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STEDT Monograph Series, No. 4
James A. Matisoff, general editor
SOUTHERN LISU DICTIONARY
QaqRc Qbq[d @^j Hel Ebl el
David Bradley
with Edward Reginald Hope,
James Fish and
Maya Bradley
Sino-Tibetan Etymological Dictionary and Thesaurus Project
Center for Southeast Asia Studies
University of California, Berkeley
2006
В© 2005 David Bradley
All Rights Reserved
ISBN 0-944613-43-8
Volume #4 in the
STEDT Monograph Series
Sino-Tibetan Etymological Dictionary and Thesaurus Project
<http://stedt.berkeley.edu/>
Department of Linguistics research unit in
International and Area Studies
University of California, Berkeley
Sino-Tibetan Etymological Dictionary and Thesaurus
Monograph Series
General Editor
JAMES A. MATISOFF
University of California, Berkeley
Previous Titles in the STEDT Monograph Series:
STEDT MONOGRAPH NO. 1A:
Bibliography of the International
Conferences on Sino-Tibetan Languages
and Linguistics I-XXV (second edition)
STEDT MONOGRAPH NO. 2:
Annotated Directory of Tibeto-Burman
Languages and Dialects (revised)
STEDT MONOGRAPH NO. 3:
Phonological Inventories of TibetoBurman Languages
Author’s Dedication:
for my Lisu friends
CONTENTS
Series Editor’s Introduction
Introduction
The Lisu
Lisu Phonology
Lisu Orthographies
Lisu Syntax
Acknowledgements
References
Hel Bck Ubl (Lisu Introduction)
List of Abbreviations
@
@\
A
A\
B
B\
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
O\
P
P\
Q
vii
xv
xv
xviii
xxv
xxviii
xxix
xxxi
xxxiii
xxxiv
1
14
17
31
33
42
45
56
70
80
87
101
112
121
133
146
155
163
173
194
198
212
220
b
bj
p
pj
pæ
pæj
d
t
tæ
g
k
kæ
dГ”
tО”
tО”Г¦
dz
ts
tsæ
m
mj
n
ВЇ
l
v
vi
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
[
\
]
^
_
`
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
Southern Lisu Dictionary
246
260
260
266
271
279
287
288
292
305
315
322
340
340
341
341
342
343
343
343
345
346
s
Г‚
z
≥
~
h
x
h
f
w
О”
j
Г·
ГЎ
e
Г¶
i
o
u
y
©∑
©Ì
В©
TABLES
Table 1:
Table 2:
Table 3:
Table 4:
Southern Lisu Consonants
Vowels of Southern Lisu
Restricted Combinations of Initials and Vowels
Combinations of Initials and Vowels
xviii
xx
xxii
xxiii
Southern Lisu Dictionary
vii
SERIES EDITOR’S INTRODUCTION
Lisu is one of the most important and viable Loloish languages, with nearly a
million speakers, but until recently comparative Loloish studies have been
hampered by the lack of a comprehensive dictionary of the language. David
Bradley, who has already done much to clarify the interrelationships among the
Lolo-Burmese languages as a whole, has been working to fill this
lexicographical lacuna for more than a decade. In 1994, he published a concise
257-page dictionary of Northern Lisu.1 The present work treats the Southern
dialect.
The front matter includes an informative introduction about the Lisu
people and their dialectal subdivisions, and a brief sketch of Lisu syntax. The
body of the 346-page Southern Lisu Dictionary is carefully arranged, with
clear glosses for both the lemmata and the subentries. A number of these
glosses provide intriguing glimpses into Lisu culture:
tΔæwå| tæå| 'steaming rituals for sick people, placing leaves of artemisia in
water and pouring this onto hot rocks' (p. 142)
t s Г¦ ГҐ j 'chant riddles at funerals' (p. 164)
О” |e 'castrate (polite when applied to chickens, vulgar when applied to other
animals)' (p. 305)
Bradley consistently lists subentries under their proper head-entry, thus
avoiding the sin of "pernicious interalphabetization" whereby monosyllables,
compounds and collocations are all presented in a single alphabetical list
regardless of the morphemic identity of their first syllable. Many entries are
richly supplied with subentries, some of which are complete sentences, e.g.:
Lisu word
lГЎ
\
¯î«
wu|
s∑
В« & sГЇВ«
dzГҐ
tsæïÉ
bjГҐ\
mjГҐ
zГЇГ‰
mГҐ
tsæo
1
Gloss
arm, hand
heart
head; top
wood, tree
rice, food
foot
bee
eye
water
bamboo
person
Subentries
83
79
68
54
45
42
35
34
30
30
29
Pages
226-228
214-216
299-300
255-257
146-147
166-167
14-15
194-195
262-263
175
169-170
A Dictionary of the Northern Dialect of Lisu (China and Southeast Asia). Canberra:
Pacific Linguistics C-126 (1994).
viii
Southern Lisu Dictionary
The front matter also contains a detailed account of Lisu phonology, with
emphasis on its intra- and inter-dialectal variability. This dialect of Southern
Lisu has 30 initial consonants (3 of which are marginal), 11 vowels (including
front rounded and back unrounded), and 6 tones (two of which have creaky
phonation). There are no final consonants in native words. This dialect
contains a considerable number of loanwords from Tai, Chinese, Burmese, and
English, some of which have special phonological features; these loans are all
accurately identified.
As explained in interesting detail in the front matter, no fewer than four
orthographies have been devised for Lisu by missionaries and linguists. This
dictionary has adopted the ingenious practice of using a dual orthography,
whereby each lemma is transcribed both in the "Fraser script", the one most
widely used by literate Lisu themselves, and in phonemic transcription.
(Subentries are given only in phonemic transcription.) This has the great
advantage of increasing the usefulness of the dictionary to the people whose
language it records.2
This Fraser script is composed of upper case roman letters (many of them
upside down or reversed) for both consonants and vowels, and punctuation
marks after the vowel to indicate tones. While some of these symbols are
bizarre-looking or counterintuitive, they are actually not so bad once one gets
used to them. The consonants are ordered according to their position of
articulation, but contrary to the usual order in devan—agar—î-inspired systems,
they start with the labials and move backward, instead of starting with the
velars and moving forward. Running feet at the bottom of each page indicate
the Lisu alphabetical order.
The Northern Lisu of Bradley 1994 uses a Chinese-type romanization
with arbitrary final consonants to indicate tones. Here is a comparative table
of a minimal tonal sextuplet, with tonemarks as used in Fraser 1922,3 Northern
Lisu and Southern Lisu:
'millstone'
'tattoo'
'high'
'see'
'old'
'weed'
2
Fraser
Numeric
mo1
mo2
mo3
mo4
mo5
mo6
Diacritic
Obh
Obi
Obj
Obk
Obl
Obm
Northern Lisu
Value Symbol
55
35
33
44
21
21
mol
moq
mo
mox
mot
mor
Southern Lisu
Value Symbol
55
m |o
m В«o
35
mo
33
mo
33
m
\o
21
m \o
21
A further feature that should appeal to the Lisu user is the introductory page written
entirely in Fraser script (p. xxxiii).
3
The standard pioneering work on Lisu: Handbook of the Lisu (Yawyin) Language
(Rangoon: Government Printer). It is convenient to refer to the six Lisu tones by the numbers
assigned to them by Fraser.
ix
Southern Lisu Dictionary
These differences are to be noted:
– S. Lisu has constriction in both Tones 3 and 6 (both derived from ProtoLoloish syllables with final stops), while N. Lisu has lost constriction in Tone 3.
– Tone 4 is somewhat higher in Northern Lisu (44) than in S. Lisu (33).
– The unmarked tone in N. Lisu corresponds to Fraser's Tone 3, while the
unmarked tone in S. Lisu corresponds to Fraser 's Tone 4.
Aside from its intrinsic virtues, this dictionary contains much of interest
from the broader point of view of comparative Loloish, also a focus of
Bradley's distinguished scholarship. Multiple cognates with closely related
languages like Lahu appear on virtually every page.4 Particularly striking are
two-syllable compounds which have the same semantic structure in Lisu and
Lahu (and where both syllables are usually cognate), e.g.:
'ashamed'5
'ask'
'bladder'
'blunt edge of knife'
'cubit'
'dandruff' ("head-crud")
'dawn'
'earth/ground'
'eel' ("snake-fish")
'forehead'
'heart'
'medicine'
'meteor' ("star-shit")6
'moon/month'7
'owner'
'placenta' ("child-nest")
'sleep'
'sneeze'
'sparrow'
4
Lisu
®å to
nГҐ ВЇi
zï\ pæu\
å| tæå\ nu
lГЎ
\ tΔæå«
wu| me\
mî\ tæá
\
mi tΔæå
≥wå| fu
nГҐ gГҐ\
nî« må
ná tsæï\
ku zå\_ tΔæî\
ВїГҐ bГҐ
sïÉ pæå\
zå\ kæ∑
jî\ m∑
h~ å« tæî\
dzå m∑
\ ГҐ\
Lahu
ya\ Г·-tГё
na-ni
jГЇВ» -phoВ»
a| -thГё=nГё\
la\ Г·-jaВ» Г·
u| -meВ»
mu» -thî»
mГ®\ -chaВ»
≥a» -vï\
na— -qa— (=pï)
ni-ma
naВ» Г·-chГЇВ»
m˙\ ÷-k˙=qh‰»
ha-pa
s« ‰— -pha»
yaВ» -phГЇГ‰
yГЇ\ Г·-mГЇ|
ha| -thî» (mï\ ve)
ja\ -mЛ™В»
Detailed phonological features shared by Lisu and Lahu include the shakiness of the
contrast between palatal and dental fricates, with much variation and interchange between
them; the palatalization of /n/ to [ВЇ] before /-i/; and the phonetic closeness of the mid and high
vowel pairs /i e/ and /u o/. One difference is that Lisu syllables begin with [Г·-] in the absence
of any other initial consonant, whereas Lahu has smooth vocalic onset in such syllables.
5
This binome for 'ashamed' is actually pan-Loloish.
6
These binomes are semantically parallel, although the elements for 'star' are not
cognate. A similar example is 'sugar': Lisu tsæå\ tΔæïÉ / Lahu a| -l‰\ ÷=chø : both mean "sweet salt",
but only the 2nd syllables ('sweet') are cognate. This is actually an areal formation: cf. Thai
klya-waВ« an.
7
This is also a widespread formation in TB (cf. Written Tibetan zla-ba).
x
Southern Lisu Dictionary
'twin' ("child-pair")
'wave at/beckon'8
'widow'9
'widower'
zå\ dÔö
lГЎ
\ me\
m∑
\ tΔæï\ må
m∑
\ tΔæï\ pæå\
ya» -c‰\ (=qa)
la\ ÷-m‰» ÷ (mï\ ve)
m‰» -chø» -ma
m‰» -chø» -pa—
But it is not always so easy to match up the syllables of a Lisu compound
| ka| 'racket-tailed drongo'
with those of a Lahu one. Compare Lisu tΔï| tΔï| m∑
| kw å tΔ ö with Lahu kha» ÷-pa\ =m‰— =cï| -ca» -kwî—
and 'long-tailed drongo' tΔ ï| tΔ ï_ m∑
|
'greater racket-tailed drongo'. All we can say at the moment is that Lisu m∑
and Lahu m‰— mean 'tail'; Lisu t Δ |ï looks cognate with Lahu cï| ; and Lisu kwå
looks related to Lahu kw î— . On the semantic side, Lahu kha» ÷-pa\ means 'tailfeather of arrow', and Lisu tΔö looks allofamically related to Lisu tΔö« 'arrow'
(cf. Lahu khВ»aГ·-cc e ).
The data in this dictionary permit the reconstruction of a number of new
PLB roots, or reinforce the attestation of roots already reconstructed, e. g.:
Lisu
me\
'crud/stuck-on dirt'
pГҐ
'exchange/trade'
fy|
'foam/froth'
t Δ «å & t j «å
'live/stay'
©∑
'load/burden'
11
sГҐ| & swГҐ|
'poor/difficult'
h~ ГҐВ»
'request for repetition'
jö & Âö
'sprout'
12
dzu\
'wedge'
'withdraw/take back/redeem' s uВ«
Lahu
meВ»
p a (< PLB *Г·Г· ba1)
fuВ» & phuВ»
ch‰» 10
v \ГЇ (< PTB *wan & *wat)
h —a (< PLB *s-la2)
haВ» ay
ye\ & y Г®\
ju\
sВ« u & sВ« o
Especially interesting is the mysterious Lisu general classifier l \Г¶ , used
only with the numerals 3, 4, and 9 (p. 233), which presents a perfect parallel to
the Lahu classifier l »‰ , used after these same three numerals (DL:1390).
Evidently these numbers must once have had a special significance for the
Loloish peoples.
It is gratifying to have a Lisu form shed light on an obscure constituent in
В©uВ»
a Lahu compound. The middle syllable -tu- of Lahu ©u» -tu-s« î— 'navel' (©
8
The 2nd syllable of the Lahu form means 'eye'; but the independent Lisu word for
'eye' is mjГҐ.
9
This and the next item are actually parallel trinomes.
10
I have previously tried to relate this Lahu form to Lahu j‰» 'stop' < PLB *m-d«z« ay (The
Dictionary of Lahu ("DL"), p. 574).
11
The Lisu form shows prefix preemption, but surprisingly no constriction of the
vowel. (See below for Lisu creaky vowels derived from the *s- prefix.)
12
See Matisoff 2002, "Wedge issues", LTBA 25.1:137-164.
xi
Southern Lisu Dictionary
'belly'; «s —î 'round object') had been unclear, but a comparison with Lisu t s h «å du\ ,
listed under du\ 'source' (p. 52), suggests that the Lahu compound means
« m∑
| du\ 'tree-stump' is transparent as
"belly-source". The Lisu compound s∑
« 'tree', m∑
| 'tail'), but since the Lahu
far as its first two syllables go (ss∑
m
—
‰
morpheme for 'tail' is
, the middle syllable of Lahu sВ« ГЇВ» Г·-mu| -dГё & sВ« ГЇВ» Г·-mГЇ| -dГё
'stump' had been obscure. I am now inclined to think that m‰— , - m |u - , and -mï| are allofamically related, so that the Lahu compound, like the Lisu one, means
"tree-tail".
I was delighted to find still another example of the PLB *labiovelar initial
w
*k - (to add to DOG, NEST, COMB, CHEW, etc.).13 In etyma which reflect
this initial Lahu has labial stops while other Loloish languages have velars.
This new root is a morpheme meaning 'edge, rim, bank', which appears as the
2nd element in a compound meaning 'roadside' in both Lisu and Lahu:
'dog'
'nest'
'roadside'
PLB
*kГ–Л™yв„ў
*kГ–Л™yВЎ
*-kГ–Л™yв„ў
Lahu
phГЇВ»
phГЇ
ya\ Г·-qГё=phГЇВ»
Lisu
kæ∑
\
kæ∑
dzå gu_ jî| kæ∑
\
Mpi
kh∑™
÷a-kh∑§
–
The famous examples of PLB etyma in *-Л™Л™y with complex lateral initials,
where Lahu has -ГёГё and Written Burmese has -e (see HPTB:192), have the
regular reflex -i in S. Lisu (a development phonetically closer to Burmese than
to Lahu):
PLB
'boat'
'wind'
'heavy'
'grandchild'
'four'
'slingshot'
Tone WB
hle
*1
le
*1
leВ»
*2
mreВ» < mliy
*2
leВ»
*2
leВ»
*2
Lahu
hø-lo\ ÷-qo—
muВ» -hГё
hГёВ»
ø\ -hø-‰—
ГёВ»
hГёВ» -ma
S. Lisu
li_
mГ®\ h~ i
lГ®\
lГ®|
li_
–
N. Lisu
lix
mit-hin
lit
lil-bal
li & lil & lix
–
Yet these sets present various consonantal and tonal problems, including the
Lahu initial in FOUR, the Lisu initial in WIND, and the tones in Lisu which
do not show consistent reflexes of PLB Tones *1 and *2.
The accuracy of the phonemic transcriptions in this dictionary makes
possible detailed analyses of such complex phenomena as the multiple sources
of Lisu vocalic constriction or creaky voice (indicated by a subscript macron in
Bradley's transcription). These sources, it is now clear, include:
13
See HPTB:24-26.
xii
Southern Lisu Dictionary
(1)
PLB etyma with final stops */-p -t -k/:
PLB *wakL > Lisu w \ГЎ
PLB *k-r-watL > Lisu w \e
PLB *Г·Г· rapL > Lisu ~h \e
'pig'
'leech'
'stand'
(2)
PLB etyma under Tone *3:
'egg'
'reach the end'
'level expanse'
(3)
Lisu
fu_
lö
de
Lahu
u
l‰
Гё\ -de
PLB
*Г·Г·uВЈ
*N-day3
PLB etyma with *glottalized or *s-prefixed initials:
'porcupine'
'exchange'
'snake'
Lisu
pu
pГҐ
fu
Lahu
faВ» Г·-pu
pa
vГЇ\
PLB/PTB
PLB *Г·Г· blu1
PLB *Г·Г· ba1
PTB *s-b/m-rul
There is an interesting difference between Lisu and Lahu with respect to
the phonologically similar roots for EAR and NOSE. These morphemes are
n —a ), but Lisu has different tones: nå| 'ear' (< PTB *g/rhomophonous in Lahu (n
na) vs. n ГҐ 'nose' (< PTB *s-na), apparently reflecting the different prefixes at
the PTB level.
