Meaning
Confirming something with certainty.
Cultural Background
In Lao culture, saying 'Nae Non' is a way to build trust. Because people are generally humble and indirect, using this phrase shows you are making a special effort to be clear and committed. Be aware that 'Nae Non' regarding time can be flexible. If someone says they are coming 'nae non' at 8:00 PM, they might mean they definitely intend to come, but might arrive at 8:30 PM. The concept of 'certainty' in Laos is often linked to the idea of 'Sajja' (truth/promise). To say something is certain is to put your personal truth on the line. In the capital, Vientiane, 'Nae Non' is used very frequently in business. In rural areas, you might hear more regional variations like 'Thae Thae' or 'Ching Ching'.
The 'Laew' Trick
If you want to sound like a local in a business meeting, use 'Nae non laew' instead of just 'Nae non'. It sounds more decisive and professional.
Don't ask with it!
Never ask 'Chao nae non bor?' to mean 'Are you sure?'. It sounds like you're asking if the person is 'fixed in a lying position'. Use 'Nae jai bor?' instead.
Meaning
Confirming something with certainty.
The 'Laew' Trick
If you want to sound like a local in a business meeting, use 'Nae non laew' instead of just 'Nae non'. It sounds more decisive and professional.
Don't ask with it!
Never ask 'Chao nae non bor?' to mean 'Are you sure?'. It sounds like you're asking if the person is 'fixed in a lying position'. Use 'Nae jai bor?' instead.
Enthusiasm is Key
When using 'Nae non' as an interjection, use a bright, rising intonation to show you are happy to agree. A flat tone can sound sarcastic.
Texting Shortcut
Lao youth often text 'ນນ' (nn) as a shortcut for 'ແນ່ນອນ' in casual chats.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank to say 'I will definitely go.'
ຂ້ອຍຈະໄປ _______.
'ແນ່ນອນ' (Nae Non) is the word for 'definitely'.
Which is the most polite way to say 'Of course' to a teacher?
How do you say 'Of course' politely?
Adding 'ໂດຍ' (Doi) and 'ແລ້ວ' (Laew) makes the expression formal and respectful.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ອາຫານລາວແຊບບໍ? (Is Lao food delicious?) B: _________!
Since Lao food is famous for being delicious, 'Definitely!' is the most natural answer.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are 100% sure it will rain because the sky is black.
Use 'ແນ່ນອນ' at the end to show you are certain about your prediction.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use ແນ່ນອນ
Agreement
- • Of course!
- • I agree!
- • Definitely!
Future
- • Will happen
- • Will go
- • Will finish
Politeness
- • Doi, nae non
- • Nae non laew
Practice Bank
4 exercisesຂ້ອຍຈະໄປ _______.
'ແນ່ນອນ' (Nae Non) is the word for 'definitely'.
How do you say 'Of course' politely?
Adding 'ໂດຍ' (Doi) and 'ແລ້ວ' (Laew) makes the expression formal and respectful.
A: ອາຫານລາວແຊບບໍ? (Is Lao food delicious?) B: _________!
Since Lao food is famous for being delicious, 'Definitely!' is the most natural answer.
You are 100% sure it will rain because the sky is black.
Use 'ແນ່ນອນ' at the end to show you are certain about your prediction.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's better to say 'ໂດຍ, ແນ່ນອນ' or 'ແນ່ນອນແລ້ວ' to add a layer of respect.
Yes, it's like a 'Strong Yes'. If someone asks a yes/no question and you are 100% sure, use it!
'ແນ່ນອນ' is about certainty (definitely), while 'ແທ້ໆ' is about intensity (really/very).
You say 'ບໍ່ແນ່ນອນ' (Bor nae non).
It's just a linguistic coincidence that the word for 'lie down' is used for both sleep and stability/certainty.
Yes, as an interjection like 'Of course, I will help you.'
Yes, Thai uses the exact same word (แน่นอน) with the same meaning.
Young people might say 'ແນ່ໆ' (Nae Nae) for a more casual 'For sure'.
Yes. If someone says 'It's not good,' you can say 'ແນ່ນອນ' to mean 'Definitely (it's not)'.
Extremely! It's a very rhythmic word often used in pop and rock choruses.
Related Phrases
ແນ່ໃຈ
similarTo be sure (internally/emotionally)
ແທ້ໆ
similarReally / Truly
ຕົກລົງ
builds onTo agree / Okay
ບໍ່ແນ່ນອນ
contrastUncertain / Not sure
ແນ່ນອນແລ້ວ
specialized formAlready certain / It's a done deal
