Learn Lao Online with the Vocabo Chrome Extension
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Master Lao vocabulary while browsing the web. Free Chrome extension for language learners. Lao is spoken by 7+ million people. Laos offers untouched natural beauty and authentic Southeast Asian culture.
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About Lao
Lao and Thai are closely related and partially mutually intelligible.
Also known as: Laotian
Speakers
7+ million
Language Family
Tai-Kadai
Writing System
Lao script
Difficulty
Very Hard
Spoken in
Why Learn Lao?
Laos offers untouched natural beauty and authentic Southeast Asian culture.
Common Lao Words
Start your Lao journey with these essential words and phrases.
ສະບາຍດີ
Hello
sa-BAI-dee
ຂອບໃຈ
Thank you
khop-JAI
ກະລຸນາ
Please
ga-lu-NAH
ແມ່ນ
Yes
maen
ບໍ່
No
baw
ນ້ຳ
Water
nam
ອາຫານ
Food
ah-HAHN
ເພື່ອນ
Friend
puan
ຄວາມຮັກ
Love
kwam-HAK
ລາກ່ອນ
Goodbye
lah-GOHN
History of Lao
Lao developed from the Tai languages brought to the region from southern China. The Lao script evolved from the Khmer script. Laos was part of French Indochina, but French influence on the language was minimal. Today Lao retains strong Buddhist influence in vocabulary and culture.
Is Lao Hard to Learn?
Lao has six tones and a unique script related to but distinct from Thai. Thai speakers can understand much Lao, but the scripts differ. Like Thai, there are no spaces between words. However, Lao has slightly simpler consonant clusters than Thai.
Learning Lao Online: FAQ
Can I learn Lao online for free?
Yes — Vocabo is a free Chrome extension that teaches you Lao vocabulary while you browse the web. It replaces words and short phrases on pages you already read with their Lao equivalents, so you pick up vocabulary passively — no sign-up, no ads, and no daily lesson grind.
Is Lao on Duolingo?
No — Duolingo doesn't currently offer a Lao course for English speakers. You can still learn Lao online for free: Vocabo supports Lao and builds your vocabulary naturally while you browse.
Similar Languages to Lao
If you're interested in Lao, you might also want to explore these related languages:
Start Learning Lao Today
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