lah Synonyms & Antonyms
Choose a meaning, then find a word that fits your sentence.
Lah as a Symbol
ISO 639-2 & ISO 639-3 language code for Lahnda.
Lah as a Noun
Alternative spelling of la.
A syllable used in solfège to represent the sixth note of a major scale.
Lah as a Particle
Placed at the end of a sentence to accentuate the mood or attitude of the speaker.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]
Placed at the end of a sentence to convey reassurance or express solidarity.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]
Indicates an attempt at expressing sympathy, conveying informality or sincerity, or establishing a rapport with the listener.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨]
Placed at the end of an assertive statement to express denial or dismissiveness.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]
Used after an assertive statement to reinforce its authoritativeness, or to show that the speaker is confident with what they are saying.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]
Asserts that something is clear, obvious or straightforward.
Pitch contour: falling [lɑ(ː)˦˨]
Used to tone down an imperative sentence, so it sounds more like a request or suggestion.
Pitch contour: falling [lɑ(ː)˦˨]
Indicates strong persuasion at the end of an imperative sentence.
Pitch contour: mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]
Indicates a retrospective remark or a reassessment of one’s opinion.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]
Reinforces a suggestion with the implication that it is the more practical option.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]
Indicates confirmation-seeking at the end of an inferential statement.
Pitch contour: falling [lɑː˦˨]
Used to express realisation, or vexation when something is already obvious.
Pitch contour: falling [lɑː˦˨]
Reinforces the factuality of an assertive statement made to correct an inaccurate, underlying assumption.
Pitch contour: mid-rising [lɑ(ː)˧˦]
Used to convey a slight sense of dissatisfaction or irritation.
Pitch contour: mid-rising [lɑ(ː)˧˦]
Used for enumeration (when listing examples).
Pitch contour: mid [lɑː˧]
An assertive separator, used to reverse the order of the usual topic–comment structure of a sentence.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨]
Used sarcastically.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑː˨], (in the example below) high-mid [lɑ(ː)˦]
Lah in a Sentence
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]
Don’t do it lah, it’s not worth it.
Hurry up, lah!
You won’t drown one lah. The water is very shallow.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨]
Just try your best lah, and don’t think too much about it.
— I don’t think you should be cutting corners, at least put in some effort and make it look legit.— They won’t care one lah... I don’t have all day...
These shoes are too small lah.
No need to count lah. I’m sure the number is right.
Pitch contour: falling [lɑ(ː)˦˨]
Get a whiteboard marker and write over it lah.
They’re not wrong lah... But they’re only taking themselves into consideration.
Pitch contour: mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]
Don’t waste your time there lah.
— Not many people would think of using a pressure cooker.— I mean, it’s pretty unconventional lah, I have to admit.
The nearest train station is 15 minutes away. I think we take the bus lah, hor?
Use the mittens lah.
Pitch contour: falling [lɑː˦˨]
In other words, you’re the one who started it lah!
So in the end it wasn’t my fault lah!
Do it yourself lah! Always need me to help is it?
Pitch contour: mid-rising [lɑ(ː)˧˦]
Oh wait it’s not today, lah. It’s on Sunday.
Pitch contour: mid [lɑː˧]
No fun lah, you.
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑː˨], (in the example below) high-mid [lɑ(ː)˦]
No lah, no lah.
Word Forms & Grammar
lah (plural lahs)
lah
Origin of Lah
Origin 1: An anglicised spelling of la.
Origin 2: From Malay lah, Hokkien 啦 (--la) and Cantonese 啦 (laa1). Doublet of la in colloquial Hong Kong English. Lim (2007) lists multiple sources:
Lah: Key Facts
| Part of speech | symbol, noun, particle |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /lɑː/ |
| Meaning | ISO 639-2 & ISO 639-3 language code for Lahnda |
| Plural | lahs |