(4)
Assimilation to a neighboring creaky-toned syllable:
'medicine'
ná tsæï\
naВ» Г·-chГЇВ»
PLB *s-nakH - tsЛ™Л™ y2
Here the etymologically correct creakiness of the 1st syllable seems to have
spread to the originally non-checked 2nd syllable.
There are a few cases where the PLB prototype is in the HIGH-stopped
tone, but the Lisu reflex has a non-constricted vowel:
'village'
'expensive'
'rat'
PLB *kakÓ > Lahu qha» ÷, Lisu kæå«
PLB *kakÓ > Lahu qha» ÷, Lisu kæå«
В«
PLB *k-r-wakГ“ > Lahu faВ» Г·, Lisu h~ ГЎ
There are a number of other etyma which descend from PLB LOWstopped syllables, but where neither Lisu nor Lahu has a constricted tone,
because of dissimilation from a glottalized stop or nasal (or a prefixed spirant)
xiii
Southern Lisu Dictionary
initial.14 In such words, both languages have a high tone (Lahu 45, Lisu 55),
both written with an acute accent:
Proto-Loloish
*Г·Г· glakL
*Г·Г· nakL
*Г·Г· dzikL
*Г·Г· rakL
*Г·Г· makL
*÷÷≥akL
*Г·Г· nipL
*C-sikL
'cook/boil'
'deep'
'joint'
'rock'
'son-in-law'
'spread open'
'squash, crush'
'twist'
Lahu
ca|
na|
tsГЇ|
ha|
ma|
≥a|
nГ®|
sВ« ГЇ|
Lisu
tО”ГҐ|
nГЎ
|
cГЇ|
©å|
mö| & my|
≥a|
nГ®|
О”ГЇ|
There are two exceptions, where Lahu has high-rising tone but Lisu has the
low-creaky tone:
'breath, voice, strength'
'new'
Proto-Loloish
*N-sakL
*C-sikL
Lahu
sВ« a|
sВ« ГЇ|
Lisu
О”ГЎ
\ (& О” ГҐ\ & sГЎ
\ )
О”ГЇ\
One of the major virtues of this excellent dictionary is the attention paid
to recording alternate forms of the same morpheme. As indicated above,
variation is especially rampant with fricates (fricatives and affricates):
'thing; kind'
'pair'15
'causative aux.'
d Г” \e & d z \ГЇ & d Г” \Г® (p. 112); cf. Lahu c \Л™
d Ô \e (Clf) & d Ô ö & d z \_ï (p. 112); cf. Lahu c ‰
tΔ i & t s ïÉ & t Δ e (& t s ï— 'send') (p. 124); cf. Lahu c Éï
There is in fact a huge amount of phonosemantic and lexical variation in
Loloish, even within a single dialect, not to mention across dialects of the same
language, or across even closely related separate languages. David Bradley is
now planning a pan-dialectal dictionary of Lisu, which will further consolidate
his standing as the foremost lexicographer of the language.
We are proud to publish this Southern Lisu Dictionary in the STEDT
Monograph Series.
James A. Matisoff
December, 2005
14
See Matisoff 1970, "Glottal dissimilation and the Lahu high-rising tone: a tonogenetic
case-study" (JAOS 49.1:13-44).
15
Lahu also shows morphophonemic variation in this root: Lahu ø\ -c‰\ (N) & c‰ (M pfx).
Another root where Lahu and Lisu have parallel variation is 'head': Lahu u| - & uВ» - & o
| - / Lisu
wu| & wo| .
xiv
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Southern Lisu Dictionary
xv
INTRODUCTION
The Lisu
The Lisu are a group of just under a million people, with nearly 600,000 in
southwestern China, over 300,000 in northeastern Burma, over 40,000 in
northern Thailand, and about 1,200 in five villages in northeastern India;
population increase is fairly rapid. Lisu is also spoken as a mother tongue by at
least 20,000 non-Lisu in Nujiang Prefecture in China, and as a second language
by many more there and in the Putao area of northern Burma. The language is
one of the major components of the Central Ngwi subgroup of the Ngwi
(Loloish, Yi Branch) group within the Burmic (Burmese-Lolo, Lolo-Burmese)
branch of Tibeto-Burman. Lisu is divided by speakers into three main dialect
groups: Southern, Central and Northern. The Southern dialect group is found
in Thailand, in Burma around Mogok and in various parts of the Shan State
such as in the southwest near Taunggyi and in the southeast around Kengtung;
also formerly in far southwestern Yunnan. Until recently, the Central dialect
group was located mainly in Dehong and Baoshan prefectures in western
Yunnan and in adjacent areas of Burma such as the northern Shan State, the
Bhamo area and the southeastern part of the Kachin State. The Northern dialect
group was mainly in Nujiang Prefecture and Weixi and adjacent counties in
northwestern Yunnan, moving over the last 150 years into far northern Burma
and thence into India in the 1940s. There is also an Eastern dialect group out
of contact with the other Lisu and found in various counties of southwestern
Sichuan including Dechang, Huidong and Yanbian and in northern Ninglang
and Wuding counties in Yunnan. The degree of mutual intelligibility among
these dialect groups was quite limited until the process of Christian
evangelisation brought Central Lisu speakers into contact with Northern Lisu
speakers in the 1920s and then gave Northern Lisu speakers extensive exposure
to Central Lisu through the written language. From the 1970s, substantial
numbers of Northern and Central Lisu Christians moved to Thailand and came
into close contact with Southern Lisu speakers there; intelligibility has
developed fairly rapidly. Another factor in the increase of intelligibility has
been extensive literacy in a compromise literary variety, known in Lisu as Ebl
el Ubl /tæ\o ©\∑ ≥\o/ �book language’ and sometimes called the Bible dialect in
English. There has still been very little contact with Eastern Lisu, which
remains very difficult for speakers of other dialects to understand.
About 35 per cent of the Lisu speak Northern Lisu, about 45 per cent
speak various subvarieties of Central Lisu, about 15 per cent speak Southern
Lisu, and about five per cent speak Eastern Lisu. All of the Eastern Lisu are in
China, and all of the Southern Lisu are in Thailand or Burma. The Northern Lisu
are in China, Burma and India, with some recent arrivals in Thailand. The
remainder of the Lisu, very widely scattered across western Yunnan and
northeastern Burma and relatively recently arrived in Thailand, are Central Lisu.
In Lisu, the usual term for Northern Lisu is Qbk Zch /lo w|u/ �upriver’,
often contracted to /lВ«o/ or /lВ«u/; they are also known as Hei (black) Lisu in
xvi
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Chinese and sometimes in English. The Lisu term for Central Lisu, not known
to all speakers, is [\jq[\j /О”ГҐ О”ГҐ/ (unknown meaning). In Chinese they are also
known as Hua (flower) Lisu and thus sometimes Flowery Lisu in English. The
Lisu term for Southern Lisu is Qbi [dl /lВ«o О”\ГЇ/; again, not all Southern Lisu
know this term. Some Lahu and Akha refer to the Southern Lisu as Chinese
Lisu because a substantial proportion of the Southern Lisu have one or more
Chinese male ancestors and therefore an inherited Chinese surname.
The term QaqRc /li su/ �Lisu’ itself may mean �jungle people’, but other
etymologies are possible. The term Lisu, with slight phonological adjustments,
is used in Chinese and in Burmese to refer to the Lisu. The older Burmese and
Jinghpaw term for Lisu is Yawyin, derived from Chinese y«er|en �wild men’.
Another widespread term, seen in a number of Thai languages, is Lisaw [lisГё]
or Lishaw [liО”Гё]; this term is also borrowed into Lahu and Akha, whose contact
with the Lisu is relatively recent, since the Lisu moved southward into Lahu
and Akha areas in the last 150 years or so. The same term is also sometimes
used in Burmese to refer to the Southern Lisu of the southern part of the Shan
State in Burma, recognised as a separate ethnic group from the other Lisu
among the 135 ethnic groups of that country.
The Lisu language is very vigorous, and is even replacing a number of
other languages in Nujiang Prefecture such as Nusu, Anong and Laemae. Even
in mixed marriages with a Han Chinese husband, if the couple lives in a Lisu
village, the Lisu language persists and dominates. Many Lisu speakers are also
enthusiastic and excellent second-language learners, some with an amazing
repertoire of languages: Chinese, Burmese, Thai, English and a variety of other
minority languages. When I first went to a Lisu village, it was difficult to find
people who would accept payment to teach me Lisu; they all wanted English
lessons instead!
The languages most closely related to Lisu are Lamu in northeastern
Binchuan County and Lipo in northern Chuxiong Prefecture, northeastern Dali
Prefecture, southeastern Lijiang Prefecture, Luquan County just north of
Kunming in Yunnan, and parts of far southwestern Sichuan. The Lamu
number 132 people of Lahu nationality; there are a few other speakers with a
Lipo father. The Lipo number over 250,000, of whom over 60 per cent,
mainly in Yongren, Dayao, Yao’an and western Yuanmou counties in Yunnan
and in Panzhihua City in Sichuan, are classified as members of the Yi
nationality. The remaining 40 per cent, mainly in eastern Yuanmou and much
of Wuding and Luquan counties as well as those in northern Binchuan,
southern Yongsheng and Huaping counties in Yunnan and parts of southern
Huidong and Huili counties in Sichuan, are classified as members of the Lisu
nationality. Lamu is linguistically closer to Lisu and Lipo is more distinct, but
neither is close to mutual intelligibility with Lisu; on the other hand, they are
both closer to Lisu than to anything else. Due to their classification as Lisu,
some Lipo students have been sent to study Lisu at the Yunnan Institute of
Nationalities and studied some Northern Lisu; but Lisu speakers cannot
understand Lipo, except at the most rudimentary level. The classification of
Southern Lisu Dictionary
xvii
some Lipo as Lisu is just one example of the widespread amalgamation of
related groups into the 55 recognised national minorities in China since the
1950s; it may also have been suggested by the earlier missionary classification
of Lipo as “Eastern Lisu”.
The Southern Lisu have been gradually moving southwestward over a
considerable time; they probably originated in far southwestern Yunnan, south
of the Central Lisu, north of the Lahu, and southwest of the Lalo, and moved
into Burma well over a century ago. Though there were some reports of Lisu
coming to markets in Thailand earlier, their residence in Thailand can be
precisely dated to 1917, with the first permanent village established at Doi
Chang, just southwest of Chiangrai. This was just within living memory in
1972 when I first visited. After 1917, most of the Southern Lisu living in
various parts of the Eastern Shan State came to Thailand, especially from the
1940s to the 1960s. There remain large enclaves of Southern Lisu in Burma
northeast of Taunggyi and around Mogok, but very few in the Kengtung area
and probably none left behind in China.
In southwestern Yunnan before 1950 and then in the Kengtung area of
eastern Burma after 1950, many of the Southern Lisu were in close contact
with Nationalist Chinese armies, and many Lisu women married retired Han
Chinese soldiers. Some Lisu men even served in these armies, and a few were
“repatriated” to Taiwan when some of these armies were finally withdrawn in
the 1960s and the rest moved to Thailand. Nearly half of the Southern Lisu in
Thailand have a Chinese surname, and can reckon back to their Chinese male
ancestor within a few generations. It is thus remarkable that Lisu rather than
Chinese is the language which has persisted. However, many Lisu, especially
men, can speak Yunnanese Chinese, and some are literate in traditional Chinese
characters. What did happen as a result of this intensive contact was that a very
large number of Yunnanese Chinese loanwords entered Southern Lisu, much
more than in Central or Northern Lisu. Some are doublets for native Lisu
words, but others have completely replaced the original Lisu term. The tones
of these loans reflect a Yunnanese Mandarin variety with a rusheng (stop-final
tone category) with a rising tone, [35], not a Putonghua Mandarin variety with
the rusheng tone divided among the other four tones as seen in the post-1950
loans in Lisu as spoken in China. Passing through Shan-speaking areas of
Burma, Southern Lisu also acquired some Shan loanwords, and some Burmese
loanwords borrowed via Shan. Over nearly 90 years in northern Thailand,
Southern Lisu has also borrowed a substantial number of Thai and Northern
Thai loanwords. However, what the recently-arrived Central and Northern Lisu
remark on is the very high prevalence of Chinese words.
xviii
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Lisu Phonology
This dictionary represents Southern Lisu as spoken in Thailand and in some
areas of Burma; while I have included a few forms from Northern Lisu and
Central Lisu which are now widely used by Southern Lisu speakers in
Thailand, it is not intended to provide a comprehensive treatment of those
other varieties. For a dictionary of Northern Lisu, see Bradley (1994). In an
ongoing project, we intend to produce a comprehensive dictionary including all
the main varieties of Lisu.
Southern Lisu has 27 contrasting consonants (plus [f], [Г·] and [h]), ten
contrasting vowels and six tones. As in most closely-related Ngwi languages,
syllables in native words consist minimally of a vowel and a tone. Most
syllables also have a single initial consonant, and there is a limited range of
initial consonant clusters with medial /w/ after various initials and medial /j/
after a few initials; such clusters only occur before certain vowels. There are
also some diphthongs and syllable-final nasals in loanwords and onomatopoeia
The initial consonant inventory of Southern Lisu is somewhat smaller
than that of some varieties of Central Lisu. The vowel /ГЊ/ is also somewhat
marginal in Southern Lisu. Furthermore, two of the tones distinguished in
other varieties of Lisu are in the process of merging in Southern Lisu, so the
distribution of these two tones may vary somewhat between speakers.
The initial consonant inventory is as shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Southern Lisu Consonants
bilabial
alveolar
palatal
velar
glottal/
cavity
voiceless
p
unaspirated
t
ts
tО”
k
(Г·)
voiceless
aspirated
pæ
tæ
tsæ
tО”Г¦
kæ
voiced
b
d
dz
dГ”
g
nasal
m
n
ВЇ
≥
~h
fricative
(f)
s
О”
x
(h)
sonorant
w
z
j
В©
Of the consonants shown in Table 1 above, most occur before a variety of
vowels. The [h] is extremely marginal; it derives from the voiceless velar
fricative /x/ and is variably found only in two sentence-final imperative
markers. The [f] is also very marginal in native words, occurring only before
/u/ and /y/; in native words, /x/ never occurs before /u/ or /y/, and so [f] could
be regarded as an allophone of /x/. However, /f/ is very considerably
Southern Lisu Dictionary
xix
reinforced by Chinese loanwords with the vowel /ГҐ/ among others, and the
orthography distinguishes [f] and /x/. Thus, one might regard Lisu as now
having a secondary /f/ initial. The initial glottal stop which occurs on syllables
which otherwise would have initial vowels could be an additional /Г·/ phoneme.
Conversely, the nasalised /~h/ phoneme is very frequent and in no way
marginal, and contrasts with /x/ and other segments as in many Central Ngwi
languages.
There are clusters of bilabials /p pæ b m/ plus /j/, which occur in native
words only before the vowels /ГҐ/ and /Гё/. There are also native clusters of /~h/
plus /j/, which only occur before /ГҐ/. A few Chinese loans have the cluster /lj/
before /ГҐ/; such words may also be integrated into Lisu phonology as /lГЎ/, as
are Chinese loans with /låw/ which variably become /lwå/. The word �be at’
(and the homophonous serial verb with progressive meaning) is written, and
now sometimes pronounced, with a /tj/ cluster. This is due to an error made in
the initial 1915 publication in the preliminary version of the main Lisu script,
and never corrected; the original form /tΔ«å/ is the main form in use in Southern
Lisu, but the written Lisu form /tj«å/ also occurs in formal or literary contexts;
it corresponds to the Central Lisu form /t˚«å/ and the Northern Lisu form /¯«å/.
The Lisu orthography distinguishes a retroflex affricate and fricative
series of initials /t® t®æ d ® Â/ (written with the single consonants J K I [ S),
which contrast with the palatals before /ГҐ/ in some varieties of Central Lisu.
These initials are merged with the alveolar affricates and fricatives in Southern
Lisu. They merge with the palatal affricates, voiceless palatal fricative and /j/
in Northern Lisu. The palatal affricates and voiceless fricative before /ГҐ/ are
written with digraphs (J\ K\ I\ [\). In words which have Central Lisu palatals
before /ГҐ/, Northern Lisu has the vowel /Г¦/ instead of /ГҐ/; the words with
retroflexes in Central Lisu often have a medial /w/ between the palatal and the
/ГҐ/, so Northern Lisu also maintains a contrast. Lipo has a contrast between
front /a/ and back /ГҐ/, and a contrast between retroflex and palatal affricates
and fricatives. Thus Southern Lisu is the exception in losing this contrast
completely.
The allophones of Southern Lisu /tО” tО”Г¦ dГ” О”/ differ according to the
tongue position of the following vowel. When the following vowel is a front
vowel including /i e y Гё/, they are alveopalatal [tЛљ tЛљГ¦ dпЈї Лљ]. When the
following vowel is a central or back vowel including /u o ГҐ/ and the allophone
[Éï], they are palatoalveolar [tΔ tΔæ dÔ Δ].
