Lao Days and Months: #1 Beginner’s Easy Guide

Learning a new language is like embarking on an exciting journey, and today, we’re taking you on an adventure through the Lao days and months. If you’re a beginner in Lao, fret not – we’ve got you covered with this concise guide. Lao is the most underrated country to visit in Southeast Asia, and learning some basic Lao before you go will go an extremely long way with the kind locals.

So, let’s dive in and uncover the beauty of Lao days and months, along with some conversational gems to use in speaking with a local. 

Days In Lao

In Lao, days of the week are quite similar to English. Here’s a quick rundown of the days and their English translations.

Remember, repetition is the key when learning days of the week. Try using them in sentences like, “vnoathid penmu thidi,” (ວັນອາທິດເປັນມື້ທີ່ດີ) to get a hang of it! It means, “Sunday is a good day.”

Check out Lao pronouns & easy ways to say hello in Lao to get you more involved in your language learning journey!

Lao Months

Lao months, just like days, share some similarities with English. Here’s a handy list of Lao months and their English equivalents.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Just take it one month at a time. You can say, “Duan Mung Khao-nhae Hao Dai,” (ເດືອນມັງກອນຮອດຂີດເສຍ) to make it more personal. It means, “I was born in January.”

Conversation Using Lao Days And Months

Now, let’s sprinkle some everyday conversation with our newfound knowledge. Imagine chatting with a friend:

Friend: Wan Chan Khoy Kao Ma Nao? ວັນຈັນຂ້ອຍເຂົ້າມາໃນຫລື?) (What did you do on Tuesday?)

You: Khoy Dai Pa Hua Eud Khaw. (ຂ້ອຍໄດ້ພັກເຮົາຢຸດຂາວ.) (I went hiking with my friends.)

Friend: Duan Mi Thuunaa Hao Dai Naei Saa Khua Khuab Nang Duem Khao? (ເດືອນມິຖຸນາຮອດຂອງເຈົ້າແນ່ໃຈກ່ຽວກັບຫນັງດື່ມຂອງເຂົາ?) (How was your April holiday with your family?)

You: Phuak Khao Pa Hua Mi Di Nai. (ພວກເຂົ້າຮອດສຸກຂອງພວກເຮົາມີດີໃດນີ້.) (My family’s holiday was fantastic this time.)

So, whether you’re chatting about your weekend plans or sharing stories from your travels, using Lao days and months in conversation can add that extra touch of authenticity.

Embracing Lao Time And Culture 

Learning the days and months in Lao isn’t just about memorizing words – it’s also a window into the rich culture of Laos. Lao people have a deep connection with lunar, solar, and Buddhist calendar Lao, which influences not only their holidays but also their everyday life. The Lao zodiac calendar is also important in Lao culture. For instance, the Lao New Year, known as “Pi Mai,” is celebrated in April when locals engage in water fights and visit temples to wash away the past year’s misfortunes.

Did You Know?

• “ອາທິດ” (Monday) is associated with the moon, making it a day to pay respects to one’s parents and elders.
• “ພະຫັດ” (Thursday) is considered an auspicious day for weddings.

Celebrating Through The Months: Special Events & Holidays in Laos 

January: Boun Pha Vet (Magha Puja)

The year begins with Boun Pha Vet, a Buddhist holiday that falls on the full moon day of the third lunar month. Monks gather at temples across the country to commemorate the teachings of Lord Buddha. Lao locals light candles, offer food to monks, and participate in candlelit processions that create a serene and magical atmosphere at this religious festival.

April: Pi Mai Festival (Lao New Year)

Pi Mai, the Lao New Year, is an exuberant celebration that takes place in April. Lasting for three days, the country transforms into a water-filled playground as people engage in friendly water fights to symbolize washing away the past year’s troubles. Temples are adorned with vibrant decorations, and families gather to pay respects to their ancestors and offer food to monks.

July: Boun Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent)

Boun Khao Phansa marks the beginning of Buddhist Lent, a period of three months during the rainy season when monks traditionally stay within their temples to study and meditate. This time is also seen as an opportunity for laypeople to deepen their spiritual practices. Candlelit processions known as “Wien Tien” take place at temples, creating a serene and captivating ambiance.

December: That Luang Festival

One of the most iconic events in Laos, the That Luang Festival, takes place at the That Luang stupa in Vientiane. This three-day celebration includes religious ceremonies, processions, and traditional performances. The golden stupa itself becomes a focal point of reverence and beauty, attracting both locals and visitors.

To Conclude

So, there you have it – your ultimate guide to the Lao days and months of the year & the Lao calendar! Armed with these key phrases and translations, you’re well on your way to learning Lao generally impressing your Lao-speaking friends. Stay tuned for more language learning tips and tricks right here on our blog.

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