Lao (ພາສາລາວ) is closely related to Thai — those who speak Thai understand a lot. The Lao script looks like artfully curved flourishes to Western eyes. Lao is a tonal language with 6 tones — the meaning of a word changes depending on the pitch.
In tourist areas (Luang Prabang, Vientiane), you can get by with English. But just a few Lao words will earn you smiles and respect — the Lao love it when foreigners try their language. And the most important phrase of the trip: Bo Pen Nyang — "No problem".
Greetings & Politeness
| German | Lao (Pronunciation) |
|---|
| Hello | Sabaidee (Sa-bai-dii) |
| Goodbye | La gon (La goon) |
| Thank you | Khop chai (Kop tschai) |
| Thank you very much | Khop chai lai lai (Kop tschai lai lai) |
| Please / You're welcome | Kaluna / Bo pen nyang |
| Yes | Jao (Dschau) |
| No | Bo (Boh) |
| Sorry | Kho thot (Koh toht) |
| No problem! | Bo pen nyang! (Boh pen njang!) |
| How are you? | Sabaidee bo? (Sa-bai-dii boh?) |
| I'm fine | Sabaidee |
| What's your name? | Jao seu nyang? |
| My name is... | Khoi seu... |
Useful Phrases
| German | Lao (Pronunciation) |
|---|
| How much does this cost? | Ni thao dai? (Nii tao dai?) |
| Too expensive! | Phaeng lai! (Päng lai!) |
| Cheaper please | Lot dai bo? (Lot dai boh?) |
| Where is...? | ...yu sai? |
| Where is the toilet? | Hong nam yu sai? |
| I don't understand | Khoi bo khao jai |
| Do you speak English? | Jao vao phasa Angkit dai bo? |
| Delicious! | Sep lai! (Sep lai!) |
| Beautiful! | Ngam! |
| Cheers! | Nyok! or Tam keo! |
Food & Restaurant
| German | Lao |
|---|
| Water | Nam |
| Rice (Sticky Rice) | Khao niao |
| Rice (normal) | Khao jao |
| Fish | Pa |
| Chicken | Kai |
| Pork | Muu |
| Beer | Bia |
| Coffee | Kafae |
| Not spicy please | Bo sai phak! |
| The bill please | Khep ngoen duay! or Check bin! |
Numbers
| Number | Lao | Number | Lao |
|---|
| 1 | Nueng | 6 | Hok |
| 2 | Song | 7 | Jet |
| 3 | Sam | 8 | Paet |
| 4 | Si | 9 | Kao |
| 5 | Ha | 10 | Sip |
Transport & Emergency
| German | Lao |
|---|
| Hotel | Hong haem |
| Room | Hong |
| Airport | Sanam bin |
| Left / Right / Straight ahead | Sai / Khwa / Pai seu |
| Stop! | Yut! |
| Help! | Suay duay! |
| Hospital | Hong mo |
| Police | Tam luat |
| Emergency number | 191 (Police), 1195 (Ambulance), 1190 (Fire Department) |
💡 Tipp
The three magic words in Laos: 1) "Sabaidee" (Hello) — with a smile and a slight bow (hands together, Nop gesture). 2) "Khop chai" (Thank you). 3) "Bo pen nyang" (No problem). With these three sentences and a smile, you can go anywhere. And: The Lao people speak more quietly than we do — adjust your volume accordingly.