A major area of variation and change in Southern Lisu is the realization
of words which have sequences of palatal affricate or fricative in most other
varieties of Lisu, but which usually have alveolar affricates or fricatives in
Southern Lisu. This is nearly categorical for Central Lisu /tЛљ tЛљГ¦ dпЈї Лљ пЈї/ before
/i/, which are mainly pronounced as [tsÉï tsæÉï dzÉï sÉï zÉï] in Southern Lisu, and
can be analysed as /tsi tsæi dzi si zi/. It is also frequent for words with the
vowels /u/ and /o/. Furthermore, Central Lisu has a contrast between /i/
xx
Southern Lisu Dictionary
(realized as [Éï]) and the back spread vowels /∑ Ì/ after alveolar affricates and
fricatives, but this is neutralised to /i/ [Éï] in Southern Lisu, except after /s/.
In addition, there are fairly numerous instances of alveolar affricates or
fricatives in other varieties of Lisu which vary in the opposite direction:
Southern Lisu /tsi tsæi dzi si zi/ [tsÉï tsæÉï dzÉï sÉï zÉï] often correspond to other
Lisu [tΔÉï tΔæÉï dÔÉï ΔÉï ÔÉï]. For initial /s/, Southern Lisu /Δe/ regularly
corresponds to other Lisu /se/. Moreover, Southern Lisu /О”ГҐ/ and /jГҐ/
correspond to /sæ/ and /jæ/ in certain words such as �breath’ and �go down’ in
other kinds of Lisu. Some people attribute these mergers and reversals in the
alveolar and palatal areas to the fact that many adult Southern Lisu speakers
are heavy betel users.
There are also a few words with Southern Lisu /~h/ corresponding to /s/ in
other kinds of Lisu before /i/ and /e/, mostly clause-final markers such as the
nonfinal sequential marker, Southern Lisu /~h|Г®/ but elsewhere /s|Г®/ (usually
[s|ï]), and the final �still/yet’, Southern Lisu /~h\e/ but elsewhere usually /sè/.
There are various initial clusters with medial /w/ plus /ГҐ/, especially after
the velars /k kæ g ≥ x/ but also after /n l ts tsæ dz s tΔ tΔæ dÔ/; some of the latter
clusters are fusional. Clusters of non-velar initials plus medial /w/ before /ГҐ/
are found in more words and after some additional initials in Northern Lisu.
Some Central and Northern Lisu speakers have a marginal contrast
between a fricative /пЈї/ or /Г”/ and an approximant /j/ before /i/, but Southern
Lisu has only /j/. The fricative /пЈї/ or /Г”/ is not indicated in this dictionary, and
not distinguished from /j/ in the orthography. Southern Lisu instead has /zi/
[zÉï] where other varieties of Lisu have a fricative // or /Ô/ plus /i/. Where
Central Lisu has a nonfricative /ji/ sequence, Southern Lisu and Northern Lisu
vary between /ji/, /i/ and /e/. In Southern Lisu, /w/ has three alternative
allophones: fricative [v], approximant [w] and lip-rounded velar voiced
fricative [©w] alternatives: /w/ is [v] before /e æ y ∑ u/, [w] before /å/, and
[В©w] before /o/.
The vowels of Southern Lisu are shown in Table 2 below.
Table 2: Vowels of Southern Lisu
front
spread
rounded
central
spread
spread
back
rounded
high
i
y
Éï
∑
u
mid
e
Гё
ГЊ
o
low
Г¦
ГҐ
The high central spread vowel is sometimes weakly fricative [О©]. It occurs after
alveolar affricates and fricatives /ts tsæ dz s z/, and after the palatal affricates and
voiceless fricative /tО” tО”Г¦ dГ” О”/. As the alveolar affricates and fricatives do not
Southern Lisu Dictionary
xxi
occur before /i/ in Southern Lisu, [Éï] could be treated as an allophone of /i/ in this
environment, and this is how the orthography treats it. However, in some
Central Lisu subvarieties, there is a contrast between alveolar affricates and
fricatives before /i/ and /Éï/ as in /tsi/ [tsi] and /tsÉï/ [tsÉï] and so on. The palatal
affricates and voiceless fricative do not occur before /y/, and the orthography
treats [Éï] in this environment as an allophone of /y/. It could equally be regarded
as an allophone of /∑/ or /Ì/ in Southern Lisu. In this dictionary, words with [Éï]
are transcribed as [Éï].
The vowel /ГЊ/ is marginal in Southern Lisu, and found in fewer words than
in other varieties. In Southern Lisu it occurs almost exclusively in syllables with
[35] or [21] tone, especially after stop or affricate initials. It also occurs with
most tones in syllables with initial /m/ and /s/. In Southern Lisu, most words with
the vowel /Ì/ vary with alternative forms having the vowel /∑/.
The vowel /Г¶/ is often replaced by the vowel /e/ in Southern Lisu, and some
words which have only /e/ in Southern Lisu may also or instead have /Г¶/ in
Central Lisu. There is widespread variation of words with the mid vowel /e/
between [e] and [i] and /o/ between [o] and [u] in Southern Lisu. Forms with
[u] which is from /o/ can be distinguished from forms with /u/ because there is
usually some labiodental friction realized between an initial consonant and /u/.
For example, /du/ is usually [dvu], and /do/ varies between [do] and [du].
There are quite a few Chinese and other loanwords which have the
diphthongs /ГҐj/ and /ГҐw/, and a few Chinese loanwords with the diphthong /uj/.
Some loanwords and onomatopoetic forms have a final velar nasal, especially
/å≥/ and /o≥/. There are also loans with other nasal-final combinations: /åm ån en
un Ìn ∑n ∑≥ i≥/ and so on. In one form, the adverbial prefix, there is a sequence
/i≥/ which has a variety of possible initials depending on the initial of the
following syllable, most often /tО”/. This is probably a contracted form, which can
be compared to the Central Lisu adverbial prefix /tО”e le/.
There is a regular process of palatalisation of /n/ to /ВЇ/ before /i/ in
Southern Lisu. Some words always have the sequence /ВЇi/ in all varieties of
Lisu, such as �two’, �day’ and �younger sibling’. Other words which are /ni/ in
other varieties of Lisu are written as Pa /ni/ but are normally pronounced P\a
/¯i/ in Southern Lisu, such as �heart’, the �year’ ordinal and so on. There are
some words which are /ne/ in Southern Lisu, and which may also be
pronounced [ni] and less frequently [¯i], such as �spirit’. Furthermore, words
with /nø/ such as �that (higher)’ may be [nø] or [ne], and in some words also
[ni] or [ВЇi]. Not all words have all the different alternative forms. Southern
Lisu is more conservative in having some words with /ne/ which are /ni/ in
Central and Northern Lisu, but innovative in other respects.
Table 3 shows certain initials with restricted distribution before vowels. A
+ indicates occurrence in native Southern Lisu words, and (+) indicates
occurrence in loanwords. As first discussed in Bradley (1979), there are severe
restrictions on the co-occurrence of certain types of initials and certain vowels.
xxii
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Table 3:
Vowel i
Initial
Г·
+
f
w
j
+
В©
Restricted Combinations of Initials and Vowels
e
ГЎ
y
Г¶
+ +
(+)
+ +
+
+
+
+
+
Éï
∑ Ì
(+)
+
+
+
ГҐ
u
o
+ +
(+) (+) +
+ +
+
+ +
+
+
+
Syllables with no other initial present automatically have an initial glottal
stop, which could instead be regarded as an additional initial. Most syllables
with glottal stop plus /i/ or /e/ have alternative forms with /ji/, apart from some
baby talk forms. Syllables with initial front vowels /Г¦ y Гё/ are normally
pronounced nasalised: /ГЎ/ is always [Г·~ГЎ], and so on. All of the [Г·u] syllables
with glottal stop followed by /u/ are for calling animals, onomatopoeia or
exclamations, and syllables with [÷∑] and [÷o] are even more restricted. [©]
before /∑/ and /Ì/ is an automatic syllable-initial before a non-low back spread
vowel, instead of a glottal stop; the letters which write these vowels must
contain [©] in their pronunciation: [©∑] and [©Ì]. Similarly, /w/ is the
unmarked initial before /u/, and /j/ before /i/, as in Chinese. Overall, the main
contrasts are between /we/ and /je/, /æ/ and /wæ/, /w∑/ and /©∑/, /wo/ and /jo/
and maximally /å/ /wå/ /jå/ /©å/ before /å/.
Table 4 shows the combinations of other single initial consonants and
initial consonant clusters plus vowels in native vocabulary in Southern Lisu;
again, (+) indicates occurrence in loanwords.
In addition to the combinations in Table 4, there is a form /kw\ГЎ/ and a
form /tО”w|ГЎ/ which have medial /w/ before /Г¦/, but these are exceptional
onomatopoetic forms. Such forms are more frequent in Northern Lisu, which
often has velars plus /Г¦/ in forms corresponding to velars plus /ГҐ/ in other
varieties of Lisu. Unassimilated Chinese loanwords add /tjo/, /tО”ju/, /О”jo/ and
/tО”wo/ in Southern Lisu, and more rhyme combinations in Northern Lisu.
There is some variation between forms with bilabial plus /jГё/ and bilabial
plus /i/ in Southern Lisu; in Northern Lisu all /jГё/ after bilabials are replaced
by /i/, so this may represent recent dialect mixture. In some varieties of Central
Lisu, these /jГё/ are replaced instead by /e/; in those varieties, there is an
allophonic medial [j] before all /e/. For example, Southern Lisu /mjГё/ [mjГё] or
[mi] �name’ corresponds to Northern Lisu /mi/ and some Central Lisu /me/
[mje] but other Central Lisu [mjГё]. There is also variation in the writing of
such clusters; sometimes they are instead written as bilabial plus /i/. Southern
Lisu has the maximum number of forms with bilabial plus /jГё/ cluster of any
variety of Lisu.
xxiii
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Table 4:
Vowel
Initial
p
pæ
b
m
Combinations of Initials and Vowels
i
e
ГЎ
y
Г¶
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
pj
pæj
bj
mj
t
tæ
d
n
l
∑ Ì
ГҐ
u
o
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
ts
tsæ
dz
s
z
tО”
tО”Г¦
dГ”
О”
ВЇ
Éï
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
k
kæ
g
≥
x
(+)
h
~hj
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
(+)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
wГҐ
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
(+)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
xxiv
Southern Lisu Dictionary
The six tones of Lisu include four normal phonation tones, high level
[55], mid to high rising [35], mid level [33], and low falling [21], and two
creaky phonation tones, mid level [33] and low falling [21]; the latter usually
also has a final glottal stop. The [55] tone is indicated in this dictionary by an
acute above the vowel; the [35] tone is indicated by a �v’ above the vowel, the
[21] tones are indicated by a grave above the vowel, the two [33] tones are left
unmarked, and the two creaky tones [33] and [21] are indicated by underlining
the vowel. For some speakers, and in some other dialects, the mid creaky tone
is slightly higher in pitch than the mid noncreaky tone. In Southern Lisu the
creaky and noncreaky mid tones are in the process of merging.
The [55] and [35] tones are found in relatively few syllables with initial
voiced stop or affricate initials /b d dz dГ” g/. The mid noncreaky tone [33] is
infrequent with voiceless unaspirated stop or affricate initials /p t ts tО” k/.
Otherwise, most tones co-occur often with most types of initials. As noted
above, the vowel /ГЊ/ occurs mainly in syllables with [35] or [21] tones in
Southern Lisu, apart from after /m/ and /s/ where this vowel occurs with other
tones as well.
The very frequent verb nominalising prefix /Г·ГҐ/, kinship term prefix [Г·ГҐ]
and formative prefix on bound nominal stems /Г·ГҐ/ have a tone which is
determined by that of the following syllable. The pattern differs slightly
depending on which type of prefix is involved, but is usually the reverse of the
pitch of a high or low tone stem: [55] and [35] tone stems usually have a [21]
tone on the prefix, [21] and [21] tone stems usually have a [55] tone on the
prefix, and [33] or [33] tone stems usually have a [33] or [21] tone on the
prefix. Thus [35], [33] and [21] tones do not occur on these prefixes.
Otherwise, all six tones occur freely with all initials and vowels.
There is some variation in the creakiness of a sequence of two low falling
tones in the first syllable of a two-syllable compound; a sequence of [21] +
[21] may assimilate to [21] + [21], and a sequence of [21] + [21] may
assimilate to [21] + [21]. Some monomorphemic two-syllable words vary
between [21] + [21] and [21] + [21].
In addition to single tones, some words have one of eight possible
sequences of two tones, the first of which is any of the non-low tones and the
second of which is always low (creaky or noncreaky). That is, combinations of
[55] + [21] or [21], [35] + [21] or [21], [33] + [21] or [21] and [33] + [21] or
[21] occur. Most of these are in sentence-final markers, mainly with the vowels
/ГҐ/ or /ГЎ/. These are somewhat longer than a single syllable, but not quite as
long as two full syllables.
The Lisu alphabetical order in the main orthography, as used in this
dictionary, is discussed in the following section.
Southern Lisu Dictionary
xxv
Lisu Orthographies
Four Lisu orthographies were developed in the twentieth century. The first was
a script actually developed not for Lisu, but rather for closely-related Lipo, by
China Inland Mission members Arthur G. Nicholls and George E. Metcalf in
north central Yunnan. This is based on the variety of Lipo spoken in Wuding
and Luquan counties, and was first used in print in 1912. Some Christian
sources refer to it as Eastern Lisu. This script is a Pollard script; that is, it
follows the principles established for Miao by Samuel Pollard in 1904. Pollard
scripts use a variety of alphabetic and Pitman shorthand symbols. Consonants
are large letters, while vowels are much smaller. The position of the vowel
relative to its initial consonant represents the tone; for example, a syllable with
the vowel centred above the consonant has high tone, with a vowel at bottom
right indicates low tone, and so on.
The second and most successful script was first developed by the China
Inland Mission member James Outram Fraser, the Karen evangelist Ba Thaw
and the American Baptist Mission member George J. Geis starting from
Christmas 1914 in Myitkyina, Burma and revised into its final form during
visits by Ba Thaw to Fraser in Tengchong in western Yunnan in 1915 and
1916. This script is based primarily on Central Lisu as spoken in Tengchong
County, but also has some elements which reflect Central Lisu from Burma
and Northern Lisu from Lushui County. It is usually called the Fraser script, or
sometimes the Bible script. It uses upper case roman letters, upright and
inverted, for consonants and vowels, and various punctuation markers for
tones. Another characteristic of the script, probably contributed by Ba Thaw, is
that any consonant or consonant cluster written without a following vowel has
an inherent vowel /ГҐ/. Both the inherent vowel and the use of punctuation for
tones are derived from the principles of Burmese, Karen and related scripts.
The first publication in this script, Ba Thaw (1915), uses the preliminary form
agreed in 1914, with some digraphs instead of inverted letters; but all later
publications starting from Mark in 1921 and the first primer, anonymous
(1922, still in print in various revised forms) use the final version.
The third Lisu script was developed around 1925 by the traditional Lisu
religious leader Wa Renbo (also sometimes called Wang Renpo or Huang
Renpo in Chinese sources) in Weixi County, far to the northeast of Tengchong,
where a variety of Northern Lisu is spoken. This is a syllabary in which some
syllabic characters look similar to Chinese characters (but usually have
completely different phonetic and semantic values). It does not have enough
syllabic symbols to represent all the syllables of Lisu, so often a nearhomophone (with a different tone or slightly different initial) must be used.
This script never achieved very wide dissemination, and is now almost
completely out of use, though a definitive edition of one text has recently been
published (Wa Renbo 1999).
The fourth Lisu script was developed in Beijing by Chinese and Russian
linguists working with Northern Lisu speakers from what is now Fugong
County, to the north of Tengchong. It went through three stages: first with
xxvi
Southern Lisu Dictionary
roman and some Cyrillic letters, implemented in 1958; then, after the Russians
left, without Cyrillic letters and with Chinese loans spelled exactly as in pinyin,
never implemented; and lastly from 1959 in its final form with Chinese loans
mainly integrated into Lisu phonology. This is called �New Lisu’ in China. It
is based on the principles of pinyin, but uses postscript consonant letters to
represent tones. Being based on Northern Lisu, it lacks some vowel and
consonant contrasts found in Central Lisu and in the Fraser script.
The politics of orthography among the Lisu since the 1950s has been
complicated. In China the Fraser script and its Christian associations, as well as
the national policy to develop new minority scripts which provide transfer to
pinyin to help in learning Chinese, motivated the mid-1950s development of
the fourth script similar to pinyin. While this new script was used in all
government publications from 1959 to 1980, the Fraser script continued in use
among the Christian Lisu for religious purposes. From 1980, the Fraser script
(known in China as Old Lisu) also started to be used in official non-religious
publications, and from 1983 the Fraser script was reintroduced for official
government purposes including primary education in Nujiang Prefecture and
later in Weixi County and elsewhere. However, many Lisu continued to use the
New Lisu script for publication and other purposes up to 1995; there are still
some street, office and shop signs in New Lisu in southern Nujiang Prefecture.
