Language/Lao/Vocabulary/Asking-for-Directions

Lao → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Travel and Transportation → Asking for Directions

As a traveler in Laos, it is essential to know how to ask for directions and understand the responses given to you. While many locals may not speak English, learning how to ask for help in the Lao language can go a long way in making your travels around Laos easier and more enjoyable. In this lesson, we will cover some useful phrases for asking for directions and understanding directions given in Lao.

Basic Phrases

Before we dive into asking for directions, let's go over some basic Lao phrases that will come in handy.

• Sabaaidii - Hello
• Khop chai - Thank you (can be shortened to "chai")
• Sork dii - Goodbye
• Khoy hâi baw? - Can you help me?
• Lâi - Come (used to indicate "this way")

Remember to be polite and respectful when asking for help. A friendly smile and a "sabaaidii" can go a long way!

Asking for Directions

If you're lost or need help finding a specific place, here are some phrases you can use:

• Hong nam yu nai baw? - Where is the restroom?
• Nhâw sân yu nai baw? - Where is the airport?
• Hôtel yu nai baw? - Where is the hotel?
• Phâaeng yu nai baw? - Where is the market?
• Phôoying yu nai baw? - Where is the hospital?
• Wat yu nai baw? - Where is the temple?

When asking for directions, it's important to have a basic understanding of Lao geography. The words "lâi" or "lâi thîaow" both translate to "this way" and can be used to indicate movement towards the location you are trying to find. Similarly, "khoy bpai" (go that way) can be used to indicate a certain direction to take.

Here is an example conversation:

You: Sabaaidii, hôtel yu nai baw? Locals: Hôtel yu sai "Marriott" bâw. Lâi thîaow. Phûkao thoe La Kông. Pûkao mâi bpai hôtel Marriott. You: Khop chai!

Translation:

You: Hello, where is the hotel? Locals: The "Marriott" hotel is over there. Come this way. Turn left at the red light. Turn right and you will see the hotel Marriott. You: Thank you!

Understanding Directions

When receiving directions in Lao, it's important to know some basic vocabulary related to directions. For example:

• Bpai - Go
• Lîaw - Turn
• Kwaa - Cross
• Dâi - Far
• Gôrng - Near
• Bok - Next to

In addition, knowing numbers in Lao can also be helpful for understanding directions. Here are the Lao numbers from 1 to 10:

• neung
• song
• sam
• sii
• hâa
• hôk
• jèt
• bpet
• gâo
• sîp

Here is an example conversation:

Locals: Jâo bpai khâo neung lîaw kwaa song dâi gôrng baw, dâi mâi bok chûmkǎaw nîi baw? You: Hǎaw.

Translation:

Locals: Go straight ahead and turn left at the second intersection. The destination will be on the far side. Do you understand? You: Yes.

Example Phrases

Here are some more examples of useful phrases for asking for directions in Lao:

• Phônghiiyâi khong yu nai baw? - Where is the police station?
• Pâa kâitao yu nai baw? - Where is the bus station?
• Nâam kông yu nai baw? - Where is the river?
• Dâaw sây yu nai baw? - Where is the restaurant?
• Thanôn yu nai baw? - Where is the street?

Remember to always be polite and respectful when asking for directions. Locals will often go out of their way to help travelers, so it's important to show gratitude and respect for their time and assistance.

Conclusion

Asking for directions and understanding directions given in Lao is an important skill for any traveler in Laos. By learning some basic phrases and vocabulary, you can make your travels much easier and more enjoyable. Practice these phrases with locals to immerse yourself in the Lao language and culture, and don't forget to smile and be respectful!

Table of Contents - Lao Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Pronouns and Verb to be

• Personal Pronouns
• Verb to be

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-10
• Telling Time

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Nouns and Plurals

• Nouns
• Plurals

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Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives
• Adverbs

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Food and Drinks

• Common Foods
• Ordering at a Restaurant

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Lao Customs and Etiquette

• Greetings and Social Etiquette
• Festivals and Celebrations

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Questions and Negations

• Question Words
• Negations

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

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Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

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Shopping and Money

• Shopping Vocabulary
• Money and Currency

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Lao Food and Dining

• Traditional Lao Dishes
• Eating Customs and Etiquette

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Tenses and Verb Conjugation

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

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Weather and Seasons

• Weather Vocabulary
• Seasons

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Comparatives and Superlatives

• Comparatives
• Superlatives

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Hobbies and Interests

• Common Hobbies
• Sports and Activities

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Lao Music and Arts

• Traditional Music
• Arts and Crafts

Other Lessons

• Transportation
• Clothes
• Money and Currency
• Fruits
• Count to 10
• Days of the week
• Months of the Year
• Ordering at a Restaurant
• Time
• Seasons