Signification
Stating possession of something.
The 'Already' Add-on
Always add 'laeo' (ແລ້ວ) at the end if you want to sound like a native when you already possess something.
Age Trap
Remember: NEVER use 'mi' for your age. Use 'ayu'.
Dropping the 'I'
If someone asks you a 'Do you have...?' question, just answer with 'Mi' (Yes) or 'Bor mi' (No). It's more natural than the full sentence.
Abstract Nouns
To say 'I am [feeling],' you often use 'Khoy mi khuam [feeling].' Example: 'Khoy mi khuam suk' (I have happiness).
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'I have a car.'
ຂ້ອຍ___ລົດ.
'ມີ' (mi) is the verb for 'to have.'
How do you say 'I don't have time'?
Select the correct Lao sentence:
The negation 'ບໍ່' (bor) must come before the verb 'ມີ' (mi).
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a market and want to say you already have an item.
'ແລ້ວ' (laeo) means 'already.'
Complete the dialogue.
A: ເຈົ້າມີເງິນບໍ່? B: _____
The most natural response is to repeat the verb 'ມີ'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
What can you 'Mi'?
Objects
- • Lot (Car)
- • Ngoen (Money)
- • Puem (Book)
People
- • Muu (Friend)
- • Luk (Child)
- • Ay (Brother)
Abstract
- • Vela (Time)
- • Kham-tham (Question)
- • Khuam-suk (Happiness)
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesຂ້ອຍ___ລົດ.
'ມີ' (mi) is the verb for 'to have.'
Select the correct Lao sentence:
The negation 'ບໍ່' (bor) must come before the verb 'ມີ' (mi).
You are at a market and want to say you already have an item.
'ແລ້ວ' (laeo) means 'already.'
A: ເຈົ້າມີເງິນບໍ່? B: _____
The most natural response is to repeat the verb 'ມີ'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes! 'Mi' on its own often means 'there is' or 'there are.' Adding 'Khoy' just specifies that *you* are the one who has it.
It's perfect for 90% of situations. Use 'Khanoy' for monks and 'Phom/Chan' for very formal business.
No. 'Khoy mi pen' can mean 'I have a pen' or 'I have pens.' Context or numbers tell the difference.
Add 'khoey' (ເຄີຍ) before 'mi': 'Khoy khoey mi...' (I used to have...).
Don't use 'mi.' Use 'tong' (ຕ້ອງ). 'Khoy tong pai' (I have to go).
'Mi' is possession; 'dai' is obtaining or being able to. Don't swap them!
Yes, 'Khoy mi ngan liang' (I have a party) works because the party is an event you 'possess' or host.
Just say 'Chao mi [object] bor?'
'Hao' is a casual pronoun used among friends or to mean 'we.'
Very similar, but with a lower, flatter tone.
Usually, you say 'Khoy jep hua' (I hurt head), but 'Khoy miอาการ jep hua' (I have symptoms of headache) is possible but rare.
Constantly! It's the base for almost every love song ('I have only you').
Expressions liées
ຂ້ອຍຢາກໄດ້
similarI want to get/have
ຂ້ອຍແມ່ນ
contrastI am
ມັນມີ
builds onIt has / There is
ເຮົາມີ
specialized formWe have / I (casual) have