Outside China, all literate Lisu (which means almost exclusively the Christian
Lisu) use the Fraser script. Because this script is based on a somewhat artificial
compromise dialect, some people use their own spoken variety of Lisu when
they write, but many others regard this as wrong, and prefer the established
words and spellings used in the Scriptures.
The latest development is a modification of the Fraser script using
digraphs instead of inverted letters, intended for computer use and devised by
David Morse in 1999 (Morse & Tehan 2000); its use is spreading, especially
for email. For further discussion of the development of Lisu orthographies, see
Bradley (1979), Bradley & Kane (1981) and Bradley (1999, 2003, 2006).
This dictionary uses the Fraser script in its standard alphabetical order to
represent Lisu forms. This alphabetical order is also shown at the bottom of
every page, with a phonetic key. The standard alphabetical order of the Fraser
script starts with most of the consonants, in phonetically related groups; then it
has the vowels, and finally the velar fricative /В©/. The six tones also have a
standard alphabetical order, which corresponds to the numbers 1 to 6 used in
Fraser (1922). One proposed revision of the alphabetical order, not followed
here, is to put the velar fricative /В©/ before the vowels. One departure from the
standard alphabetical order in this dictionary is that consonant clusters are
placed separately after all single consonants. In the usual alphabetical order,
such clusters would be after the inherent vowel /ГҐ/ and before all other vowels,
for example @ @\ @\` @^ ... /bå/ /bjå/ /bjö/ /bá/ and so on, here cited in the
order @ @^ ... @\ @\` /bГҐ/ /bГЎ/ and so on to the last of the vowels, then /bjГҐ/
/bjö/. The single-letter consonants are:
xxvii
Southern Lisu Dictionary
@ A
b p
B C D
pæ d t
E F G H I J K L M N O P
tæ g k kæ d t® t®æ dz ts tsæ m n
S T
Г‚ z
U V W X
≥ ~h x h
Y
f
Q
l
R
s
Z [ \
w В® j
The northeastern Central Lisu syllables with retroflex initials /d t® t®æ Â
В®/ before /ГҐ/ are written with the single consonants I J K S [, while the
syllables with alveopalatal initials /dпЈї tЛљ tЛљГ¦ Лљ/ before /ГҐ/ are written with
digraphs I\ J\ K\ [\ as discussed above. This contrast is absent from Southern
Lisu and many subvarieties of Central Lisu, operates differently in Northern
Lisu, and causes confusion for most learners of Lisu writing.
The vowels and the velar voiced fricative are:
] ^ _
ГҐ ГЎ e
` a b c d e f
ö i/Éï o u y/Éï ∑ Ì
g
В©
Most Lisu people think of ] as a vowel, but it could also be regarded as an
initial glottal stop automatically followed by the inherent vowel /ГҐ/.
The alphabetical order of the six tones, and their numbering in Fraser
(1922), is:
orthography
pitch
Fraser (1922)
h
55
1
i
35
2
j
33
3
k
33
4
l
21
5
m
21
6
Given the use of punctuation for tones and the absence of distinct upper
case letters to indicate proper names, different conventions must be used to
represent these. Proper names are linked by hyphens between the syllables, as
in QajqRcj /li su/ �Lisu’. A comma is written by a hyphen followed by a full
stop (-.) and a full stop is written by an equals sign (=). One further
convention is that the extremely frequent postverbal marker /ГҐ/ is written as an
underline after the verbal form, as in I_kn Ubk /dÔe å ≥o/ �will go’; this may
be because writing it with ] would imply that it has an initial glottal stop,
which it does not.
Unlike the standard Fraser or Bible Lisu script, this dictionary uses only
the Southern Lisu pronunciation, for which the orthography is perfectly
adequate; those items which are normatively spelled differently are listed in
their usual Southern Lisu form, with a note giving their usual spelling. It
should be noted that the Southern Lisu palatal affricates and fricative are
written with the digraphs I\ J\ K\ [\ when they occur with the vowel /ГҐ/.
Other differences between Fraser script written Lisu and Southern Lisu are
discussed in the phonology section of this introduction above. One substantial
departure from the usual Lisu written usage is that all six tones are always fully
xxviii
Southern Lisu Dictionary
indicated in the Lisu forms in this dictionary; nearly all Lisu writers omit tone
marking extremely frequently, and some regard full or even frequent tone
marking as childish and overly redundant.
Until the early 1970s, there was effectively no literacy in Lisu in
Thailand; the Southern Lisu of Thailand did not use any form of written Lisu,
but were sometimes literate in Thai and/or Chinese. There was a proposal to
use Thai as the basis for a Lisu script (Hope 1976), but this was not
successfully implemented. Over the last thirty years, there has been a large
influx of mainly Christian Lisu from Burma and to a lesser extent from China.
This has led to a considerable amount of dialect mixture and variation. Apart
from Central and Northern Lisu influence in mixed villages, there is also a
substantial input from the composite Bible dialect in formal Christian contexts.
When Southern Lisu speakers who convert to Christianity become literate, they
are taught the Fraser script, and so may learn to write retroflex affricates and
fricatives in the appropriate words, even though they never say them, and to
follow the other spelling norms of the Fraser script.
Lisu Syntax
Lisu is a typical verb-final language in which all nominal elements in a clause
normally precede the verbal complex. The list of abbreviations below gives all
form classes in Southern Lisu.
The noun phrase includes the Noun and associated or alternative elements
including Pronouns, Demonstratives, Numerals, Classifiers and a variety of
bound nominal elements including bound Noun Prefixes, Noun Suffixes,
Pronoun Prefixes, Demonstrative Prefixes and Classifier Suffixes. The usual
position of the Demonstrative is after the head Noun; it is normally followed
by a nominaliser Noun Suffix. The Numeral and Classifier occur together after
the head Noun; if they are combined with a Demonstrative, they occur between
the Demonstrative and its nominaliser Noun Suffix. The final element in a
noun phrase may be a Nominal Particle. Some Nonfinal Particles may follow
a noun phrase, including those with a final Noun Particle. Noun phrases may
include a verbal element immediately after the head Noun, and/or a Relative
Clause immediately before or after the head Noun. Some noun phrases lack a
head Noun, and consist entirely of a Numeral plus a Classifier, a
Demonstrative plus a bound nominaliser Noun Suffix, or both. There are also
derived noun phrases which are verbs or clauses followed by a nominaliser
Noun Suffix. Lisu has very frequent zero anaphora in context.
The verbal elements include the Verb and various bound elements
including Verb Prefixes, Verb Suffixes and Serial Verbs. Most Serial Verbs
are post-head and many are transparently derived from Verbs. Sequences of
Serial Verbs are rather infrequent and may be broken up into separate clauses
by Nonfinal Particles. The Verb (with its associated elements) is very
frequently followed by a Verb Particle. The final element in a verbal complex
may be a Nonfinal Particle in a nonfinal clause, and a Final Particle in a final
clause. Nonfinal particles have clause linkage functions, while Final Particles
Southern Lisu Dictionary
xxix
include elements such as imperative/hortative, evidential, degree of certainty,
politeness and so on. There are some sequences of these particles; in particular,
certain sequences of Nonfinal Particles and various sequences of Verb Particle
and Final Particle are very frequent, and there are many combinations of
different categories of Final Particle. There are various types of verbs
including stative verbs (adjectives). There is a subcategory of stative verbs of
positive extent (�many’, �big’, �far’ and so on) which show extensive
grammaticalisation (Bradley 1995). Equational nominal-predicate copula
sentences in Lisu may have an overt copula Verb, though this is very often
absent.
The class of Adverbs is quite small and mainly restricted to manner;
temporal and locative elements are nominal. Manner is often expressed by
reduplicated verbal elements rather than a core Adverb. Many Adverbs are two
syllables and partly or fully reduplicated, while most Nouns and Verbs are
analysable into one-syllable components. There is a very small number of
bound Adverb Prefixes and Adverb Suffixes. Adverbs normally precede the
verbal elements in a clause, but may also be clause-initial.
Lastly, there is a class of Interjections. Like Adverbs, many of these have
two syllables, and some are onomatopoetic. They occur as separate intonation
units in discourse.
For a sketch of Lisu syntax, see Bradley (2003). Hope (1974) discusses
the syntax of Thailand Lisu in some detail, and Hope (1973a) highlights the
pragmatically-determined variation in the constituent order of Thailand Lisu.
Lisu is not nonconfigurational; rather, any noun phrase may be moved to the
beginning of the clause or to the end of the clause (after the verb) for focus
and/or topic purposes. However, clauses with one or more noun phrases after
the verb are infrequent and often spontaneously corrected.
Acknowledgements
Any dictionary is a collective project. It requires the participation and good
will of many people, and I would like to thank them all most sincerely. In
listing people who have provided the most substantial input here, I do not wish
to exclude the many others who have helped in a variety of other important
ways.
This dictionary started from a card file compiled by Dr Edward R. Hope.
Ted was an Overseas Mission Fellowship missionary in Thailand for many
years; during this time he was criticised by some colleagues for his
concentration on Thailand Lisu instead of Bible Lisu. He later completed a
PhD on Thailand Lisu at the Australian National University, published as Hope
(1974), and wrote a number of other valuable articles and chapters on Lisu
phonology and syntax, including Hope (1971, 1973a, 1973b, 1976). During his
return to Thailand in 2004-2005, he resumed his work with the Lisu, and it
was a pleasure to meet him again. Ted has always been supportive of this
dictionary project from afar.
xxx
Southern Lisu Dictionary
My Lisu friend and colleague James Fish or Jacob Masayawong, the sixth
son of Isaiah Fish, has been invaluable with his patient work on this dictionary,
most intensively in 1998 and 1999, but also before and since. Many other
members of his large family have also provided very important input,
especially David Ngwaza, the fifth son of Isaiah, as well as Isaiah and some of
his other children. Both James and David have published various books in
Lisu.
My wife and colleague Dr Maya Bradley has participated in every
moment in the field and elsewhere since 1978, and has always been a source of
important advice and observations as well as a major contributor to this work.
Many members of the Morse family provided me with invaluable help of
many kinds since 1971. In particular, I would like to thank Betty for her
wonderful encouragement and assistance in 1971 and 1972 during my first
field trip to Thailand, and through the years until her sad passing in 2001. Her
sons, especially Steve but also Joni and Bobby, have been close friends and
provided a great deal of help over many years. Cousin David has always been
happy to share his deep knowledge of the Lisu, to provide contacts among the
Lisu in Thailand and elsewhere, and to assist with font-related matters. I am
also pleased to know Eugene and to have known the late Robert.
I am most grateful to Dr Paul W. Lewis for introducing me to Dr Gam
Seng Shae and for continuing encouragement and assistance since 1971. Andy
Thomson provided the PC version of his Lisu font, which I have converted to
Macintosh form and used for this dictionary. The phonetic font used in this
dictionary is the STEDT font, created as part of the STEDT project. Grateful
thanks also to Lam Onn-siew for her careful work on early versions of this
dictionary.
Prof James A. Matisoff and his wife Prof Susan Matisoff, Dr Otome
Hutheesing and her partner Dr Michael Vickery, Dr John McKinnon, Dr IngaLill Hansson, the late Dr Leo Alting von Geusau and many others have also
provided important and stimulating ideas as well as many kinds of practical
help through the years.
I am grateful to the National Research Council of Thailand for permission
to carry out field research in Thailand, and to many Thai colleagues over the
years for their assistance. I would especially like to thank colleagues at
Mahidol University including Prof Suriya Ratanakul, Prof Suwilai Premsrirat
and others, and at Chulalongkorn University, especially Prof Theraphan
Luangthongkum.
Many Lisu friends and colleagues have provided very valuable input and
data. This includes Dr Gam Seng Shae; Chart Phattarapraphakorn; Barnabas;
my friends at the Chiangmai Lisu radio station including Mark, John, James
and others; my friends at David Morse’s office, Elijah and John; many people
in Doi Lan, especially the adoptive family of Dr Otome Hutheesing; Paul Li or
]lqQ_i PehqPeh of Huai Khrai; Wilai Tangmi or @\lqQ_i Oj and her family in Huai
Tong Tawng; ]lqAi Bl and his wife ]hqOal Oj also from Huai Tong Tawng;
Southern Lisu Dictionary
xxxi
Matthew or [`hqRj OqEa from Ling Luang, and so many others over the years.
]l Heh @bj Objo
This list does not yet include the many Lisu colleagues and friends who
have helped me in work on other varieties of Lisu spoken in China, Burma and
India which are not included in this dictionary. This includes Dr Yu Defen,
who has recently completed her PhD with me at La Trobe University; Ayi
Gorczynski, formerly of the Yunnan Institute of Nationalities; Hao Jiehui and
Feng Qingzhong of the Yunnan Nationalities Press, Si Luyi of the Nationalities
Press, many people in Nujiang and elsewhere. ]l Idl Rcj D^h [d [d [h Objo
Naturally I am very pleased to acknowledge the funding support of the
Australian Research Council (A59701122, A00001357) and of various other
funding bodies over the years, most notably UNESCO but also the Myer
Foundation, the Australian Academy of Humanities, the Australian ViceChancellors’ Committee, the Ford Foundation through the American Council
of Learned Societies and the Social Science Research Council and various
others.
Finally, I would like to thank the Sino-Tibetan Etymological Dictionary
and Thesaurus Project and its Director, Prof James A. Matisoff, for
undertaking the publication of this dictionary as part of its monograph series.
All remaining errors are solely my responsibility; readers are most
welcome to communicate with me at <[email protected]> with
comments, corrections and additions.
References
anonymous. 1922. O a Oa Eb f [O a (spells) Oa book], Lisu Catechism and
Hymn Book. Rangoon: American Baptist Mission Press.
Ba Thaw. 1915. wu-sa t’o-r—e kw n nyi —å m ba p’o ga —å m jy-k’a, Catechism in
Lisu. Rangoon: American Baptist Mission Press.
Bradley, David. 1979. Proto-Loloish. Scandinavian Institute of Asian
Studies Monograph Series No. 39. London & Malmö: Curzon Press.
_____ 1994. A Dictionary of the Northern Dialect of Lisu. Pacific Linguistics
C-126. Canberra: Department of Linguistics, Research School of Pacific
and Asian Studies, Australian National University.
_____ 1995. Grammaticalisation of extent in Mran-Ni. Linguistics of the
Tibeto-Burman Area 18/1: 1-28.
_____ 1999. Lisu. In David Bradley, Paul W. Lewis, Nerida Jarkey &
Christopher Court. Hill Tribes Phrasebook: Hill Tribes of South-East
Asia, 75-98. Melbourne: Lonely Planet.
_____ 2003. Lisu. In Graham Thurgood & Randy J. LaPolla (eds) The SinoTibetan Languages, 222-235. London: Routledge.
xxxii
Southern Lisu Dictionary
_____ 2006. Lisu orthographies and email. In Anju Saxena (ed.)
Technological Advances and Languages of South Asia. Berlin: Mouton
de Gruyter.
Bradley, David & Daniel Kane. 1981. Lisu orthographies. Working Papers
in Linguistics, University of Melbourne 7: 23-38.
Fraser, James Outram. 1922. Handbook of the Lisu (Yawyin) Language.
Rangoon: Government Printer.
Hope, Edward Reginald. 1971. Problems of phone assignment in Lisu
phonology. Papers in South East Asian Linguistics No.2. Pacific
Linguistics A-29, 53-78. Canberra: Department of Linguistics, Research
School of Pacific Studies, Australian National University.
_____ 1973a. Non-syntactic constraints on Lisu Noun Phrase order.
Foundations of Language 10: 79-109.
_____ 1973b. Selected phonological rules for Thailand Lisu. Papers in South
East Asian Linguistics No.3. Pacific Linguistics A-30, 19-34. Canberra:
Department of Linguistics, Research School of Pacific Studies, Australian
National University.
_____ 1974. The Deep Syntax of Lisu Sentences. A transformational case
grammar. Pacific Linguistics B-34. Canberra: Department of Linguistics,
Research School of Pacific Studies, Australian National University.
_____ 1976. Lisu. In William A. Smalley (ed.) Phonemes and Orthography:
Language Planning in Ten Minority Languages of Thailand, 125-148.
Pacific Linguistics C-43. Canberra: Department of Linguistics, Research
School of Pacific Studies, Australian National University.
Morse, David Lowell & Thomas M. Tehan. 2000. How do you write Lisu?
In Nicholas Ostler & Blair Rudes (eds) Endangered Languages and
Literacy. Proceedings of the Fourth Foundation for Endangered
Languages Conference, University of North Carolina Charlotte, 21-24
September 2000, 53-62. Bath: Foundation for Endangered Languages.
Wa Renbo (ed. Guang Naba, compiled by Mu Yuzhang, Han Gang and Xu
Hongde). 1999. Jitianguge [Ancient Songs of Heavenly Worship]. 2
vol. Kunming: Yunnan Nationalities Press.
