Signification
Praising someone's ability or intelligence.
Contexte culturel
Praising children with 'keng' is vital for building their confidence. It is often paired with a pat on the head (though only by elders, as the head is sacred). In diaspora communities, 'keng' is often used to praise younger generations for maintaining their Lao language skills. In a Lao office, praising a subordinate with this phrase is a common way to provide positive reinforcement without needing a formal review. During 'Sepak Takraw' (kick volleyball) matches, fans will shout 'Keng!' repeatedly to cheer on players who perform acrobatic kicks.
Add 'Der'
Saying 'Chao keng lai der' makes you sound much more like a local. It adds a friendly, soft touch to the compliment.
Watch the Tone
If you say 'Keng' with a rising tone, it might sound like 'Keng' (to compete). Keep it low and steady.
Signification
Praising someone's ability or intelligence.
Add 'Der'
Saying 'Chao keng lai der' makes you sound much more like a local. It adds a friendly, soft touch to the compliment.
Watch the Tone
If you say 'Keng' with a rising tone, it might sound like 'Keng' (to compete). Keep it low and steady.
The Modesty Response
If someone says this to you, don't just say 'Thank you'. Say 'Bor pan nan dok' (Not that much) to show you are humble.
Face-Giving
Use this phrase in front of others to give the person 'face'. It is a powerful social lubricant in Laos.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'You are very smart'.
ເຈົ້າ____ຫຼາຍ
'ເກັ່ງ' (keng) means smart/skilled. 'ດີ' is good, 'ງາມ' is beautiful, and 'ຫິວ' is hungry.
Which situation is best for saying 'ເຈົ້າເກັ່ງຫຼາຍ'?
Your friend just won a chess match.
Winning a chess match shows intelligence and skill, which is the perfect time for this phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ຂ້ອຍເວົ້າໄດ້ 3 ພາສາ. B: ໂຫ! ________.
If someone speaks 3 languages, the natural response is to praise their skill.
How do you make the phrase formal?
To praise a boss, you should say:
Replacing 'Chao' with 'Than' adds the necessary level of respect for a formal setting.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Keng vs. Chalard
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesເຈົ້າ____ຫຼາຍ
'ເກັ່ງ' (keng) means smart/skilled. 'ດີ' is good, 'ງາມ' is beautiful, and 'ຫິວ' is hungry.
Your friend just won a chess match.
Winning a chess match shows intelligence and skill, which is the perfect time for this phrase.
A: ຂ້ອຍເວົ້າໄດ້ 3 ພາສາ. B: ໂຫ! ________.
If someone speaks 3 languages, the natural response is to praise their skill.
To praise a boss, you should say:
Replacing 'Chao' with 'Than' adds the necessary level of respect for a formal setting.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is the most common way to praise a child's behavior or schoolwork.
Yes, but use 'Than' instead of 'Chao' to be respectful.
It means both! It covers intelligence and any learned skill.
'Keng' is often about doing something well, while 'Chalard' is about being clever/intelligent.
You would say 'Chao bor keng', but be careful—this is very rude in Lao culture.
Absolutely. It's perfect for praising an athlete's performance.
Young people use 'Sut yot' (Awesome) or 'Khote keng' (Super smart).
No. In Lao, adjectives like 'keng' don't need the verb 'to be'.
Yes, you can say 'Chao keng lai' to the cook to praise their cooking skill.
Yes, it's common in letters, social media, and books.
You can say 'Keng lai lai' or 'Keng thae thae'.
Yes, the Thai equivalent is 'Khun keng mak', which is almost identical.
Expressions liées
ສຸດຍອດ
similarAwesome / The best
ສະຫຼາດ
synonymIntelligent
ມີຄວາມສາມາດ
specialized formTo have ability
ດີຫຼາຍ
similarVery good
ບໍ່ທໍາມະດາ
builds onNot ordinary / Extraordinary
