Signification
Keep your bad feelings to yourself.
Contexte culturel
The 'Mor Nam' (water jar) is a sacred symbol of Lao hospitality. Even today, in some villages, you will find these jars with a coconut shell ladle (Kaloke) for anyone to use. The proverb is identical in Thailand, reflecting the shared 'Chai Yen' (cool heart) philosophy of the region. Westerners may find this proverb difficult as it can seem like 'faking' emotions. However, in Laos, it is seen as a form of emotional intelligence and kindness toward others. In Lao business, direct confrontation is avoided. This proverb is the guiding principle for handling disagreements in the boardroom.
Use it to de-escalate
If someone is getting angry, saying this proverb gently can remind them of social norms without being confrontational.
Don't overdo it
If you never show your true feelings, people might find it hard to trust you deeply. Balance is key.
Signification
Keep your bad feelings to yourself.
Use it to de-escalate
If someone is getting angry, saying this proverb gently can remind them of social norms without being confrontational.
Don't overdo it
If you never show your true feelings, people might find it hard to trust you deeply. Balance is key.
The Smile
In Laos, a smile is the 'Nam Sai' (clear water). Even if you are confused or sad, a smile is the default social mask.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
ນ້ຳ____ໄວ້ໃນ ນ້ຳ____ໄວ້ນອກ
The correct words are 'ຂຸ່ນ' (muddy) and 'ໃສ' (clear).
Which situation best describes 'Nam Khun Wai Nai, Nam Sai Wai Nok'?
A person is angry at their boss but...
Keeping the 'muddy' anger inside and showing 'clear' politeness is the essence of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
A: ຂ້ອຍຢາກຮ້ອງໄຫ້ແທ້ໆ. B: ອົດທົນກ່ອນເດີ້, ຢູ່ຕໍ່ໜ້າແຂກເຮົາຕ້ອງ _______.
In front of guests, one must show 'clear water' (politeness).
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
The Two Waters
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesນ້ຳ____ໄວ້ໃນ ນ້ຳ____ໄວ້ນອກ
The correct words are 'ຂຸ່ນ' (muddy) and 'ໃສ' (clear).
A person is angry at their boss but...
Keeping the 'muddy' anger inside and showing 'clear' politeness is the essence of the proverb.
A: ຂ້ອຍຢາກຮ້ອງໄຫ້ແທ້ໆ. B: ອົດທົນກ່ອນເດີ້, ຢູ່ຕໍ່ໜ້າແຂກເຮົາຕ້ອງ _______.
In front of guests, one must show 'clear water' (politeness).
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, though younger generations are more open about mental health, they still value this proverb for professional and formal social settings.
No. It means you should deliver the truth with a 'clear' (polite) attitude rather than a 'muddy' (angry) one.
There isn't a direct 'opposite' proverb, but 'ການລະບາຍອາລົມ' (venting emotions) is the opposite action.
You can use it *about* yourself to your boss to show you are professional, but don't tell your boss to do it!
Expressions liées
ໃຈເຢັນ
similarCool heart / Calm
ເກງໃຈ
builds onTo be considerate
ໃຈຮ້ອນ
contrastHot heart / Angry
ເກັບອາລົມ
specialized formTo suppress emotions