Southern Lisu Dictionary
xxxiii
Hel Bck Ubl
QaqRc Kbl B^i Kbl Tl @cbp
Ebl el E` Eal AfPl O P\ QaqRc @^j Hel D^h WZl Bck Ubl @^j Hel GZ Qeh Cbj Qk
O Uko E]ah Odl GZ O QaqRc Qbiq[dj Ubl GZj @_ @bj Dh O Uk P\ap Ebl el Ubl @_p
QbqZch Ubl @_p [\q[\ Ubl GZj @_ Ol @bj Dho Ebl el E`k Eal AfPl P\ah Cbj Q_ Gh
P^h \ah Idi Ibk @gn P\p QaqRc Ebl el Ubl @_ QbqZch Ubl @_ [\q[\ Ubl @_ Qbq[d
Ubl GZj @_ @bj Pai [d R_l Qbo
Ebl el E` O P\ QaqRc Ubl Ol Rfh Rc @`k el [\i Dh O Aeh Ccp \ah R^m ]l Idl @bj
Wbl Dh Feln Qbo E` Q`j @b Rahn Q_lp ]l Idl Rc dj Gch O D^h Ibjn P\ap O\j Dahp Ph
Abjp O\j J\hp O\j Abjp O\j I`kp O\j Ph ]l Idl Wbl Dh Feln Qbo
@bj K\k Fc ]l O\i Ib @gn Ubkp K\k Fc Obkn P\ Fc Oh Fel Qkn O D^h Pai
Bck Bck Q_ Pj Pin Ubko Ik Q^m Hb Fc P\p @bj Rc D\i Deh P\
David Bradley, Linguistics, La Trobe University VIC 3086, Australia
_O]aQ P\ [email protected]
M]ah Eal WZi Ebl el E` O D^h P\ahn E^lp \_j Ij Rc Eal Sbn Q_ Eal Sb D^h Ebl el
[dm V Fel Ycn Ubo ] Oej QaqRc Ocl FZlp Ubl I`jp Oh (Jj) Oal Ebl el P\ah D\in Qbo
dj Pai [dn P\ UZj Pcl D^h Ebl el Q^m [b @bj Yc Q Ollo
Ebl el E` Eal AfPl O D^h @bj E^l Eal Q_i O\`l \_ Rc Ql Nbk P\p
\ah Zch \ah O \_j Ij Rcp (Oh Bl Wbl ]qGbq@_h) Dr Edward R. Hope
UZh R \aqRq\ \a Tl UZh Qci \qGc (James Fish, Jacob Masayawong)
UZj Vak Raj O Dr Maya Bradley @c Ubo
P`h @^m E]ah Odl QaqRc \_j Ij Rc ]h Cal O\lno @bj Obk @^j Fc Ol Cko ]l O\i \_j
Ij Rc P\
UZh Zcl CqZdm @_ UZh R \aqRq\
Oh Bl [`hqDh (Dr Gam Seng Shae)
Oh Bl QcqHfq\c (Acharn Chart)
Oh Bl @qPq@
J @ a O\`l \_ Rc ] Ce OqHbp \bqVp \qGc
Oh Bl Obm CqZdmn @_ Eal Q_i O\`l \_ Rc Pbh Bl \aqQaq\p Pbh Bl \bqV
Cba Q M]ah Ma Ql Nbk
Qal I\j BbqQb (]qQ_i Peh Peh)
O_ Db Qb M]ah Maj @\lqQ_i Op ]qAiqBlp ]qOaqO
Qa Qb M]ah Maj [`hqR OqEa
Oh Bl Obm CqZdm @c Ubo
]l Idl Rc D^h [d [d [h Obo
ZcqR Pdk Pai @bj Ob [h Obo
@bj Rc @\lq@_h CqZdm (David Bradley)
xxxiv
Southern Lisu Dictionary
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
A
AP
Adverb
AS
Adverbial Suffix
Classifier
Classifier Suffix
Demonstrative
Demonstrative Prefix
Interjection
C
CS
Dem
DemP
I
Adverbial Prefix
N
NP
NS
Num
PF
PN
PNF
PV
Pro
ProS
V
VP
VS
VV
Noun
Noun Prefix
Noun Suffix
Numeral
Final Particle
Noun Particle
Nonfinal Particle
Verb Particle
Pronoun
Pronoun Suffix
Verb
Verb Prefix
Verb Suffix
Serial Verb
(B)
(C)
Burmese loanword
Chinese loanword
(E)
(NT)
English loanword
Northern Thai loanword
(S)
(T)
Shan loanword
Thai loanword
1
Southern Lisu Dictionary
b«å
V
thin of inanimates, contraction of b\ГҐ ГҐ
b«å l\e k«å å.
It is thin.
@i
b«å
V
share, exchange, usually pГҐ
@i @l
b«å b\å
N
father, also å\ b\å/b«åå\
step-father
b«å b\å b«á
b«å b\å pæj|å
step-father
b«å b\å z\å z\å
step-father
≥wå b«å b\å m\å tΔ«å. My father is not here/is not alive.
@j
bГҐ
V
shine, clear of weather
m\y m\ГҐ bГҐ.
The weather is not clear.
nГҐ bГҐ
wound, scar, also nГҐ pГҐ
~hГҐ bГҐ
moon
@j Q`j Q`j bå lö lö V
fat and healthy
j|î |å m\o bå lö lö k«å å.
His horse is fat and in good condition.
@k
bГҐ
V
be in milk, be unblocked of nose
|å tΔ«ï m\å bå.
The breasts are not in milk.
n|ГҐ po m\ГҐ bГҐ
The nose is blocked.
@k
bГҐ
V
hide something
@k
bГҐ
NP
beside and on the same level as
level along side of a hill, breadth
bå k|å ΔÉï
dzå gu bå k|å ΔÉï k«å å.The trail is level on the hillside.
j|î bå k|å ΔÉï ¯å så bo. The breadth is three armslengths.
bå tΔæå
next to, also b\á tΔæå
j|î ~hi bå tΔæå
next to his house
bå ΔÉï
beside and on a level with
≥wå n\u ~hi bå ΔÉï å beside our house
@k Obk bГҐ mo
V
partial, prejudiced in judging
Don’t be biased.
tæ\å bå mo.
@k Qk
bГҐ lГҐ
VV have time to, feel like, able to cope with
He doesn’t have time to do it/feel like doing it.
je m\ГҐ bГҐ lГҐ.
@l
b\ГҐ
V
thin, of inanimates
b\å b«å\å k«å å
extremely thin
b\ГҐ ts\ГЇ le ГҐ.
too thin
tsæo h~ å b\å le å.
be short of soul-stuff, weak or open to disease
mГҐ b\ГҐ
thin variety of bamboo
mГЊ b\ГҐ b\ГҐ
thin cloth
@l
b\ГҐ
C
for single organs (one of a pair)
tæ\î l\á b\å
half an armspan. from middle of chest to finger tip
@i
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
2
Southern Lisu Dictionary
mjå s\∑ tæ\î b\å
one eye
n|å po tæ\î b\å
one ear
@l
b\ГҐ
NP
cheeks
whiskers on cheeks
b\å pæjö yö my
b\å tæ|o
bulging cheeks
b\å m\∑ to
chin
b\ГҐ w\y
cheeks
b\ГҐ w\y w\o to
jawbone
¯«å b\å l|y
pelican (�bird cheek crop�)
~h«á b\å ΔÉï
tree shrew (�rodent cheek yellow’)
@l
b\ГҐ
N
sides or banks of river or valley
on that side
go b\ГҐ
ko b\ГҐ
on that side (further away)
tæå b\å
on this side
l|ГҐ b\ГҐ
groin, crotch
©|∑ b\å
on the left side
jГҐ b\ГҐ
on the right side
@l
b\ГҐ
V
shape reeds for instruments, also b\ГҐ
mГҐ go b\ГҐ
shape reeds for jewsharp
f\u lВ«u b\ГҐ
shape reeds for gourd flute
@l
b\ГҐ
NS bound form indicating the slope of hillside
pj«å b\å
slope facing the speaker
mi b\ГҐ
slope diagonally across the view of the speaker
@l
b\ГҐ
C
a slap
give a slap
tæ\î b\å tsæå å
@l C`l b\ГҐ d\Г¶
NS
shaft of foot-operated mortar
shaft of foot-operated mortar
tsæÉï b\å d\ö
@l Maj b\å tsÉï
N
bamboo colander
b\å tsÉï tæ\î pæ\á
one bamboo colander
@l Qk
b\ГҐ lГҐ
N
trumpet, usually s\ГҐ lГҐ
@l Ql Ql b\ГҐ l\ГҐ l\ГҐ
V
shivering
He shivered.
b\ГҐ l\ГҐ l\ГҐ tО”Г¦\Г¶ ГҐ.
@l Q^m Nj b\å l\_á tsæå N
a slap (on the face)
b\ГҐ l\ГЎ
_ tsæå tæ\î tæ«∑ fu ©\∑ å. He gave her a slap (on the face).
@l Q_k b\ГҐ le
N
sickle, also m\∑ tsæ«o
@l Ufi b\å ≥«Ì
N
spear, usually l|å pæj|å
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
3
Southern Lisu Dictionary
b\å x_∑
V
j|î b\å x\∑ å.
@m
b\ГҐ
V
mГҐ go b\ГҐ ГҐ.
f\u l«u lå tsÉï b\å å
@m
b\ГҐ
N
b|åj pæj\å tsæÉï b\å
@hl
b||ГҐ\ГҐ
PF
@il
b«å\å
N
@]ai B\ b«åj pæj\å
N
b«åj pæj\å tsæÉï b\å
@^i
b«á
NS
b«å b\å b«á
m«å må b«á
@^j
bГЎ
V
bГЎ tu lo ГҐ_\
smile (positive only)
@l Wem
He is smiling.
shape reeds for musical instruments, also b\ГҐ
make a bamboo jewsharp
shape reeds for a gourd reed-organ
Baht, Thai currency (T)
ten baht note
maybe, also pæ|åå\
father (C), usually b«å b\å
paper currency (T)
ten baht note
step-parent
stepfather
stepmother
say
saying referring to a third party, which is really
aimed at the listener
bГЎ ko ГҐ
refuse to talk to
¯«å bá ko
mynah
bá tΔæ«e
decide
bá kæ\∑
word
bГЎ dz\ГҐ
hear, also pГҐ dГ”\ГҐ
≥wå m\å bá dz\å. I didn’t hear it.
bá tsæ«∑
decide (B)
bá m\å kæwå x∑ even though
bГЎ mo d\e mo
requests (song language)
bГЎ mo
judgement, legal case
bá mo kæ∑ m\å dz\o. The case was not decided justly.
bá ≥o dz\å l\á xo make a covenant or mutual treaty
bá ≥\o
riddle
bГЎ j\Г¶ ГҐ
stammer
tæ\å bá k_o l\á xo.
Don’t refuse to be on speaking terms.
nu bГЎ ВЇi.
You try to say it.
≥wå tæe bá tΔ«å å. This is what I said.
|å t|î bá pæu ©\∑.
Please explain to me.
|å t|î bá m|å ©\∑.
Please inform me/instruct me/teach me.
bГЎ
V
stoop
ku k_u å\ bá ©∑ h~ e| dÔe.
@^j
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
Stoop over as you go.
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
4
Southern Lisu Dictionary
bГЎ
NS
dzГҐ m\e dzГҐ bГЎ
j|Г® m\e j|Г® bГЎ
@^j
bГЎ
NS
so bá dzÉï
@^k
bГЎ
N
@^m
b\ГЎ
NS
n|Г¶ b\ГЎ
n|ö b\á tæ\î w\å
j|Г® b\ГЎ
@^m K\j b\á tΔæå
N
j|î ~hi b\á tΔæå wå
@^k [dj bá ΔÉï
N
j|î ~hi bá ΔÉï
@_h
b|e
NS
b|e b|e
å| tsæ«o b|e b|e
ГҐ| w\ГЎ b|e b|e
ГҐ| j|ГҐ b|e b|e
ГҐ b|e/|ГҐ b|e
@_j
be
V
g\ГҐ be je ГҐ.
ГҐ lГҐ be je ГҐ\ .
@_j
be
VS
le be
@_j
be
NS
@_j
be
PNS
ГҐ lГҐ kwГҐ be
@_j
be
NS
nГҐ be
@_k
be
N
be pæ\u
be tО”\e
d\∑ be
xo d\∑ be
s«∑ d\∑ be
tО”Г¦\o be
@^j
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
pair word for m\e dregs
left-over rice
dregs
a kind of tree
a kind of tree
flat plate
another one
another
another person
other ones
next to, on same level, also bå tΔæå
next to his house
to the side, on same level as, also bå ΔÉï
to the side of his house, on the same level
little, small
sonny, little son
small axe, hatchet
little piglet
little chicken
first son
visit, with no purpose in mind
visit around
Where are you wandering to?
complementiser, adverbialiser
like this, in this way
and, usually tО”e
from, usually ts|o
from where?
extended nose, in
elephant’s trunk, fish gill, animal snout
lump, growth, especially on throat
goiter, usually be tО”\e
goiter, also be pæ\u
head of hammer
iron hammer head
wooden hammer head
windpipe
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
5
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tО”Г¦\o be k|o l|o
ts|ГЇ be
tsæÉï z\å tæ\∑ be
li be
s«∑ lo be
s«∑ s\∑ l«u be
@_k
be
NS
dz\ГЇ be
dГ”w|ГҐ be
dzw|ГҐ be
@_k @_k be be
V
be be l\e k«å å.
@_k
be
NP
be kæ∑
be tО”Г¦\ГЇ
@_k Nal be tsæ\ï
N
@_k Qdh be l|y
N
ГҐ| g\u be l|y
@_l
b\e
VS
bö tsæ\ï j|î b\e
l\å tsæo j|î b\e
@_l
b\e
V
b\e l\ГЎ xo ГҐ.
@_l
b\e
V
X
h
large pot or jar, also bö
metal rice pot
large-mouthed clay jar, also ji wu/dzw|ГҐ be
large-mouthed clay jar, also ji wu/dГ”w|ГҐ be
pendulous
It is very pendulous.
pus, also bi
solid pus, also bi kæ\∑
liquid pus, also bi tО”Г¦\ГЇ
jacket, coat, shirt, dress, see bö tsæ\ï
bird’s crop, also by l|y
dove’s crop
old thing, previous, see also j|Г® ly
old jacket
the previous person
separate from each other
They parted.
fall over from an upright position (of
inanimate objects), usually b\Г¶
nonflying insect or worm, also b\î/b\∑
b\e
NP
b\e di
b\e di ГҐ| di
b\e tО”|Г® mГҐ
b\e tО”|e l|e
b\e tΔ«î tΔ«î må
b\e tsÉï Δ«ï
b\e tsæÉï t|o
b\e tsæ\ï
b\e s|ГҐ mГҐ
b\e Δö nö
må kæw\å b\e di
¯«å dÔ\ö b\e di
@_l
W
x
Adam’s apple
limb joint which is lumpy (elbow, knee, ankle)
knot in a string
neck
growth on a tree
fruit of all kinds
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
insects and worms
insects, birds and small animals
short type of millipede
small cricket
type of grasshopper with very long legs
small beetle - occurs in swarms
firefly
caterpillar
cockroach, also b\∑/m\Ì/m\î s|å må
stink bug
goliath beetle (�bamboo insect’)
millipede (�pheasant insect’ – pheasants eat)
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
6
Southern Lisu Dictionary
s«∑ pæj\å b\e di
leaf insect
s«∑ då b\e di
stick insect
w\o n|ГҐ b\e di
earthworm
wu tΔæ«ö b\e di
millipede
@_l
b\e
NS
squirrel
squirrel, also h
~ ГЎ
В« b\e
|ГҐ b\e
@_l
b\e
VS
think about, in
¯«î b\e
think about
@_l Kdl Ecl Lak b\e tΔæ\ï tæ\u dzÉï
N type of small tree with silvery
bark, which bears edible black berries
V
@_l Q_l b\e l\e
@_m
b\e l\e kæ∑ l\∑
b\e l\e l\e k«å å.
dzГҐ b\e l\e
tsæ\u b\e l\e s\∑
ГҐ| j|ГҐ b\e l\e
b\e
V
b\e
NS
kæ\å b\e
kæ\o tsæ|o b\e
@_m P\ah b\e ВЇ|Г®
V
b\e ¯|î b\e ¯|î k«å å.
w|u b\e ВЇ|Г®
bö
A
p
hatch (eggs); squeeze until something
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
inside of, in
inside of mouth, also kæw\å b\e/kæ\å b\î
inside of stove or fireplace, also kæ\u tsæ|o b\e
soft to the touch, as ripe fruit, also b\Г®
It gives when you squeeze it (rubber ball, ripe
fruit, melon, etc.).
fontanelle of baby
V/N confine, fence, garden, enclosed area,
orchard, completion of woman’s post-natal
confinement, also bi/bjö
fence (which encloses), also lå kå/bjö tΔö
bö tΔö
bö tΔö tΔö å
l«å ts\ï_ mi tæ\î bö je
s«∑ we bö
zÉï bö
l\o bö
xo bö
xo bö kæ\u å bö t|å
@
b
having shaggy and disheveled hair
It is hairy.
type of rice which has hairy seeds
thorny hairy shrub
chicken with dishevelled-looking feathers
pops out (pimple)
tΔæ«ï b\e ©∑ å
squeeze until a pimple pops out
|å j|å fu m|y m\å b\e. The eggs were laid but didn’t hatch.
j|Г® wu b\e b\e.
small intestine
@_m
@`j
hairy, furry, disheveled
G
k
erect a fence
dz\ГҐ ГҐ. I am farming one chilli pepper field.
flower garden
pool
lake
prison, also bö d\u
confined in prison
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
7
Southern Lisu Dictionary
w\o pæj\å bö
bö
~hi bö
bö
tæ\î bö
mj\å bö
bö
m\å xw|å tsæÉï
@`j
@`k
@`k
vegetable garden
NS
field house, shack also pö
field house, also h
~ i pö
part, some
C
a part, some
a large part, most
V
share out, apportion, divide
He isn’t old enough to realise
h~ e\ , bö m\å k|u h~ e\ .
what’s going on; he hasn’t any discernment yet.
dzå |å t|î bö ©\∑.
