Signification
Stating a lack of knowledge.
Contexte culturel
In the capital, people are used to foreigners. A simple 'Baw huu' is accepted, but adding 'khoy' (I) is seen as more educated. The accent here is softer. 'Baw' might sound slightly different, and politeness is very highly valued due to the royal history. The Isan language is very similar to Lao. They also use 'Baw huu', but often mix in Thai polite particles like 'khrap' or 'ka'. Second-generation Lao speakers might use 'Baw huu' but struggle with the distinction between 'huu' and 'huu jak', often defaulting to English logic.
The 'Der' Trick
Always add 'ເດີ' (der) after 'ບໍ່ຮູ້' to sound instantly more friendly and less like a robot.
Avoid the Shrug
In some cultures, a shrug is enough. In Laos, a shrug without the words 'Baw huu' can sometimes be seen as dismissive. Always say the words.
Signification
Stating a lack of knowledge.
The 'Der' Trick
Always add 'ເດີ' (der) after 'ບໍ່ຮູ້' to sound instantly more friendly and less like a robot.
Avoid the Shrug
In some cultures, a shrug is enough. In Laos, a shrug without the words 'Baw huu' can sometimes be seen as dismissive. Always say the words.
The Polite Lie
If someone asks you a personal question you don't want to answer, 'Baw huu' is a perfectly acceptable way to change the subject without being rude.
Teste-toi
How do you say 'I don't know' politely to an elder?
Select the best option:
Adding 'jao' makes the statement respectful.
Fill in the blank to say 'I don't know the way.'
ຂ້ອຍ___ທາງ.
'Baw huu' is used for lacking information like directions.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are in a formal meeting and don't have the data.
'Baw sap' is the formal register for 'don't know'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ເຈົ້າຮູ້ບໍ່ວ່າລາວຢູ່ໃສ? B: _________.
This correctly repeats the clause to say 'I don't know where he is'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSelect the best option:
Adding 'jao' makes the statement respectful.
ຂ້ອຍ___ທາງ.
'Baw huu' is used for lacking information like directions.
Situation: You are in a formal meeting and don't have the data.
'Baw sap' is the formal register for 'don't know'.
A: ເຈົ້າຮູ້ບໍ່ວ່າລາວຢູ່ໃສ? B: _________.
This correctly repeats the clause to say 'I don't know where he is'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot inherently, but it can be blunt. Add 'khoy' at the beginning and 'jao' or 'der' at the end to make it polite.
'Baw Huu' is for everyday life. 'Baw Sap' is for formal, official, or very respectful situations.
No, use 'Baw Huu Jak' for people you don't know personally.
You can say 'ບໍ່ຮູ້ຫຍັງເລີຍ' (Baw huu nyang loei).
It's to maintain social harmony and show they feel bad for not being able to help.
Yes and no. It's the same word, but at the start it negates, and at the end it asks a question.
Say 'ຍັງບໍ່ຮູ້ເທື່ອ' (Nyang baw huu teua).
No, 'Baw' just means 'No'. You need the verb 'Huu' to mean 'Don't know'.
You say 'ເຮັດບໍ່ເປັນ' (Het baw pen) - 'Don't know how to do'. 'Baw huu' is for information.
Yes, 'Jak' or 'Jak laew' is very common slang for 'I don't know'.
Expressions liées
ບໍ່ຮູ້ຈັກ
similarTo not know (a person/place)
ບໍ່ເຂົ້າໃຈ
similarTo not understand
ບໍ່ຊາບ
specialized formTo not know (formal)
ບໍ່ແນ່ໃຈ
similarNot sure
ບໍ່ຈື່
similarDon't remember
ຈັກແລ້ວ
informalNo idea / Who knows
