Basic Conversation: Giving simple directions

Two men stand on a quiet street between buildings, one holding a smartphone with a worried expression while the other points and smiles as if giving directions.

1. Key Vocabulary

Los ntawm no

Los ntawm no
From here
Starting point or reference.

Mus ntawd

Mus ntawd
Go there
Destination direction.

Txoj kev

Txoj kev
Road / Path
The way to go.

Sab laug

Sab laug
Left
Direction.

Sab xis

Sab xis
Right
Direction.

Ntawm hauv ntej

Ntawm hauv ntej
Straight ahead / In front
Indicating location directly ahead.

2. Conversation

A: Nyob zoo! Koj mus qhov twg?

Nyob zoo! Koj mus qhovtwg?
Hello! Where are you going?

B: Kuv mus tom khw.

Kuv mus tom khw.
I’m going to the market.

A: Txoj kev mus tom khw nyob qhov twg?

Txoj kev mus tom khw nyob qhov twg?
How do I get to the market?

B: Los ntawm no, tig mus rau sab laug.

Los ntawm no, tig mus rau sab laug.
From here, turn left.

A: Tom qab ntawd puas mus ncaj?

Tom qab ntawd puas mus ncaj?
After that, do I go straight?

B: Yog, mus ncaj, ces tig mus rau sab xis.

Yog, mus ncaj, ces tig mus rau sab xis.
Yes, go straight, then turn right.

A: Lub khw nyob kiag qhov twg?

Lub khw nyob kiag qhov twg?
Where exactly is the market?

B: Nyob kiag ntawm hauv ntej xwb.

Nyob kiag ntawm hauv ntej xwb.
It’s right in front of you.

3. Grammar Lesson

Asking directions: Koj mus qhov twg? → “Where are you going?”
Answer: Kuv mus [destination].

Asking route: Txoj kev mus [destination] nyob qhov twg? → “How do I get to [destination]?”
Answer: Los ntawm no, tig mus rau [left/right/straight] …

Notes: Hmong uses sab laug for left, sab xis for right, and ntawm hauv ntej for straight ahead. Combine directions in order for clarity: start → turn → continue → arrive.

4. Flashcards

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