Share some rice with me/Give me some rice.
h~ i bö l\á xo å.
divide up the household goods (as when a son sets
up his own home.
xw\å bö m\å kæ|u.
I don’t know how to butcher (and share out) meat.
@`k
@`k
@`k Nal
@`k el
@`l
@`m I`m
@`l Q_j
@aj
@aj
X
h
small earthenware pot, also be
small earthenware pot
for ends of a pole
I helped by shouldering one end.
jacket, shirt, also be tΔæ\ï/b∑ tΔæ\ï
one jacket
for, on behalf of, also m|e s|ГҐ
wu t«á lå g\∑. Please buy and bring me a coat.
fall sideways from upright, also b\e, see d\o
leaning and about to topple over
The tree has fallen over.
cicada, also bj\Г¶ dГ”\Г¶
a large cicada
V
about to fall over, wobbly, shaky
It’s shaky.
full
Fill it up.
It isn’t full yet.
small son
complete, of woman’s post-natal one
month’s confinement, also b_e
Her month hasn’t been completed.
ГҐ bГҐ m\ГҐ bi ~h\e.
bi
V
beautiful
beautifully and carefully
bi bi dzÉï dzÉï
bi bi dzÉï dz_ïÉ je m\å. Do it nicely and carefully.
@ak
W
x
bö
NS
n|ö bö
bö
C
tæ\î bö p|ö dzwå å.
bö tsæ\ï
N
bö tsæ\ï tæ\î kæ«o
bö ©\ï
NS
≥wå bö ©\∑ tæ\î kæ«o
b\Г¶
V
b\ö b\ö l\e k«å å.
s«∑ dzÉï b\ö le o.
b\Г¶ dГ”\Г¶
N
ГҐ| w\ГЎ p|ГҐ b\Г¶ dГ”\Г¶
@`l Q_j b\Г¶ le b\Г¶ le
b\ö le b\ö le d«å å.
bi
V
bi le tsÉï.
m\ГҐ bi ~h\e.
ГҐ bi z\ГҐ
bi
V
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
8
Southern Lisu Dictionary
å\ kæ|∑ bi å
@al
b\Г®
NS
t|u b\Г®
@al Cak b\Г® di
N
@am
b\i
N
@am @ai b\i b«î
V
kæ\∑ så b\i b«î
@am P\ah b\i ВЇ|Г®
V
@bi
bВ«o
PF
@bi
bВ«o
VS
bВ«o bВ«o
b«o b«o l\e k«å å.
ГҐ sГҐ bВ«o
\ГҐ bВ«o
@bj
bo
V/VV
dz\ГҐ bo le o.
nå n«å bo le o.
n\ГҐ bo le o.
w\u x∑ bo le o.
tsæ\å bo
mjГҐ bo mГҐ
@bj
bo
V
tsæo bo pæ\å
@bj
bo
V
C
nu bo ВЇi.
tæ\î bo
mÌ tæ\î bo
@bj
bo
V
bo k|ГҐ
tæ\o ©\∑ bo tΔ«å å.
l\ГЎ dГ”u xwГҐ bo ГҐ
@bj
bo
NS
s«∑ bo dzÉï
so bo dzÉï
@bj Obj bo mo
V
j|Г® l|ГЎ bo mo ГҐ.
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
very beautiful
female sexual organs
female sexual organs
non-flying insect, worm, usually b\e di
taro, also bj\Г¶
grain appears mature but is too small to eat
corn which appears mature, grains too small to eat
spongy to the touch, usually b\e_ ВЇ|Г®
evidential of visual evidence, also b«Ì
heavyset (of men)
thick-set and tall (of person’s appearance)
(He) is very thickset.
Fatty three
Fatty
satisfied, full, had enough to eat
I’ve eaten to the full.
I’ve listened enough.
I�ve had enough rest.
I’ve had enough of getting tired out.
salt
kind of insect
rich
rich man
measure against outstretched arms,
armspan
Measure it to see how many armspans.
one armspan
one armspan of cloth
write, draw, engrave
pen (�writing stick’), also p\å kå
I am writing.
engrave designs on a bracelet
pine tree, also tæ\o
pine tree
pine tree
thank
He thanked him.
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
9
Southern Lisu Dictionary
bo mo s|ГҐ mo
thank
s|ГҐ mo bo mo.
thank
@bl
b\o
VS
deaf, of ears
j|Г® n|ГҐ b\o ГҐ.
He is deaf.
j|Г® n|ГҐ po b\o ГҐ.
His ears are deaf.
@bl @bl b\o b\o
V
deep voiced, bass
He has a deep voice.
j|Г® О”\ГҐ b\o b\o l\e.
@bm
b_o
V
kiss
z\å nö l|á b\o ©\∑ å. He kissed the child.
@bm Qbj b\_o lo
N
ground residents (ants, etc.), also b\u lo
b\o lo bjö
flying ant
b\o lo pö
anthive
b\o lo ΔÉï
red ant
t«Ì b\o lo
dark stinging ant
k|ГҐ l|ГҐ b\o lo
butterfly
tsæo b\o lo z\å
people who live in a world under the ground
så t«Ì b\o lo
jumping ant with long red body, bites
wo b\o lo z\ГҐ
sun bear
Δ«á mjå b\o lo z\å
chipmunk
|ГҐ k|ГҐ b\o lo
butterfly
@cj
bu
C
groups of people
bj\å pæ\å tæ\î bu
group of Bee clansmen
@ck
bu
V
lazy, indolent, disinterested
VV tired of, too lazy to
stretch and yawn
bu dÔ\u tΔ«ï å
dГ”e bu ГҐ.
I don’t feel like going, I’m too lazy to go.
tΔ«å bu å
bored
nå n«å bu å
tired of listening to
ВЇi bu ГҐ
sick of the sight of
tsæo bu
loafer
å\ kæ|∑ bu å
very lazy, indolent
@ck
bu
V
float away
å dÔå bu t«á je o. The water carried it away (floated it away).
å dÔå kæ\u å bu je o. It floated away downstream.
@ck
bu
C
for strands
tsæÉï z\å tæe må s\å bu dÔo å. This cord has three strands (i.e. 3-ply).
@ck @ck bu bu
N
weal
It raised a weal.
j|Г® bu bu dГ”\ГЇ ГҐ.
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
10
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
@ck @cl bu b\u
thigh
the groin
bu b\u tО”i
bu b\u j\ГҐ le o.
It struck him on the thigh.
В©|ГҐ bu
chicken thigh bone (used in divining)
@dj
by
V
owe
≥wå w\å by å.
He owes five day’s labour.
©∑ l\á by då å.
A debt is owed.
©∑ l\á m\å by.
He doesn’t owe anything.
@dj
by
NS
hump/mane of animal
m\o by
horse mane
l\ГҐ by
hump of cow
@dk
by
NS
make an intermittent sound
He passed wind audibly.
j|Г® tО”Г¦\Г® by ГҐ.
j|Г® О”\ГҐ m\ГҐ by.
It isn’t making a sound.
|å j|å pæ\å by Δ\å
the crowing of the cock
|å j|å pæ\å by å.
The cock is crowing.
@dk Qdh by l|y
N
crop (of animal), food-pouch, usually be l|y
the cheek-pouch of a monkey
tΔ«å mj\ö by l|y
|ГҐ j|ГҐ by l|y
chicken’s crop
@dl
b\y
N/C/V hindrance, trouble, business, prophecy
There is one thing hindering.
tæ\î b\y dÔo å.
|ГҐ О”\ГЇ b\y dГ”o \ГҐ?
What’s the trouble?
|ГҐ О”\ГЇ b\y dГ”o \ГҐ?
What business have you to do with that?
j|Г® b\y b\y ГҐ
prophesy
@dl
b\y
NS
odour, smell
It stinks.
j|Г® b\y tО”Г¦\Г¶ n\Г¶ ГҐ.
j|Г® b\y О”|ГҐ ГҐ.
It smells nice.
@dl
b\y
NS
sprout from joint
sprout growing from joint (bamboo, etc.)
j|Г® l\ГЎ b\y
@dl
b\y
NS
silk
silk cloth
b\y mГЊ
b\y mГҐ
silkworm moth
@dl
b\y
V
burrow with snout, see py
ГҐ| w\ГЎ b\y d\y lГҐ ГҐ. The pig comes burrowing in.
ГҐ| w\ГЎ b\y do lГҐ ГҐ. The pig comes burrowing out.
|å w\á b\y, |å n\å tæ\o. The pig burrows and the dog steps
(story in which dog gets credit for pig’s work)
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
11
Southern Lisu Dictionary
@dl
@dl Qdl
@dm
@dm
b\y
N
termite
termite nest
b\y n|ö pö
b\y h~ ГЎ
\
winged termite
b\y ~h\ГЎ my
kind of boletus mushroom growing on termite hills
b\y w\o
termite, wingless
b\y w\o mГҐ
termite, wingless
b\y l\y
N
baby carrying backstrap
b\y
V
mildew, have dry rot
bö tΔæ\ï b\y le gu å. The jacket is mildewed all over.
b\y my
mould, mildew
b\y my så ts|ï kæ«å le o.It has gone mouldy.
b\y
NS
hoof, heel
tsæÉï b\y
animal’s hoof and horny fetlocks on cow,
pig, etc.; back of the heel on person
heel of the hand.
l\ГЎ b\y
@dm @dm b\y b\y
V
b\y b\y d«å å.
@dm Odj b\y my
N
b\y my tæu å.
listless, lifeless
He is listless.
lungs
His lungs are thick (He boasts/He is uncouth and
jealously ambitious).
N
tΔæ«å b\y my tsæÉï z\å
j|î b\y my tsæ\ï å.
b\y my nГҐ ГҐ.
@eh
b|∑
NS
kå b|∑
@ej
b∑
V/C
b∑ m\å j\å.
tæ\î b∑ b∑ å.
@ej
b∑
N
b∑ dÔå
b∑ dÔå mi
b∑ Δ\_ï
b∑ dzÉï li
@ej
b∑
NS
tsæÉï b∑
|å tæ\å j|î b∑
@ejqTaj B∑zÉï
N
spliced loop
@dm Odj b\y my
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
bow string
He is splicing a loop.
have tuberculosis
sarus crane (large white water bird)
sarus crane (large white water bird)
shoot a crossbow
He shot and missed.
He shot one shot.
cultivable land
land which has been used
old fields, fallow fields, fields still being farmed
virgin land
loach (kind of fish), also ≥w|å tΔ\ö l\ö
spike
Lisu 3-string banjo
spike on a knife blade which fits into the handle
Shan, also b∑ ji/je
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
12
Southern Lisu Dictionary
@ek
@ek
@ek
@ek
@ek
@ek
@ek
@ek Nal
@ek Pk
@el
@el
@
b
A
p
b∑
N
wide, staring (eyes)
b∑ b∑
wide-open, staring eyes
j|î mjå s\∑ b∑ l\e pæu le å. His eyes opened wide.
b∑
V
line a container
s«∑ pæj\å |å t|î b∑ ©\∑ m»å. Please line it with leaves.
b∑
PF
evidential of inference/reasonable certainty
b∑
V
pay
pay price
pæ\y b∑ dzÉï b∑
j|î pæ\y b∑ w_å å.
You must pay for it.
b∑
V
come undone, untied, see pæ∑ untie
It has come untied.
b∑ le o.
b∑
N
sun
sun rises
b∑ do
b∑ d\y
sun sets
b∑
NP
very large tree with inedible acorn-like nuts
this tree
b∑ dzÉï
b∑ s\∑
nuts of this tree
b∑ t\o l\o dzÉï
hardwood tree which bears hard inedible nuts
b∑ tsæ\ï
N
jacket, coat, shirt, usually bö tsæ\ï,
also b∑ tΔæ\ï
jacket, coat, shirt, dress, also bö tsæ\ï t|o
b∑ tsæ\ï t|o
b∑ nå
N
wound with scab
ulcer, pimple
b∑ nå ts|ï
b∑ nå ts|ï di å.
He is getting an ulcer, a pimple, etc.
b\∑
V
break (smash, crush, burst open)
C
half
It is smashed/ It burst /It exploded.
b\∑ ©∑ o.
m\å pæj«å m\å b\∑.
not taken apart and not broken
¯\î b\∑ b\∑ le o.
It broke in half.
¯\î b\∑ dÔo å.
There are two halves.
så b\∑ dÔo å.
There are three portions.
b\∑
NP/S non-Lisu people
b\∑ pæ\å dz\å må
non-Lisu people
b\∑ tsæo
non-Lisu people
l\å b\∑
non-Lisu people
n\e b\∑
dead ancestors of other people
x\∑ pæ\å l\å b\∑
Chinese and other non-Lisu people
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
13
Southern Lisu Dictionary
b\∑
V
j|î pæ\y b\∑ å
|å d\å må b\∑ fu lå
@el Cak b\∑ di
N
@el Qel Qel b\∑ l\∑ l\∑ V
b\∑ l\∑ l\∑ li å.
@el Rh Oj b\∑ s|å må N
@em Pem b\∑ n\∑
N
@fi
b«Ì
PF
@fm Qehnl b\Ì l|∑\å
A
give as a gift
@el
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
pay the price
ГҐ. The king (the government) gave it as a gift.
insect/worm, usually b\e di
rain in heavy shower, see p\∑ l\∑ p\∑ l\∑
There was a heavy shower of rain.
cockroach, also b\e/m\ГЊ/m\Г® s|ГҐ m_ГҐ
snail, usually n|ГҐ p_ГҐ\ mГҐ
evidential of sight, also bВ«o
quickly
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
14
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
@\i Q^l bj«å l\á
baggy, too big and falling down (pants),
see also bjГҐ l\ГЎ
broken, spoiled, see also pj«å
bjГҐ
V
bjå ©∑ gu å.
It’s all broken.
tsæo bjå
bad person
¯«î må bjå ©∑ gu o.He has become mentally unbalanced.
@\j
bjГҐ
V
be eclipsed
m\∑ tsæå bjå å
eclipse of the sun
~hГҐ bГҐ bjГҐ ГҐ
eclipse of the moon
@\j
bjГҐ
V
spicy
bjГҐ z\u
have astringent taste
l«å ts\ï bjå å.
The peppers are hot.
@\k
bjГҐ
V
burn
The fire won’t burn.
|ГҐ t|o m\ГҐ bjГҐ.
å mi tΔæu m\å bjå. My fields didn’t burn when I fired them.
@\k
bjГҐ
V
loosely tied
loosely tied and slipping, see also bj«å l\á
bjГҐ l\ГЎ
It is very loose and slipping.
bjå l\á l\á k«å å.
bjГҐ ~hi
rope ladder, climbing rope
l\ГҐ bjГҐ
large loosely-woven string carrying bag
@\k Ycj bjГҐ fu
N
bottle
@\l
bj\ГҐ
N
bee, honey, sugar, candy, Bee clan,
see also bj\å bj«å
bj\å pæ\å
the Bee Clan, man of the Bee Clan
bj\å pæö
swarm of bees, hive
bj\å pæö må
brown bee that swarms in high trees
bj\ГҐ tu
brown ground wasp, very fierce
bj\ГҐ tu be
Large Bee subclan in Thailand, also t|ГҐ m\Г®
bj\å t\u tΔæ«e m«o
wasp
bj\å tæ\o ©\∑
bee which makes a kind of paper
bj\å tsæo kæ\u må
hornet which feeds on insects (�thief bee’)
bj\ГҐ dz\ГЇ mГҐ
queen bee
bj\å ts«ï må
bee-eater, roller
bj\ГҐ mГҐ
common honey bee
bj\å m\∑
small black stingless bee, has wax
bj\ГҐ mГҐ w|e l|e
bee that lives in holes in trees
bj\ГҐ s|ГҐ fu
kind of bee
bj\ГҐ s|o
beeswax
bj\ГҐ s|o we
type of marigold (�beeswax flower’)
@\j
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
15
Southern Lisu Dictionary
@\l
@\l
@\m
@\m
@\m
@\m
W
x
X
h
bj\ГҐ z\ГҐ
bee larva
bj\ГҐ z\u
domestic honeybee
bj\ГҐ ~h|e lВ«e
branch of Bee clan in Thailand, also О”ГҐ m\Г®
small wasp, no honey, also bj\å x«å
bj\å x«å må
bj\å ΔÉï må
long kind of bee, also me bj\ГҐ mГҐ
bj\å zÉï
honey (�bee liquid’)
bj\ГҐ z\ГЇ
bee sting
m|ГҐ bj\ГҐ
kind of small bee, also m|ГҐ bj\ГҐ mГҐ
m|ГҐ bj\ГҐ dГ”\ГЎ l\ГЎ
kind of small striped bee
m|ГҐ bj\ГҐ О”\ГЇ О”\ГЇ
kind of small red bee
m|ГҐ bj\ГҐ mГҐ
bee which makes honey combs on small sticks
må tΔæÉï bj\å
bee which makes sugary honey
me bj\ГҐ m_ГҐ
long kind of bee, also bj\å ΔÉï må
m\u g\u bj\ГҐ
bee that attacks, no honey (�thunder bee’)
mj|ГҐ le mГҐ bj\ГҐ
stingless hovering bee
å| m\o tsæÉï du bj\å ground bee-hole the shape of horse’s hoof
|ГҐ n\ГҐ tО”Г¦\e bj\ГҐ
bee which makes holes in stumps (carpenter)
|å n\å lå tΔæö bj\å
small red hornet (�dog tongue bee’)
В©|ГҐ bj\ГҐ
bee which builds hives in rock crevices
bj\ГҐ
V
not sufficiently salty
bj\ГҐ
V
slack (of strings etc.)
p|e so h~ i bj\ГҐ t|ГҐ.
