Laotian
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Of or relating to Laos, its people, or their culture: Describes anything originating from or associated with the country of Laos or its inhabitants.
Noun:
- A native or inhabitant of Laos: A person from Laos.
- A member of the Lao ethnic group: Specifically refers to a person belonging to the predominant Buddhist ethnic group of Laos, also inhabiting parts of Thailand, who speak the Lao language.
Usage Examples
- Adjective:
- The Laotian embassy issued a new travel advisory.
- She is studying traditional Laotian weaving techniques.
- Noun:
- The Laotian explained the significance of the festival.
- Many Laotians live along the Mekong River.
Advanced Usage
- Used in anthropological, cultural, and political contexts to specify national or ethnic origin.
- The study focused on Laotian migration patterns in the late 20th century.
Variants and Related Words
- Lao (adj. & n.): Often used interchangeably with "Laotian," though "Lao" can more specifically refer to the ethnic group and language, while "Laotian" is the standard term for nationality.
- The Lao language is tonal.
- Laotian as a demonym: The standard term for a citizen of Laos, regardless of ethnicity.
Synonyms
- Lao (when referring to ethnicity or language)
- (For the noun) Citizen of Laos, Lao person
Notes on Meaning
- The term primarily denotes nationality (of Laos). The ethnic meaning is specific to the Lao people, who are closely related to the Thai.
- It is correctly used as both a noun and an adjective. The adjectival form is always "Laotian," not "Laosian."
Adjective
- of or relating to Laos or its people
- the Laotian Prime Minister
- Laotian refugees
Noun
- a member of a Buddhist people inhabiting the area of the Mekong River in Laos and Thailand and speaking the Lao language; related to the Thais