Lao Numbers

Learning numbers in Lao, the official language of Laos, is essential for anyone looking to understand the language and engage with Lao culture and society. Numbers in Lao are used for a variety of everyday activities, such as shopping, telling time, discussing prices, and more. This lesson aims to provide a comprehensive guide to Lao numbers, including pronunciation tips, structure explanations, and practical applications.

Introduction to Lao Numerals

Lao numerals have their own unique script, which is closely related to Thai numerals. The Lao number system follows a straightforward decimal system, similar to many other languages. Mastery of these numbers is crucial for various everyday contexts and for engaging more deeply with Lao culture.

Basic Numbers (1-10)

Mastering numbers 1 through 10 is crucial as they form the foundation for creating larger numbers. Here are the basic Lao numbers with their phonetic pronunciations:

ເອັດ (Et) – [et] – One
ສອງ (Song) – [so̞ŋ] – Two
ສາມ (Sam) – [saːm] – Three
ສີ່ (Si) – [siː] – Four
ຫ້າ (Ha) – [haː] – Five
ຫົກ (Hok) – [ho̞k] – Six
ເຈັດ (Chet) – [cʰet] – Seven
ແປດ (Paet) – [pæːt] – Eight
ເກົ້າ (Kao) – [kao] – Nine
ສິບ (Sip) – [sip] – Ten

Forming Numbers (11-19)

Numbers from 11 to 19 are formed by starting with “sip” (ten) and adding the unit number:

ສິບເອັດ (Sip Et) – [sìp ʔét] – 11
ສິບສອງ (Sip Song) – [sìp sɔ̌ːŋ] – 12
ສິບສາມ (Sip Sam) – [sìp sǎːm] – 13
ສິບສີ່ (Sip Si) – [sìp sìː] – 14
ສິບຫ້າ (Sip Ha) – [sìp hâː] – 15
ສິບຫົກ (Sip Hok) – [sìp hók] – 16
ສິບເຈັດ (Sip Jet) – [sìp dʑét] – 17
ສິບແປດ (Sip Paet) – [sìp pɛ̑ːt] – 18
ສິບເກົ້າ (Sip Kao) – [sìp kâw] – 19

Counting in Tens (20-100)

Learning to count by tens is essential for forming larger numbers:

ຊາວ (Sao) – [saːw] – 20
ສາມສິບ (Sam Sip) – [saːm sip] – 30
ສີ່ສິບ (Si Sip) – [siː sip] – 40
ຫ້າສິບ (Ha Sip) – [haː sip] – 50
ຫົກສິບ (Hok Sip) – [ho̞k sip] – 60
ເຈັດສິບ (Chet Sip) – [cʰet sip] – 70
ແປດສິບ (Paet Sip) – [pæːt sip] – 80
ເກົ້າສິບ (Kao Sip) – [kao sip] – 90
ໜຶ່ງຮ້ອຍ (Neung Roy) – [nɯŋ hoːj] – 100

Compound Numbers (21-99)

For numbers between 21 and 99, Lao forms compound numbers by stating the tens and then adding the unit, connected by “ເລົ່າ” (Lao for “and”) for 21-29. For the rest, the tens and units are directly combined:

ຊາວເອັດ (Sao Et) – [saːw et] – 21
ສາມສິບສອງ (Sam Sip Song) – [saːm sip so̞ŋ] – 32

Larger Numbers

Understanding larger numbers is essential for discussing dates, quantities, and financial transactions:

ໜຶ່ງຮ້ອຍ (Neung Roy) – [nɯŋ hoːj] – 100
ສອງຮ້ອຍ (Song Roy) – [so̞ŋ hoːj] – 200
ພັນ (Phan) – [pʰan] – 1,000
ສອງພັນ (Song Phan) – [so̞ŋ pʰan] – 2,000
ໝື່ນ (Muen) – [mɯːn] – 10,000
ໝື່ນພັນ (Muen Phan) – [mɯːn pʰan] – 100,000
ໝື່ນລ້ານ (Muen Laan) – [mɯːn laːn] – 1,000,000

Practice and Exercises

Listening and Pronunciation Practice: Use audio resources or language learning apps to familiarize yourself with the pronunciation of Lao numbers. Practice speaking them aloud.
Writing and Reading: Practice writing numbers in both numeral and word forms to enhance your reading and writing skills in Lao.
Practical Application: Try to use numbers in everyday situations, such as discussing prices, dates, or quantities, to reinforce your learning.

Tips for Effective Learning

Consistent Practice: Regular practice with numbers will help solidify your understanding and improve recall.
Flashcards: Use flashcards with numbers on one side and their Lao script on the other to test your memory.
Language Exchange: Practice speaking with native speakers or fellow learners. Using numbers in conversation will help you become more comfortable with their pronunciation and usage.

Conclusion

Mastering numbers in Lao is a crucial step towards achieving fluency in the language. By starting with the basics, gradually moving to more complex numbers, and consistently practicing, you’ll enhance your ability to communicate effectively in Lao. Remember, patience and consistent practice are your best tools for learning this beautiful and culturally rich language.