Leave the trip-wire slack
j|Г® h~ i tsГҐ bj\ГҐ le o. The crossbow string is slack.
w|u tæ\Ì bj\å le o.
The turban has grown slack.
bj\ГҐ
V
clap
l\ГЎ kwГҐ bj\ГҐ ГҐ.
He is clapping his hands.
bj_ГҐ
V
cut or shave off (with strokes of knife or axe),
make boards with axe or knife
house altar shelf
t«å bj\å
s«∑ kæw|å bj\å tΔ«å å. He is cutting down planks to the right thickness.
s«∑ kæw|å bj\å å.
He is making boards.
|å tæ\å m\å bj\å t|å.
It hasn’t been blazed with a knife.
bj\ГҐ
V
incomplete, unfinished
dzГҐ bj\ГҐ
incompletely milled rice
dÔÉï bj\å
incompletely brewed liquor
@\i bj\å bj«å
N
candy (baby talk), see also bj\ГҐ
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
16
Southern Lisu Dictionary
@\`j
V
bjö
exhausted (of non-animates), expended, no
strength left, superficially burnt off
It has lost its strength./Fire has burnt off.
bjö le o.
dÔÉï bjö
weak, badly-made liquor
≥wå å mi å| t|o bjö ©∑ o. My fields have been burnt before time.
@\`j
bjö
NS tendril of a vine
l\å bjö
tendril of a vine
@\`j J`j bjö tΔö N
a fence, usually bö tΔö
bjö tΔö tæ\u å.
He is putting a fence across it.
@\`k
bjö
V
fly
fluttering wings while trying to get a foothold
bjö ≥\o je å
¯«å z\å bjö je o.
The bird flew away.
h~ ГЎ
« bjö
small flying squirrel
~hi bjö
airplane
x\o bjö
large flying squirrel
fu bjö
cobra (�flying snake’)
@\`l
bjö
V
straight (of thing which should be bent), open
and raised at one end (as a single-slope roof)
bj\Г¶ bj\Г¶ l\e
very straight
≥w|å mjå du bj\ö bj\ö l\e kÌ le o.
The fish hook is too straight.
@\`l
bj\Г¶
V
go off, fire
The gun fired accidentally.
po bj\Г¶ je o.
tæj«å kæ\∑ bj\ö je o. The crossbow trigger went off accidentally.
j|Г® wГҐ bj\Г¶ je o.
The trap sprung.
@\`l
bj\Г¶
N
picture, image, also p\o
picture on a piece of paper
bj\ö pæj\å
tsæo bj\ö z\å
image of a person (usually on paper)
fu z\ГҐ bj\Г¶
a Buddha image
j|Г® bj\Г¶
picture, image
@\`l Tl bj\Г¶ z\ГҐ
C
blink of an eye
I caught only a glimpse.
tæ\î bj\ö z\å mo å.
@\`m
bj\Г¶
N
taro, also b\Г®
@\`m
bj\Г¶
NS lightning, in m\∑/mj\ö bj\ö
@\`m Q`m Q`m bj\Г¶ l\Г¶ l\Г¶ V
dazzling
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
17
Southern Lisu Dictionary
p|ГҐ
NS
p|ГҐ tsВ«o
tО”o p|ГҐ
tsæo p|å z\å_
l\ГҐ p|ГҐ
l|Г® p|ГҐ
|ГҐ ВЇ\Г® p|ГҐ
|å ≥\å p|å
ГҐ| w\ГЎ p|ГҐ
p|ГҐ
NS
xw\å tΔæÉï p|å
p|ГҐ
NS
l|å p|å tΔæÉï
l|å tsæÉï p|å
lo di p|ГҐ
В©|ГҐ tО”Г¦o p|ГҐ
©|å tsæÉï p|å
p|ГҐ
V
p|ГҐ
V
p|å kæ\∑
p|å kæ\∑ g\å dz\å å
p|ГҐ
VS
j|Г® p|ГҐ du
p|ГҐ tГҐ
N
p|ГҐ t|Г®
N
l\å tsæo p|å t|î
~hГҐ mГҐ p|ГҐ t|Г®
p|ГҐ k|ГҐ
N
p|å tsÉï
N
p|ГҐ l\ГҐ
C
ВЇ\Г® p|ГҐ l\ГҐ
sГҐ p|ГҐ l\ГҐ
p|ГҐ j|Г®
A
p|ГҐ j\i
N
p|ГҐ j\i d\ГҐ mГҐ
p|ГҐ j\i nГЎ
p|å j\i ≥|å s\å
Ah
Ah
Ah
Ah
Ah
Ah
Ah Dj
Ah Dah
Ah Gh
Ah Maj
Ah Qm
Ah \ah
Ah \am
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
male (restricted form, see pæ\å)
consonant (�male letter’)
male slave, usually p|ГҐ tГҐ
human male
male tiger
grandson
bull
water buffalo bull
boar
very thick or heavy
very fatty fat, very thick fat
rock, see В©|ГҐ p|ГҐ
soil, mud
stone, small rock, also lo di p|ГҐ
stone, small rock, also l|å tsæÉï p|å
large rock, cliff
large stone
dig up field for planting
dam up to catch fish
fish weir
catch fish in a fish weir
tighten string
handle for tightening Lisu banjo strings
slave, also p|ГЎ tГҐ/tО”o p|ГҐ
loner, rogue
loner, keeps to himself, is morose and fierce
rogue elephant
idiot, deaf mute
plain, civilization (C), also de mi
group of a father and his children
a father and one child
a father and two children
on purpose, also p«åj sÉÉï
palm civet, also p|ГҐ z\ГЇ
large variety of palm civet
mongoose, also p|å j\i ≥|å s\å
mongoose, also p|ГҐ j\i nГЎ
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
\ГҐ
18
Ai
Ai
Ai
Ai
Ai
Southern Lisu Dictionary
p|å j\i ΔÉï
p«å
NS
\åp«å pæ\å
\åp«å må
\åp«å m|î
p«å
C
tæ\î p«å z\å
Ai
p«å p«å
V
pæj\ö mjå p«å p«å l\e.
Bel p«å pæ\∑
N
p«å pæ\∑ så pæ\á
Cal Cal p«å d\î d\î
V
Himalayan Marten
eighth in birth order (C), also tsæÉï/g|∑
eighth son, also ГҐ
| tsæÉï
eighth daughter, also ГҐ
\ p«å m|î/|åg|∑
eighth daughter, usually ГҐ
\ p«å må
very short time
a very short time
wide-faced
His face is very wide.
large serving bowl, see also p«å/p«o/p«∑ d\u
three large serving bowls
bare-bottomed, uncovered (slightly vulgar),
uncovered of body parts that should be covered
(lit. bald and broad)
Ai Ccl
Ai Fck
Ai Gbi
Aj
p«å d\u
V
large vegetable bowl, see also p«å pæ«∑/p«o d\u
one large vegetable bowl
p«å d\u tæ\î pæ\á
p«å gu
N
mynah
p«å k«o
N
spicy basil, Ocimum gratissimum
p«å k«o xwå
four leaf basil design carved on some banjos
pГҐ
V
exchange, share
p«å dz\å p«å do å
exchange food and drink, eat together, pool food
pГҐ l\ГЎ xo ГҐ
exchange with one another
på l|∑ l\á xo má å. They are taking turns carrying each other’s loads.
po tæ\î tæ«∑ |å m\o tæ\î må på bá tΔ«å å.
I am thinking of swapping
my rifle for a horse.
Aj
Aj
Aj
Aj Aj
@
b
A
p
dzÉï pæ\∑ p«å l\á xo å exchange liquor, of bride and groom at wedding
pГҐ
C
generation of the living (C), also på≥, see t|åj
tsæo m\o tæ\î på
one generation of living ancestors
pГҐ
V
snap a lock shut; slide a bolt home
j|î s\o på t|å ©\∑.
Snap the lock shut.
pГҐ dГ”e ГҐ
slide shut
pГҐ
NS father’s father, grandfather
ГҐ pГҐ
father’s father, grandfather
ГҐ pГҐ m\o ~hi
village shrine
pГҐ pГҐ
N
New Year cakes, sweets, bread, also p\å p«å
pГҐ bj\ГҐ pГҐ pГҐ
honey sweets
pГҐ pГҐ t|Г® ГҐ
pound rice cakes
dzГҐ n\u pГҐ pГҐ
sticky rice cake
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
19
Southern Lisu Dictionary
på pæ_i
V
be lost
tæ\å på pæ\i ©∑.
Don’t lose it.
Aj Bcl på pæ\u
N
taro stalk, fed to pigs, also l\o k\o
Aj Ecl på tæ\u
N
bamboo container for water, etc.
å dÔå på tæ\u
bamboo water cylinder
Aj K`i på tΔæ«ö
N
feathery pampas grass reed
type of reed
på tΔæ«ö dz\ï må
Aj Ll
pГҐ dz\ГҐ
V
hear, usually bГЎ dz\ГҐ
Aj V^, på ~h«á
V
bamboo rat
Aj [\m pГҐ О”\ГҐ
N
ordinary people
pГҐ О”_\ГҐ mГҐ z\ГҐ
ordinary villagers other than headman
j|Г® pГҐ О”\ГҐ mГҐ z\ГҐ
ordinary villagers other than headman
Al Ai
p\å p«å
N
New Year cakes, sweets, bread,usually pГҐ pГҐ
Al Ai
p\å p«å
V
shortened
large short field knife
|å tæ\å p\å p«å
|å m\o m|∑ p\å p«å
horse with a short tail
Al Al
p\ГҐ p\ГҐ
N
hard- surfaced
hard-surfaced, on the surface, aboveboard
p\ГҐ p\ГҐ ВЇi
m\i m\i ¯i p\å p\å ¯i bá ©∑ å\ .Say it openly and plainly.
Al Gl O_i p\ГҐ k\ГҐ mВ«e
N
dung beetle
scarab beetle
p\ГҐ k\ГҐ mВ«e mГҐ
Al Q_k p\ГҐ le
N
sickle for horse hooves, also p\ГҐ le/li
≥w|å p\å le
sickle fish, 40cm long with spikes on back
Al Qah
p\ГҐ l|Г®
N
hog plum, Spondias pinnata
p\å l|î dzÉï
hog plum tree
Al V_l p\ГҐ ~h\e
N
crab, also p\ГҐ ~h\e / ji dГ”\Г¶
s«ï p\å h~ e\
scorpion
Al Yj
p\ГҐ fГҐ
N
north (C)
sÉï få p\å få
northwest
Am
p_ГҐ
NS main digit
tsæÉï p\å må
big toe
l\ГЎ p\ГҐ mГҐ
thumb
Am
p_ГҐ
C
for gourd flutes, banjos, brooms, bamboo
torches, knives, axes, household tools
gourd flute
f\u l«u tæ\î p\å
~h«e tΔÉï tæ\î p\å
one broom
x\o p\å tæ\î p\å
bamboo torch/firebrand
Aj Bam
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
\ГҐ
20
Southern Lisu Dictionary
p\å t«Ì
N
p\å t«Ì kw|å
Am Gj
p_\ГҐ kГҐ
N
Am Q_k p\_ГҐ le
N
Am Qai Rel p\_å l«î s\∑
N
ts|ï p\å l«î s\∑
p\å l«î w|u d\î s\∑
A]ah
p|ГҐj
V
Am Dfi
stool, bench, chair, also p\å t«Ì
chair
pen, pencil
sickle for cutting horse hooves, usually p\ГҐ le
horse chestnut
smaller variety of horse chestnut
smaller variety of horse chestnut
worship, pay respect to, especially to
spirits or gods annually in village shrine (C)
waste (C)
p|ГҐj
V
wasteful, extravagant
p|ГҐj ts\ГЇ
tæ\å p|åj.
Don’t waste it.
tæ\å p|åj ts_ï\
Don’t be wasteful.
A]ah Nbl p|åj tsæ\o
V
crippled (C)
tsæÉï p|åj tΔæ\o dÔo tsæå. He has a crippled foot.
A]ai Rak p«åj sÉÉï
A
on purpose (C), also p|ГҐ j|Г®
He didn’t do it on purpose
p«åj sÉï ¯i m«å je.
A]al
p\ГҐj
N
festival (B), also pВ«oj
A]al
p\ГҐj
V
display for sale, open, unwrap (C)
It was all displayed here.
tæå gwå p\åj t|å.
j|î tΔå sÉï gwå p\åj t|å å.
He is displaying his things over there.
A]bh
p|ГҐw/p|Гё
V
wrap (C)
A]bh
p|ГҐw/p|Гё
V
make an accusation to police (T)
A]bj
pГҐw/pГё
NS coconut (T)
m\å påw s\∑
coconut
A]bj
pГҐw/pГё
V
notify, inform (C)
|å m|e dÔe påw ©\∑. Go and notify him.
A]bj
pГҐw/pГё
V
wrap up, cover up, wrap around (C)
C
for parcels
a parcel of rice
dzå pæu tæ\î påw
n|Г¶ h~ Г¶\ pГҐw dГҐ ГҐ. The mud covers it/It is covered in mud.
j|î nå po påw t|å ©\∑ å. He bandaged his wound/He covered his
A]ah
wound with a poultice.
A]bm
@
b
A
p
p\ГҐw/p\o
V
protect, judge (C), also kw\ГҐ О”\ГЇ
xw\å tæu p\åw m\å kæu. The headman can’t judge this case without bias.
j|î p\åw dÔå å.
It protects us.
j|î m\å p\åw dÔå.
It doesn’t protect us.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
21
Southern Lisu Dictionary
A]bm
A]bm
A^h
A^h
A^h Dj
A^i
A^i A^i
A^i Wbi
A_h
A_h
A_h Kdl
A_i
A_i
A_i
A_i Hl
W
x
X
h
Y
f
j|î p\åw tæ\î må
efficacious lucky charm
j|î på Δ\å må z\å l|á m\å p\åw. He doesn’t protect his people.
p\ГҐw/p\Гё
N
pocket (C)
p\ГҐw/p\Гё
N
jewel (C)
p|ГЎ
V
stir, mix
w\o pæj\å å| m|e p|á. Stir the vegetables.
p|ГЎ
V
harrow
They are harrowing fields.
de mi p|á tΔ«å å.
p|ГЎ tГҐ
N
slave, usually p|ГҐ tГҐ, also tО”o p|ГҐ
p«á
V
take turns doing
take turns eating and drinking
p«á dz\å p«á do
Oj p«á p«á må N
small type of sunbird
p«á x«o
N
woven box for cooked rice, lime for betel, etc.
p|e
V
change from one form into another,
turn into something else
pæu sÉï å| n\å p|e k|u å.A werewolf can turn into a dog.
p|e
NP/S spear/rifle/crossbow trap
spear/crossbow trap
p|e k|ГҐ
p|e k|å tæu å
set a crossbow trap
p|e so≥ h~ i
trip-wire for a trap
po p|e tæu å
set a rifle trap
p|e tО”Г¦\ГЇ
N
rubbish, also p|Г¶ tО”Г¦\ГЇ
pВ«e
V
solid, mass, body, also p«ö
It has no body (of a soup without contents)
j|Г® pВ«e m\ГҐ dГ”o,
j|î p«e m\å ≥å, j|î ~hå l\e. It isn’t a body, only a spirit.
j|î ¯\î tsæå l\e dÔo å. It is all liquid.
pВ«e
V
kick, hit with foot/leg/knee
thrust with foot or leg
p«e tsÉï å
p«e le/tΔi≥ p«e le
legs flying in all directions
pВ«e l\o
bicycle, rickshaw
tsæÉï p«e l\á p«e je å. struggling and kicking
О”\ГҐ ts|ГЇ pВ«e ГҐ
death throes
pВ«e
V
certain
certain
pВ«e pВ«e
p«e p«e le tæe k«å å ≥o. It will certainly be like this (lit. like a body/form)
j|Г® pВ«e
certainly, truly
p«e kæ\å
N
sheet of roofing made of leaves
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
\ГҐ
22
Southern Lisu Dictionary
A_j
A_j
A_j
A_j
A_l
A_l
A_m
A_m
A_m
p«e kæ\å dz\ï å.
pe
V
pe lГҐ o.
s\ГҐ h~ jГҐ b\ГҐ pe je o.
pe
C
Bl pe pæ\å
N
n\e j|î pe pæ\å
Hel pe kæ\∑
N
V
s\ï tsæÉï p|ö l\ö l\ö
p«ö
V
m\u g\u p«ö å.
p«ö
V
kå p|ee\ tæ\å p«ö.
