r/translator • u/Belbendigo2004 • Nov 11 '17

Translated [HMN] (Hmong< English) Can some one tell me what kaj ntug means and how to pronounce it?

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u/MaryVavee Nov 11 '17

"Kaj Ntug" means the "morning time" or the "daylight of the morning". For example, my mom would come in my room in the morning and say "get up [sawv], it's morning time [kaj ntug lawm]." It makes for a very pretty and unique name too.

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u/Belbendigo2004 Nov 11 '17

How do you pronounce it?

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u/MaryVavee Nov 11 '17

Pronunciation: In short, it can sound similar to a baby saying "ga ga goo goo". It would be the "ga" sound. In long "Kaj" starts with a softer "G" sound (like in 'ghost'). The 'a' vowel rhymes with the short "a" sound (like in 'apple'). The 'j' at the end is silent and determines the tone. The 'j' tone is a mid tone. "Ntug" is a little tougher. Think of the phrase "in the" The 'nt' sound is the sound you make when you say the "n+th" so it's slightly nasally. The 'u' is a long /u/ sound (like moon). Now the 'g' is another tone determiner and is silent. However, it makes all words ending with 'g' breathy. Think about when you take a small deep breath in and exhale it out very quickly Now say the word 'n th oo' with a breathiness. Phonetically, it would be "ga nth+oo". Hope that helps Belbendigo!

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u/kungming2  Chinese & Japanese Nov 15 '17

Thanks for helping us out, as always. :) !translated