Hmong phrases
Essential Hmong phrases: nyob zoo, ua tsaug, and labelled White vs Green forms
Nyob zoo is the search. The mistake is downloading a “generic Hmong” list that blends two varieties.
People searching “Hmong phrases” usually want hello, thank you, and how are you — for Minnesota, California, Wisconsin, France or a video call home. Start there. Add tones immediately; in Romanised Hmong a final letter often marks tone, not a spoken consonant.
| English | How people say it | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / live well | Nyob zoo | Widely taught White Hmong greeting. |
| How are you? | Koj nyob li cas? / Koj puas nyob zoo? | Ask your family which line they use. |
| I am well | Kuv nyob zoo | Reply. |
| Thank you | Ua tsaug | White Hmong; do not assume Green is identical. |
| Sorry | Thov txim | Useful repair line. |
| What is your name? | Koj lub npe hu li cas? | White Hmong teaching form. |
White Hmong has more published phrasebooks. That is a resource gap, not a ranking of which Hmong is better. If your family is Green Hmong / Mong Leng, you need labelled Green forms — not White Hmong with the vowels swapped in your head.
Learn Hmong Language keeps the two tracks separate, with a tone map and a family phrasebook. A purchase is required; there is no free sample. Details: how to learn Hmong without mixing varieties and White Hmong vs Green Hmong.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say hello in Hmong?
A common White Hmong greeting is Nyob zoo. Green Hmong / Mong Leng has its own labelled forms. Ask which variety your family uses.
How do you say thank you in Hmong?
A widely taught White Hmong line is Ua tsaug. Confirm the Green Hmong form with your household or a labelled course.
Should I mix White and Green Hmong?
No. They are related and often mutually intelligible, but mixing them in one word list creates a hybrid relatives will notice.
