Signification
Ten people telling is not like seeing once.
Contexte culturel
In Lao culture, direct confrontation is avoided. Using a proverb like this allows you to express doubt without calling someone a liar directly. The Thai version is nearly identical (สิบปากว่า ไม่เท่าตาเห็น). This reflects the shared linguistic and cultural history of the Tai peoples. In the Isan region, which speaks a dialect very close to Lao, this proverb is used exactly as it is in Laos, reinforcing regional identity. In business across the region, 'seeing' often means seeing the physical cash or the signed document. Talk is cheap, and this proverb is the guiding principle.
Use it for Skepticism
Use this phrase when you want to sound wise and cautious rather than just saying 'I don't believe you.'
Tone Matters
If you say it too sharply, it can sound like you are calling the other person a liar. Keep your tone neutral.
Signification
Ten people telling is not like seeing once.
Use it for Skepticism
Use this phrase when you want to sound wise and cautious rather than just saying 'I don't believe you.'
Tone Matters
If you say it too sharply, it can sound like you are calling the other person a liar. Keep your tone neutral.
The 'Tho' vs 'Thao' Rule
In Vientiane, you'll hear 'bo tho'. In more formal writing or Thai-influenced speech, you'll hear 'bo thao'. Both are correct, but 'bo tho' sounds more authentically Lao.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
ສິບປາກເວົ້າ ບໍ່ທໍ່_______ເຫັນ
The proverb contrasts the mouth (speaking) with the eye (seeing). 'Ta' means eye.
Which situation best fits the proverb 'ສິບປາກເວົ້າ ບໍ່ທໍ່ຕາເຫັນ'?
Someone tells you a restaurant is great, but you want to try it yourself.
The proverb is used when you want to verify someone's claim through your own experience.
Match the Lao words to their English meanings.
1. ສິບ, 2. ປາກ, 3. ບໍ່ທໍ່, 4. ຕາ
Basic vocabulary check for the components of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: ຂ້ອຍໄດ້ຍິນວ່າລາວຈະແຕ່ງງານ. B: __________________.
In response to a rumor about a marriage, 'seeing is believing' is the most appropriate cultural response.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesສິບປາກເວົ້າ ບໍ່ທໍ່_______ເຫັນ
The proverb contrasts the mouth (speaking) with the eye (seeing). 'Ta' means eye.
Someone tells you a restaurant is great, but you want to try it yourself.
The proverb is used when you want to verify someone's claim through your own experience.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Basic vocabulary check for the components of the proverb.
A: ຂ້ອຍໄດ້ຍິນວ່າລາວຈະແຕ່ງງານ. B: __________________.
In response to a rumor about a marriage, 'seeing is believing' is the most appropriate cultural response.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsTen is a symbolic number in Lao representing a group or a large amount. It's not literally ten people.
No, it's generally seen as a sign of wisdom and practicality. However, context and tone are important.
Yes, especially when discussing the need for physical evidence or site inspections.
'Vao' means to speak/talk, while 'va' means to say. They are interchangeable in this proverb.
Yes! Modern Lao people use it to refer to the difference between a social media post and real life.
Expressions liées
ສິບຮູ້ບໍ່ທໍ່ເຄີຍ
similarKnowing ten things is not like having experience once.
ຟັງຫູໄວ້ຫູ
similarListen with one ear, keep the other ear open.
ເວົ້າໄປສອງໄພ້ ບົກໄວ້ດີກວ່າ
contrastSpeaking is worth two coins, silence is worth more.
