Kind of an amusing first post, but here it goes because nobody can explain this to me.

Basically, koy (or koi, or however you want to write it in English) means "I"...it also happens to mean "dick" if you say it the wrong way (not sure if it's the tone or what).

So, question is, how the hell do you pronounce koy correctly? High tone? Rising? Falling?

Is it kuh-oy, kwoy? or what. I said kwai once, meaning buffalo, and someone thought I said koy, meaning thingy. So that confused me even more since the words sounds completely different regardless of tone.

Anyway, it makes it kinda hard to learn a language when you're worried about saying "thingy" every time you mean to say "I". I usually end up just saying Phom, since I know more Thai than Lao, and people understand what I'm saying, but I'd love any help using the right word :P.

"Koy" is the right spelling for "I".

You probably need to hear someone say it, to understand the right tone.

JSEA wrote on 24^th Mar, 2011 at 6:36pm:

Kind of an amusing first post, but here it goes because nobody can explain this to me. Basically, koy (or koi, or however you want to write it in English) means "I"...it also happens to mean "thingy" if you say it the wrong way (not sure if it's the tone or what). So, question is, how the hell do you pronounce koy correctly? High tone? Rising? Falling? Is it kuh-oy, kwoy? or what. I said kwai once, meaning buffalo, and someone thought I said koy, meaning thingy. So that confused me even more since the words sounds completely different regardless of tone. Anyway, it makes it kinda hard to learn a language when you're worried about saying "thingy" every time you mean to say "I". I usually end up just saying Phom, since I know more Thai than Lao, and people understand what I'm saying, but I'd love any help using the right word :P.

The word for 'thingy' is sounds EXACTLY the same in Lao and Siamese! Obviously the OTHER tone would mean 'I', wouldn't it?

Here's a tip: just say 'GOO!'. Say it with authority! ;)

That's the problem though, I can't hear the difference, and from what I've been told it's not just the tone that is different.

JSEA wrote on 25^th Mar, 2011 at 7:33am:

That's the problem though, I can't hear the difference, and from what I've been told it's not just the tone that is different.

If you can't hear the difference, then you're in a tight spot. I think you really do need to say 'GOO!', Don't forget, say it with authority! ;D

What does goo mean? Is that like the royal version of I?

JSEA wrote on 25^th Mar, 2011 at 7:46am:

What does goo mean? Is that like the royal version of I?

Not quite. It's the 'version' you use when speaking to subordinates. :D

Hahaha, I think I might end up face first in the Mekong if I do that :P

I thought you knew a bit of Siamese. Use that.

What is the problem with the pronunciaiton of 'Koy'?

I'm not sure, that's why I'm asking :D

It's like bor/baw, if you say it with a rising tone at the end of a sentence it makes it a question, if you say it with a low (or falling, can't remember which) it means no/not (like baw aow, don't want).

I can't really tell the difference, sometimes I say it right, sometimes I don't...when I don't people give me a funny look (which makes sense if they think I'm talking about my wang, and they've just met me).

OK I see what you all tallking about - Koy = thingy ::).  Sorry I have to read all comments to get it - not really good with pha sa Lao anymore :'(.  


JSEA wrote on 25^th Mar, 2011 at 5:22pm:

I'm not sure, that's why I'm asking :D It's like bor/baw, if you say it with a rising tone at the end of a sentence it makes it a question, if you say it with a low (or falling, can't remember which) it means no/not (like baw aow, don't want). I can't really tell the difference, sometimes I say it right, sometimes I don't...when I don't people give me a funny look (which makes sense if they think I'm talking about my wang, and they've just met me).

OK  I type the 'P' word for a manly part but the 'P' word automatically changed to 'Thingy'.  What other words can you not spell out in this forum?


PEACE wrote on 25^th Mar, 2011 at 5:58pm:

OK I see what you all tallking about - Koy = thingy ::).  Sorry I have to read all comments to get it - not really good with pha sa Lao anymore :'(.   JSEA wrote on 25th Mar, 2011 at 5:22pm: I'm not sure, that's why I'm asking :D It's like bor/baw, if you say it with a rising tone at the end of a sentence it makes it a question, if you say it with a low (or falling, can't remember which) it means no/not (like baw aow, don't want). I can't really tell the difference, sometimes I say it right, sometimes I don't...when I don't people give me a funny look (which makes sense if they think I'm talking about my wang, and they've just met me).

Hahaha, I wondered why everyone was saying thingy. But yeah, I'm basically worried about saying wang/schlong/one-eyed serpent/pants snake/etc on accident. Since someone way back in the day decided it would be a good idea to make the words for I and schlong in Lao pretty much the same.

Kinda like if lose = I, and loose = schlong in English. Different words, but sound very similar (and hard for non-native speakers to tell the difference).

'Monkey' is a gook word to use-very simple :D

JSEA wrote on 25^th Mar, 2011 at 6:14pm:

Hahaha, I wondered why everyone was saying thingy. But yeah, I'm basically worried about saying wang/schlong/one-eyed serpent/pants snake/etc on accident. Since someone way back in the day decided it would be a good idea to make the words for I and schlong in Lao pretty much the same. Kinda like if lose = I, and loose = schlong in English. Different words, but sound very similar (and hard for non-native speakers to tell the difference).

:/ I thought only Americans used the word gook :/

Sorry mistype I meant 'good'.


JSEA wrote on 25^th Mar, 2011 at 6:30pm:

:/ I thought only Americans used the word gook :/

JSEA wrote on 25^th Mar, 2011 at 6:30pm:

:/ I thought only Americans used the word gook :/

Not those with any good sense or manners.

I really hate it when I mistype and it changes the whole meaning of what I was trying to say. It has gotten me in trouble more than once.

Haha, I see, no worries.