Signification
A wish for someone to have a safe journey.
Contexte culturel
Travelers often visit a temple to receive a blessing from a monk before a major journey. The monk may sprinkle holy water and say a prayer that includes the sentiment of 'Dern Thang Poat Phai'. It is considered rude to let someone leave your home without wishing them a safe journey. Even if you are tired, you should walk them to their car/bike and say the phrase. During the New Year in April, this is the most spoken phrase in the country as millions of people travel. You will see it on giant banners across highways. Many Lao people believe in 'Phi' (spirits) that guard certain stretches of road. Saying 'Dern Thang Poat Phai' is a way to acknowledge the need for protection from these unseen forces.
Add 'Der'
Always add 'der' (ເດີ້) at the end when talking to friends. It makes you sound 10x more natural and friendly.
Tone Matters
Be careful with the tone on 'Poat'. If you say it with a high tone, it won't be understood as 'safe'.
Signification
A wish for someone to have a safe journey.
Add 'Der'
Always add 'der' (ເດີ້) at the end when talking to friends. It makes you sound 10x more natural and friendly.
Tone Matters
Be careful with the tone on 'Poat'. If you say it with a high tone, it won't be understood as 'safe'.
The Nop
If saying this to an elder, remember to Nop. It turns a simple phrase into a sign of deep respect.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to wish someone a safe journey.
ເດີນທາງ______ເດີ້!
'ປອດໄພ' (poat phai) means safe, which completes the phrase 'Travel safely'.
Which phrase is the most formal way to wish someone a safe trip?
Select the formal version:
'ໂດຍສະຫວັດດີພາບ' is the high-register formal suffix for safety/welfare.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Your friend is driving a motorbike home at night.
It's best to combine 'drive carefully' with 'travel safely' for someone on a motorbike.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ຂ້ອຍຈະໄປອາເມລິກາມື້ກາຍນີ້. (I'm going to America tomorrow.) B: Oh! ________.
The appropriate response to someone announcing a trip is to wish them safe travels.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formality Levels
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesເດີນທາງ______ເດີ້!
'ປອດໄພ' (poat phai) means safe, which completes the phrase 'Travel safely'.
Select the formal version:
'ໂດຍສະຫວັດດີພາບ' is the high-register formal suffix for safety/welfare.
Your friend is driving a motorbike home at night.
It's best to combine 'drive carefully' with 'travel safely' for someone on a motorbike.
A: ຂ້ອຍຈະໄປອາເມລິກາມື້ກາຍນີ້. (I'm going to America tomorrow.) B: Oh! ________.
The appropriate response to someone announcing a trip is to wish them safe travels.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, you can, but it might sound a bit 'big'. For very short trips, 'Pai dee-dee der' (Go well) is more common.
The vowel is long (aw sound), so it's more like 'Poat'.
You say it to the person who is leaving, regardless of whether they are driving or just sitting in the car.
'Chok dee' is 'Good luck'. You can use both together: 'Chok dee, dern thang poat phai!'
Not exactly slang, but 'Pai dee ma dee' is the 'cool' traditional way to say it.
You can write it in Lao script or use 'dern thang poat phai' in Roman letters.
Yes, but use the formal 'Kho hai than...' and a high Nop.
You don't say it to yourself! You wait for others to say it to you, and you reply 'Khop chai' (Thank you).
Usually, it's for someone using a vehicle, but for a long hike, it's appropriate.
Yes, the Thai equivalent is 'Doen thang plot phai', which is almost identical.
Expressions liées
ໂຊກດີ
similarGood luck
ໄປດີມາດີ
synonymGo well, come well
ຂັບລົດດີໆ
specialized formDrive carefully
ຮອດແລ້ວບອກແດ່
builds onTell me when you arrive
ເດີນທາງໂດຍສະຫວັດດີພາບ
specialized formTravel with welfare/safety
