Signification
Declining an offer or an item.
Contexte culturel
In Lao markets, vendors are persistent but rarely aggressive. A 'Baw Ao' with a smile is always respected. It's part of the social contract of bargaining. The phrase 'Baw ao thong' has become a slogan for young Lao environmentalists in Vientiane and Luang Prabang to reduce plastic waste. Lao people often refuse food the first time out of politeness (Greng Jai). If you are the host, you should offer a second time. When offering alms to monks, they do not say 'Baw Ao'. They simply accept or move on. As a layperson, you use very formal language if you were to decline something from a monk.
The Smile Rule
In Laos, a refusal is always better received with a smile. It neutralizes the 'No'.
Avoid 'Baw' alone
Never just say 'Baw' to a vendor. It sounds like you are annoyed. Always add 'Ao'.
Signification
Declining an offer or an item.
The Smile Rule
In Laos, a refusal is always better received with a smile. It neutralizes the 'No'.
Avoid 'Baw' alone
Never just say 'Baw' to a vendor. It sounds like you are annoyed. Always add 'Ao'.
The 'Der' Factor
Adding 'der' (ເດີ) at the end of 'Baw Ao' makes you sound like a local who understands Lao politeness.
Double Refusal
If someone offers you something and you really don't want it, you might have to say 'Baw Ao' twice as they might think you are just being 'Greng Jai'.
Teste-toi
How do you politely tell a vendor you don't want a bag?
Vendor: ໃສ່ຖົງບໍ່? (Put in a bag?)
'Baw ao thong der, khop chai' is the perfect polite refusal for a bag.
Complete the sentence to say 'I don't want it anymore'.
ຂ້ອຍບໍ່ເອົາ ____.
'Laew' indicates a change of state, meaning 'anymore' in this context.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are full and don't want more food.
'Im laew' means 'already full', which explains why you 'Baw ao'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ເອົານ້ຳຕານບໍ່? B: ______, ຂ້ອຍບໍ່ມັກຫວານ.
Since the speaker doesn't like sweet things (wan), they should decline the sugar.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVendor: ໃສ່ຖົງບໍ່? (Put in a bag?)
'Baw ao thong der, khop chai' is the perfect polite refusal for a bag.
ຂ້ອຍບໍ່ເອົາ ____.
'Laew' indicates a change of state, meaning 'anymore' in this context.
You are full and don't want more food.
'Im laew' means 'already full', which explains why you 'Baw ao'.
A: ເອົານ້ຳຕານບໍ່? B: ______, ຂ້ອຍບໍ່ມັກຫວານ.
Since the speaker doesn't like sweet things (wan), they should decline the sugar.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot if you add 'Khop Chai' (Thank you) or 'Der'. By itself, it can be a bit blunt.
Yes, if someone offers it. But if you are ordering, say 'Baw sai...' (Don't put...).
'Baw Ao' is 'I don't take it'. 'Baw Yak' is 'I don't want/desire it'.
Say 'Baw ao thong' (ບໍ່ເອົາຖົງ).
No, Lao verbs do not change for person or number.
Yes, but it's better to use more formal variations like 'Baw kho hup' (I don't wish to receive).
Yes, the meaning and usage are identical, only the pronunciation of 'Baw' vs 'Mai' differs.
You can say 'Baw ao' if someone is 'taking' you, but 'Baw yak pai' is more common.
Say 'Baw ao laew, im laew'.
Yes, a small wave or holding your hand up palm-outward is common.
Expressions liées
ບໍ່ເປັນຫຍັງ
similarIt's nothing / No problem
ບໍ່ຢາກ
similarDon't want (desire)
ອີ່ມແລ້ວ
builds onFull already
ເອົາອັນນີ້
contrastTake this one
ບໍ່ເອົາການເອົາງານ
specialized formIrresponsible
