Capability 'Wai'
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'wai' to express physical capability or the ability to perform an action, placed directly before the main verb.
- Place 'wai' before the verb: 'khoy wai pai' (I can go).
- Use 'bo wai' for negative: 'khoy bo wai kin' (I cannot eat).
- Add 'bo' at the end for questions: 'chao wai pai bo?' (Can you go?).
Meanings
The modal verb 'wai' indicates physical capability, endurance, or the ability to perform a task.
Physical Capability
Having the strength or endurance to do something.
“Khoy wai y่าง.”
“Lao wai kin.”
Wai Formation Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | Subject + wai + Verb | Khoy wai pai |
| Negative | Subject + bo + wai + Verb | Khoy bo wai pai |
| Question | Subject + wai + Verb + bo? | Chao wai pai bo? |
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative | S + wai + V | Khoy wai kin |
| Negative | S + bo + wai + V | Khoy bo wai kin |
| Question | S + wai + V + bo? | Chao wai kin bo? |
| Short Yes | wai | wai |
| Short No | bo wai | bo wai |
격식 수준 스펙트럼
Chao wai kin bo? (Dining)
Wai kin bo? (Dining)
Wai kin? (Dining)
Wai bo? (Dining)
Wai Concept Map
Physical
- wai y่าง can walk
Examples by Level
Khoy wai.
I can.
Khoy wai pai.
I can go.
Khoy bo wai kin phet.
I cannot eat spicy food.
Chao wai het ngarn ni bo?
Can you do this work?
Lao bo wai y่าง lai.
He cannot walk much.
Khoy wai su.
I can fight/endure.
Khoy bo wai thon.
I cannot endure it.
Easily Confused
Both mean 'can'.
자주 하는 실수
Wai khoy pai
Khoy wai pai
Khoy wai pai dai
Khoy wai pai
Khoy wai phasa Lao
Khoy dai phasa Lao
Lao bo wai pai
Lao bo wai pai
Sentence Patterns
Khoy ___ ___.
Real World Usage
Bo wai kin phet.
Focus on Stamina
Smart Tips
Use 'bo wai' for spicy food.
발음
Tone
Wai has a rising tone.
Question
Wai bo? ↑
Rising pitch at the end.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Wai is for 'Weight'—if you have the strength to lift the weight, you are 'wai'.
Visual Association
Imagine a person lifting a heavy box. If they can lift it, they say 'wai'.
Rhyme
If you have the might, say 'wai' with delight.
Story
Som is hiking. She is tired. Her friend asks, 'Wai bo?' She says, 'Bo wai!'.
Word Web
챌린지
Say 'wai' or 'bo wai' for 5 things you can/cannot do today.
문화 노트
Used frequently to show humility regarding physical limits.
Native Tai origin.
Conversation Starters
Chao wai kin phet bo?
Journal Prompts
Test Yourself
Khoy ___ pai.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Khoy pai wai bo?
Khoy wai kin.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
I can speak Lao (skill).
Khoy ___ kin phet.
wai / khoy / pai
Score: /8
연습 문제
8 exercisesKhoy ___ pai.
Which is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Khoy pai wai bo?
Khoy wai kin.
Wai = ?
I can speak Lao (skill).
Khoy ___ kin phet.
wai / khoy / pai
Score: /8
자주 묻는 질문 (8)
No, it stays the same.
It is neutral.
No, use 'dai'.
Before 'wai'.
Say 'bo wai'.
Yes, in informal writing.
No, use 'dai'.
Extremely.
In Other Languages
Poder
Lao splits these into wai and dai.
Pouvoir
Lao is more specific.
Können
Lao uses wai for physical stamina.
Dekiru
Lao is strictly physical.
Yastati'
Lao is more colloquial.
Neng
Lao is physical.
