Signification
Stating one's role in education.
Contexte culturel
Students in Laos wear specific uniforms (white shirts and dark blue skirts/trousers) which are a source of pride. Saying 'Khoy pen nak hian' often implies you are part of this uniformed community. Historically, the only 'Nak hian' were young boys in temples. Today, even though education is secular, the respect for the 'teacher-student' relationship remains deeply influenced by Buddhist traditions. When a student says this to an elder, they often use a lower tone of voice and a slight bow to show respect for the elder's wisdom. In modern Vientiane, adults often use this phrase when attending evening classes, showing that the term 'Nak hian' is expanding beyond just children.
Add your subject
To sound more natural, add what you study right after 'Nak hian', like 'Nak hian phasa Lao'.
Don't use 'a'
Remember, Lao has no articles. Saying 'Khoy pen neung nak hian' sounds like you are one of many in a very mathematical way.
Signification
Stating one's role in education.
Add your subject
To sound more natural, add what you study right after 'Nak hian', like 'Nak hian phasa Lao'.
Don't use 'a'
Remember, Lao has no articles. Saying 'Khoy pen neung nak hian' sounds like you are one of many in a very mathematical way.
The 'Wai'
When saying this to a teacher, perform a 'Wai' (hands together) to show you understand the student's role.
University distinction
If you are over 20, consider using 'Nak seuk sa' to sound more adult.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb to say 'I am a student'.
ຂ້ອຍ ___ ນັກຮຽນ.
'Pen' is used for roles and professions.
Which sentence means 'He is a student'?
Choose the correct Lao translation.
'Lao' means he or she.
Match the Lao word to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ເຈົ້າເຮັດວຽກຫຍັງ? B: ___.
The question asks for your occupation.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Pen vs Maen
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesຂ້ອຍ ___ ນັກຮຽນ.
'Pen' is used for roles and professions.
Choose the correct Lao translation.
'Lao' means he or she.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the core components of the phrase.
A: ເຈົ້າເຮັດວຽກຫຍັງ? B: ___.
The question asks for your occupation.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsYes! It's a great way to explain why you're practicing Lao with locals.
Yes, 'Khoy' is neutral and polite for most everyday situations.
The phrase is exactly the same. Lao doesn't change for gender here.
Add 'Tae korn' (before) at the start: 'Tae korn, khoy pen nak hian'.
'Nak hian' is for general school; 'Nak seuk sa' is for university/college.
No, 'pen' never changes in Lao.
It's grammatically okay but sounds like you're confirming a fact rather than introducing yourself.
To make it plural, add 'Phuak' before 'hao': 'Phuak hao pen nak hian'.
Add 'bo' at the end: 'Chao pen nak hian bo?'
It's a prefix meaning 'person who does X' or 'expert in X'.
Yes, the Thai version is almost identical: 'Phom/Dichan pen nak rian'.
Yes, if you are currently a student applying for an internship.
Add 'keng' at the end: 'Khoy pen nak hian keng'.
Yes, but use 'Khanoy' instead of 'Khoy' to be extra respectful.
Expressions liées
ຂ້ອຍເປັນນັກສຶກສາ
specialized formI am a university student
ຂ້ອຍເປັນຄູ
contrastI am a teacher
ຂ້ອຍຮຽນພາສາລາວ
builds onI study Lao
ຂ້ອຍເປັນນັກຮຽນເກັ່ງ
specialized formI am a good/smart student
