Meaning
Using public transportation.
Cultural Background
The 'White and Green' buses are a gift from Kyoto, Japan. They are a symbol of international friendship and are the most common buses you will 'nang'. When you 'nang lot me', it is customary to offer your seat to a monk (Phra-song). Monks usually sit at the very back or front depending on the bus layout. In rural areas, 'lot me' might actually be a 'Songthaew' (a truck with two benches). You still use the phrase 'nang lot me' to describe the act of taking this public transport. It is very common to share snacks on a long-distance bus. If someone offers you food while you 'nang lot me', it is polite to accept a small piece.
The 'Sit' Rule
Always use 'nang' (sit) for any transport where you are a passenger in a seat. It makes you sound much more native than using 'take'.
Don't 'Jap' the Bus
Never say 'jap lot me'. It sounds like you are physically trying to stop the bus with your hands.
Meaning
Using public transportation.
The 'Sit' Rule
Always use 'nang' (sit) for any transport where you are a passenger in a seat. It makes you sound much more native than using 'take'.
Don't 'Jap' the Bus
Never say 'jap lot me'. It sounds like you are physically trying to stop the bus with your hands.
Line Numbers
When talking about specific buses, just say 'Nang sai [Number]'. You don't always have to repeat 'lot me'.
Small Talk
If you are 'nang lot me' and an elder sits next to you, a slight nod or 'Sabaidee' is expected.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb for 'taking the bus'.
ຂ້ອຍ ___ ລົດເມໄປຕະຫຼາດ.
In Lao, you 'sit' (nang) the bus.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I go to school by bus'?
Choose the best option:
'Nang lot me' is the standard collocation for taking the bus.
Match the Lao phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the core components of bus travel vocabulary.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ເຈົ້າມາແນວໃດ? B: ຂ້ອຍ ___.
The question asks 'How did you come?', so the answer should describe the mode of transport.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Things you do on a bus
Actions
- • ນັ່ງ (Sit)
- • ຂຶ້ນ (Get on)
- • ລົງ (Get off)
Objects
- • ປີ້ (Ticket)
- • ປ້າຍ (Stop)
- • ທາງ (Road)
Practice Bank
4 exercisesຂ້ອຍ ___ ລົດເມໄປຕະຫຼາດ.
In Lao, you 'sit' (nang) the bus.
Choose the best option:
'Nang lot me' is the standard collocation for taking the bus.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core components of bus travel vocabulary.
A: ເຈົ້າມາແນວໃດ? B: ຂ້ອຍ ___.
The question asks 'How did you come?', so the answer should describe the mode of transport.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, for a taxi you say 'nang taxi'. 'Lot me' specifically refers to the public bus.
It's not wrong, but it's very informal. It's like saying 'riding the bus' instead of 'taking the bus'.
You say 'Khoy yuเทິງ lot me' or simply 'Khoy nang lot me yu'.
No, 'nang' is followed directly by the vehicle: 'nang lot me'.
You still say 'nang lot me' to describe the trip, but if you want to be literal about standing, you'd say 'yuen yu lot me'.
Yes, especially with the 'Lao Bus Nav' app. You can 'nang lot me' to almost anywhere in the city now.
It's a loanword from the French colonial era, likely from 'malle' (mail).
Yes, it applies to both city buses and long-distance coaches.
Yes, Lao buses are quite social. Talking quietly is perfectly fine.
Usually, you pay the conductor or driver when you 'nang lot me'. In Vientiane, some buses now have card readers.
Related Phrases
ຂີ່ລົດຈັກ
similarTo ride a motorbike
ຂຶ້ນລົດ
builds onTo get on the vehicle
ລົງລົດ
contrastTo get off the vehicle
ລົດເມປະຈຳທາງ
specialized formScheduled public bus
