Signification
Stating that one has forgotten something.
Contexte culturel
Saying 'Baw Jeu' is a common way to avoid a difficult question without being rude. It's a 'soft' answer. In Lao schools, rote memorization is common. Therefore, 'Jeu' (to memorize/remember) is a very important verb for students. If a host forgets what you like to eat, they will apologize profusely using 'Baw Jeu' to show they care about your preferences. In Vientiane, the tone of 'Jeu' is a low-rising tone. In the north (Luang Prabang), it may sound slightly different, but the meaning is universal.
Add 'Dai'
Saying 'Jeu baw dai' sounds slightly more natural when you are struggling to recall something in the moment.
Don't just say 'Baw'
Saying only 'Baw' (No) can be rude. Always add the verb 'Jeu' to be clear.
Signification
Stating that one has forgotten something.
Add 'Dai'
Saying 'Jeu baw dai' sounds slightly more natural when you are struggling to recall something in the moment.
Don't just say 'Baw'
Saying only 'Baw' (No) can be rude. Always add the verb 'Jeu' to be clear.
The Smile
In Laos, a smile after saying 'Baw Jeu' signals that you aren't being dismissive, just forgetful.
Context is King
If you forget a word, point to the object and say 'Baw jeu kham sap' (Don't remember the word).
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to say 'I don't remember the name.'
ຂ້ອຍ ___ ຊື່. (Khoy ___ seu.)
'ບໍ່ຈື່' (Baw Jeu) is the correct phrase for 'don't remember'.
Which phrase is used when you forget to bring your wallet?
You left your wallet at home. You say:
Use 'Lueam' (ລືມ) for forgetting objects or actions.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ເຈົ້າຈື່ເບີໂທລະສັບລາວໄດ້ບໍ? B: ________.
The most natural response to a 'Yes/No' question about memory.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are looking at an old photo and don't know who the person is.
'ບໍ່ຈື່ໜ້າ' (Baw jeu na) means 'don't remember the face'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Baw Jeu vs. Lueam
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesຂ້ອຍ ___ ຊື່. (Khoy ___ seu.)
'ບໍ່ຈື່' (Baw Jeu) is the correct phrase for 'don't remember'.
You left your wallet at home. You say:
Use 'Lueam' (ລືມ) for forgetting objects or actions.
A: ເຈົ້າຈື່ເບີໂທລະສັບລາວໄດ້ບໍ? B: ________.
The most natural response to a 'Yes/No' question about memory.
Situation: You are looking at an old photo and don't know who the person is.
'ບໍ່ຈື່ໜ້າ' (Baw jeu na) means 'don't remember the face'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is neutral. To make it more polite, add 'Khon-thot' (Sorry) before it.
No, use 'Lueam' (ລືມ) for physical objects.
'Baw Jeu' is 'I don't remember'. 'Jeu Baw Dai' is 'I cannot remember'. They are used interchangeably.
You would say 'Khoy ja baw lueam' (I will not forget).
Yes, use 'Khanoy baw jeu' when speaking to monks or elders.
No, use 'Baw Hou' (Don't know) if you never knew it in the first place.
No, Lao verbs don't change. You can add 'laew' at the end to show it's already happened.
Very similar. Thai is 'Jam mai dai'. Lao 'Jeu' and Thai 'Jam' are cognates.
Yes, 'Baw jeu jao' means 'I don't remember you'.
Use 'Lueam het...' (Forgot to do...).
Expressions liées
ລືມ
similarTo forget
ຈື່ໄດ້
contrastCan remember
ຄິດບໍ່ອອກ
similarCan't think of it
ຈື່ຈຳ
specialized formTo memorize/remember vividly
ບໍ່ແນ່ໃຈ
similarNot sure
