Signification
Indicating that a limit has been reached.
Contexte culturel
In Lao homes, hosts will often ignore your first 'Phaw laew' out of politeness, thinking you are just being modest. You may need to say it twice with a smile. The concept of 'Phaw' is linked to the Buddhist path of the 'Middle Way'. Being 'Phaw' is a sign of spiritual maturity. Because Lao people avoid confrontation, 'Phaw laew' is often said very softly. Listen for the 'laew' to know when to stop. When bargaining, saying 'Phaw laew' can signal that you won't go any higher in price and are ready to walk away.
The Hand Gesture
Always use a flat hand gesture (palm down) when saying this at a table. It's the universal Lao sign for 'I'm done'.
Tone Matters
If you say it with a rising tone, it sounds like a question ('Is it enough?'). Keep it flat or falling for the statement.
Signification
Indicating that a limit has been reached.
The Hand Gesture
Always use a flat hand gesture (palm down) when saying this at a table. It's the universal Lao sign for 'I'm done'.
Tone Matters
If you say it with a rising tone, it sounds like a question ('Is it enough?'). Keep it flat or falling for the statement.
Polite Particles
Add 'ເດີ' (der) at the end to sound like a local friend. 'Phaw laew der' is much warmer than 'Phaw laew'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'Enough already'.
ພໍ ____
'ແລ້ວ' (laew) is the necessary particle to complete the expression.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Someone is pouring too much chili sauce on your noodles.
'ພໍແລ້ວ' is used to stop a quantity from increasing.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ເອົາເບຍອີກບໍ່? (Want more beer?) B: ບໍ່, _______.
To decline more of something, 'ພໍແລ້ວ' is the standard response.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesພໍ ____
'ແລ້ວ' (laew) is the necessary particle to complete the expression.
Someone is pouring too much chili sauce on your noodles.
'ພໍແລ້ວ' is used to stop a quantity from increasing.
A: ເອົາເບຍອີກບໍ່? (Want more beer?) B: ບໍ່, _______.
To decline more of something, 'ພໍແລ້ວ' is the standard response.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot inherently, but it depends on your tone. With a smile, it's perfectly polite. Shouted, it's a command to stop.
Technically yes, but 'Im laew' is more specific to your stomach. 'Phaw laew' is better for 'Stop giving me food'.
You can say 'ພໍເທົ່ານີ້ກ່ອນ' (Phaw thao ni kon).
'Phaw' is the adjective 'enough'. 'Phaw laew' is the complete expression 'That is enough already'.
Yes, to signal that a project or a list of items is complete.
Use 'ບໍ່ພໍ' (Bor phaw).
Yes, it is identical in meaning and very similar in pronunciation.
Yes, 'ພໍແລ້ວ, ເຮົາເລີກກັນ' is a common way to end a relationship in Lao dramas.
Say 'ເກີນພໍ' (Koen phaw).
Yes, 'ເວລາພໍແລ້ວ' (Time is enough/up).
Expressions liées
ພໍດີ
similarJust right / Perfect
ອີ່ມແລ້ວ
similarI'm full
ຢຸດ
synonymStop
ບໍ່ພໍ
contrastNot enough
ພໍໃຈ
builds onSatisfied / Happy