A`h Q`m Q`m p|Г¶ l\Г¶ l_Г¶
@
b
A
p
They have arrived.
It’s as much as 300 baht.
length of one foot
proxy helper for ancestor ceremony
household ancestral spirit ceremony helper
front of Lisu jacket which covers chest,
also pæi kæ\∑
breasts two cubits long and hair nine cubits long.
Chasing people, runs backwards or slings breasts
over shoulders; also p\î/p\y/p\∑ Δ\ï må
p|Г¶
V
p|ö m\å kæu.
A`h
p|Г¶
N
gw\ГҐ mj|ГҐ p|Г¶
p|Г¶ tО”Г¦\ГЇ/p|e tО”Г¦\ГЇ
tΔæö p|ö
må tΔæÉï p|ö
s«å tΔ\_î p|ö
A`h Gh Eck p|ö k|å tæu N
A`i
arrive
pe kæ\∑ so du
ornamental buckle
p\e
V
change a new thing for an old (NT)
xw\å tæu pæ\å j|î Δ\ï tæ\î w\å p\e wå å. We must get a new headman.
Dl p\e t\ГҐ
N
books/paper with horoscopes or fortunes
p\e
NS custom, pair word for l\Г®
j|Г® l\Г® j|Г® p\e
customs
p\e
NS coin
pæu tæ\î p\e
coin of small value, one saleung (1/4 baht)
[dm Oj p\e О”\ГЇ mГҐ N
mythical hairy cannibalistic nymph, with
A`h
A`i
They are putting on the sheets of leaf roofing.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
carry on shoulder, also pj|Г¶
can’t carry on shoulder
left over waste material, chaff
stalks and chaff of buckwheat plant
rubbish, foreign matter
stalks and chaff of rice plant
sugarcane residue
betel residue
trap made with long bamboo bent back,
usually p|î k|å tæu
overlapping and out of line
crooked, impacted teeth
thunder
It is thundering.
scold
Don’t scold him too violently
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
23
Southern Lisu Dictionary
NS/V small heap of waste material, make a heap,
see also po clump, pjö bush
pö
A`j
m\o pö
a heap of weeds
n|ö pö
a heap of sesame plants
j|î n|ö pö pö å.
It is digging up a pile of dirt.
pö
V
instruct in traditional knowledge
z\å m|å nö pö å.
He teaches and instructs the children.
pö
V
mend/patch by stitching with thread
tsæÉï ¯i pö å
mend shoes/clothes
pö
V
swaddle (wrap baby in cloth)
|å pö
swaddling cloth
å| pö pö å.
swaddle a newborn baby
pö
NS field house, usually bö
h~ i pö
field house, usually bö
pö
V
beside (small area), contrast p|o (wide area)
g\å pö ΔÉï
on the uphill side of, but close to
w\o pö ΔÉï
on the downhill side of, but close to
p\Г¶
V
sound of a light thump (as an egg falling)
p\ö b∑ å.
It went “thump”
p|Г®
V
cover, tie thatch, cover up the truth
There’s no point in trying to cover it up,
nu p|î m\å tΔæÉï, su mo å.
A`j
A`j
A`j
A`j
A`j
A`l
Aah
someone saw the incident.
the roof of a house
its cover
~hi p|Г® du
j|Г® p|Г® du
Aah
p|Г®
V
z\ï p|î tΔ«å å.
Aah Aah p|Г® p|Г®
NS
tsГҐ nГҐ p|Г® p|Г®
Aah Gh Eck p|î k|å tæu N
urinate (baby talk)
He is urinating.
yellow-breasted sunbird
yellow-breasted sunbird
trap made with long bamboo bent back,
also p|ö k|å tæu
red-whiskered bulbul, also k\u p«î må
group of grandparent with grandchildren
N
C
Aah Gbl Q_i p|Г® k\o lВ«e
Aah Qam p|Г® l\i
j|Г® \ГҐ sГҐ p|Г® l\Г®
they, one grandparent and two grandchildren
Aah Qahnm p|Г® l|Г®\ГҐ
V
covered in dirt
Aai
p«î
V
be disjointed, out of joint
å| w\á pæ\î Δe p«î ©∑ o. The pig’s hip is out of joint.
Aai
p«î
V
squirt, spray
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
\ГҐ
24
Southern Lisu Dictionary
p«î p«î
p«î tæ\u
å dÔå p«î l\á xo å.
Aai P^j Lak p«î ná dzÉÉï N
p«î l«î
NS
dzå p«î l«î
Aai Rai p«î s«ï
N
Aaj
pi
N
tΔæÉï pi
Aaj Aaj Abl Dbl pi pi p\o t\o
Aal
p\Г®
V
p\î ≥\o
tæe må nu Δ«å p\î.
nu p\Г® ВЇ_i.
≥wå p\î m|å ©\∑ å.
≥wå tså p\î.
Aam Qahnm p\Г® l|Г®\ГҐ
V
Aam [dm Oj p\Г® О”\ГЇ mГҐ N
Aai Qai
Abh
NS
p|o
g\å p|o ΔÉï
go p|o
tæå p|o
≥å tæå p|o
w\o p|o ΔÉï
Abh
p|o
sГҐ p|o
AbUh
p|o≥
tæ\î p|o≥
Abi Bam Lak p«o pæ_i jÉÉï
Abi Ccl pВ«o d\u
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
squirting, spraying
bamboo water squirter
They are squirting water at each other
small tree, the bark of which is eaten with
areca and betel; also p«î nå dzÉï
java sparrow
java sparrow
bed bug, also må x∑
whistle
whistle for imitating and luring deer
V
sound of clumsy person
explain, elucidate, illustrate, compare
suppose that ...
Make one to match this.
You try to explain it.
I will explain it to him.
I will explain it.
covered in dirt
mythical hairy cannibalistic nymph,
usually p\e О”\ГЇ mГҐ
direction, refers to altitude and covers wide area
contrast pö which covers small area
uphill from
that side
this side
downhill from
everything, all
C
volume of 20 litres (standard measure for grain)
three 20-litre containersful
N
vertical spokes of basketwork
one vertical spoke in basketwork
N
N
G
k
a shrub, the bark of which is eaten with areca nut
large serving bowl, see also p«å d\u/p«å pæ\∑
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
25
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
Abi WZj pВ«o xwГҐ
bauhinia-like tree which bears white flowers
p«o xwå dzÉï
Abj
po
V
po b\∑ o.
ts|ï s\∑ po o.
må kæw\å tæ«ö po o.
l«å ts\ï po o.
Abj
po
V
lo k|∑ po ©∑ gu.
j|î k«u dzÉï po je o.
Abj
po
V
po po
w\ГҐ l|Г¶ po po
|å tΔ«ï po
Abj
po
N/C
V
må kæw\å po
må kæw\å tæ\î po
≥å må po
s«∑ po
s«∑ pjö j|î po po å.
Abj
po
N
po g\u
po kæ\∑
po ВЇ|Г¶ ВЇ|Г¶
po l\Г¶
po l\Г¶
po swå≥ ku
tæ\å pæ|o po
tæ\o pæ|o po
sГҐ li po
e\ po
Abj
po
NS
j|Г® po
Abj Vbi po ~hВ«o
N
Abj Q^j po lГЎ
NS
å dÔå j|î po lá
Abl
p\o
V
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
this tree; branch tips eaten as salad
burst from heat
It burst in the fire.
The chestnuts have burst.
The bamboo cylinder burst (in the fire).
The peppers have burst.
chipped, stripped off
The bowl has been chipped.
Its skin is stripped off in places.
in shape of breast
breast-shaped
breast-shaped mountain
breast
clump, grove, bush, see also pö/pjö
grow in clumps
a clump of bamboo
one clump of bamboo
banana grove
shrubs, bushes
Shrubs grow in clumps.
gun
wooden gun stock and frame
gun trigger
pistol
gun barrel
gun barrel
large double-barrel shotgun (C)
muzzle-loader rifle, also tæ\o pæ|o po
muzzle-loader rifle, also tæ\å pæ|o po
small-bore gun (C)
small bore muzzle-loader
picture, usually bj\Г¶
picture
holy basil, Ocimum sanctum
fluffy material
fluffy material on the water
do successfully, fulfil public expectations
in holding office, do authoritatively
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
\ГҐ
26
Southern Lisu Dictionary
xw\å tæu j\ö m\å p\o. He isn’t functioning properly as headman.
Δ«å p\o m\å k|u.
He doesn’t know how to do it successfully.
Abl
p\o
V
become headman, king, spirit doctor,
etc; acquire a higher position.
He became king.
w\å tsÉï p\o lå å.
Abl
p\o
N
hot spring (S)
Abl
p\o
V
spread, of sores
p\o je ГҐ.
The sores spread.
p\o ГҐ
mate word for xwГҐ, local infection
j|Г® xwГҐ j|Г® p\o ГҐ
local infection
Abl WZi p\o xw«å
N
speech, conversation
a word, an utterance
p\o xw«å tæ\î kæ\∑
Abm
p\o
C
instance, occasion, usually xw«å
Abal
p\oj
N
festival, ceremony (B), usually p\ГҐj
hold a festival
p\oj je ГҐ
AbUl
p\o≥
sound of someone falling down
p\o≥ kÌ le o.
He fell over with a thud.
Ach
p|u
V
steam
steamer pot
p|u du
dzГҐ p|u dz\ГҐ ГҐ.
Steam and eat rice.
≥w|å p|u
steamed fish
Ach Jbi p|u tО”В«o
V
unexpectedly (C), in the phrase
p|u f\ГҐ_ p|u tО”В«o unexpectedly
p|u f\ГҐ p|u tО”В«o ВЇi do lГҐ ГҐ.
It appeared quite unexpectedly.
Ach Wbj p|u xo
N
mint (C)
Ach Ycl p|u f\u
V
begrudge, have a grudge against (C)
I have nothing against him/I don’t begrudge him.
p|u f\u m\å tsæ|ï.
≥wå p|u f\u tsæ|ï g\∑ dz\å å. I will deny him food in anger.
Ach [dl Rch p|u О”\ГЇ s|u V
insult (C)
not to insult
p|u О”\ГЇ m\ГҐ s|u
≥wå b|e p|u Δ\ï tæ\å s|u. Don’t insult me.
Aci Aci pВ«u pВ«u
V
sound of wind being passed
audibly from the anus
Acj
pu
V
spin (thread)
tsæÉï z\å pu å
spin thread
tsæÉï z\å pu å må
spindle of thread
j\ГҐ pu du
spindle for passing across threads in loom
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
27
Southern Lisu Dictionary
pu
NS
\ГҐ pu
Acj
pu
NS
h~ ГЎ
В« pu
|ГҐ pu
Acj
pu
V
dzГҐ dz\ГҐ pu ГҐ.
tsæ\å z«ï do pu å.
Acl
p\u
V
p\u tsÉï
p\u zВ«o
j|î \å kæ|∑ p\u å.
Acl
p\u
V
j|î kæ\u z\å |å m|e p\u
Acm Dej Oj p\u t∑ må N
Adh
p|y
NS
z«ï py
Adi
pВ«y
V
bj\ГҐ s|o pВ«y m\ГҐ k|u.
l\ГЎ pВ«y
Adj
py
V
py d\y je ГҐ.
py ©\∑ m\å då.
dzå py g\∑ dz\å.
Adj
py
V
cucumber
Acj
cucumber
porcupine
porcupine
porcupine
last (of quantities, especially rice)
The rice is lasting well.
The tea is lasting well.
grow fat
boast, brag, exaggerate (�cause to grow fat’)
medicine to make fat
He is growing very fat.
fill in depressions with dirt (C), see tО”Г¦\ГЇ
Fill in the depressions.
g\∑.
chick-beetle
flying insects
flying insects
squeeze and enclose in the fist
I can’t mould beeswax with one hand.
a fist
insist, force
He forced his way in.
It isn’t good to insist on giving it.
Insist on him eating.
make a small heap, by scraping or
excavating, usually pö
bush used for carrying straps
py
NS
n|∑ py
Adm [dm Oj p\y О”\ГЇ mГҐ N
Adj
mythical hairy cannibalistic nymph,
usually p\Г® О”\ГЇ mГҐ
V/VV have courage to, dare, change into
p|∑
dÔe m\å p|∑.
p|∑
V/NS
w|u p|∑
w|u p|∑ p|∑ å.
w|u dy p|∑ å.
w|u tsæö p|∑ å.
Aeh
Aeh
W
x
X
h
bush used for carrying straps
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
I haven’t the courage to go.
comb
a comb
comb hair
comb hair
comb hair
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
\ГҐ
28
Southern Lisu Dictionary
p|∑
NS/P reason, opportunity, occasion, basis
reason
p|∑ do
j|î p|∑
reason/situation
j|î p|∑ m\å dÔo.
There is no reason/basis/opportunity for it.
Aeh
p|∑
NS end, edge
edge, end
j|î p|∑
j|î p|∑ du
corner
j|î p|∑ Δi å.
It is broad at the end.
j|î p|∑ xwå m\å m∑. Can’t find the end.
j|î m|å mj\ö p|∑ du ¯å, The end of the story
w\ГҐ О”Г¶ lВ«e je m\ГҐ nГҐ o. was very funny.
Aeh Hbi p|∑ kæ«o
N
freshwater bivalvular mollusk
Aeh [dl p|∑ Δ\ï
N
misfortune, something dangerous, in a meta-
Aeh
physical sense, resulting from a broken taboo rule
He is in danger as he broke a taboo rule.
Aei
Aei
Aei
Aei
p|∑ Δ\ï l«e å.
p«∑
V
shoot, flick
bow for shooting arrows
mj\å må p«∑
¯«å p«∑
slingshot for shooting birds
lo p«∑
slingshot for shooting small stones
p«∑ fu ©∑ å
flick with finger and thumb, shoot a catapult
p«∑ fu ©∑ å
flick with finger and thumb, shoot a catapult
Aei p«∑ p«∑
A
to no avail, of no use, in vain
Ccl p«∑ d\u
N
small vegetable bowl, contrast p«å/p«o d\u
Dj Dj p«∑ tå tå
V
pointing up in the air because the other
side is counter-weighted
s«∑ d\ö p«∑ tå tå le då å. The fallen tree has one end pointing up in
the air, with the other end acting as counterweight.
V
Aei Gch p«∑ k|u
Aei Ycl
Aej
Aej
Aej
@
b
A
p
wriggle along by arching up and bringing ends
together (caterpillars, leeches)
p«∑ f\u
N
meteor (C), see tsæå nå
p∑
V
offer to guests, also p∑j
dzÉï pæ\∑ p∑ ©\∑ å. He offers liquor to the guests.
s«å tΔ\î p∑ ©\∑ å
offer betel to guests
p∑
V
differ (T)
p∑ _l\á xo å.
They are different/They are not the same.
p∑
V
be uprooted
tΔ«ï p∑ lå å.
He uprooted it.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
29
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Aej
Aek
Ael
Ael
Ael El
Ael Rah
Ael Reh
Ael [dh
Aem [dm
Afi Dj
Afj
p∑
NS cord, strap, string
p∑ tså
cord, strap, string, also h
~ i tsГҐ
tsæÉï b∑ p∑ tså
banjo string
tsæÉï ¯i p∑ tså
sandal strap
j|î p∑ tså
a cord, strap, string
|å p∑
shoulder yoke of carrying basket
p∑
NS shady, lower
shady path/lower path/below path
dzå p∑
p\∑
V
sound of heavy walking
He goes heavily.
p\∑ p\∑ dÔe å.
dzå gu p\∑ p\∑ Δ\ö å. He walks heavily on the path.
p\∑
C
books, also p\ГЊn (C)
one book
tæ\o ©\∑ tæ\î p\∑
p\∑ tæ\å
N
white sugar (C), also bj\å, tsæ\å tΔæÉï
white sugar
p\∑ t\å x\∑
p\∑ s|ï
V
power, ability to do things, also p\∑ s\∑
He carries out what he intends.
p\∑ s|ï dÔo å.
p\∑ s|∑
V
power, ability to do things, also p\∑ s\ï
He does not have the ability or power.
p\∑ s|∑ m\å dÔo.
p\∑ Δ|ï
A
actually (introduction to what follows)
p\∑ Δ|ï tæe bá kæ\o å. Actually, it’s natural to think this.
Oj p\∑ Δ\ï må N
mythical hairy cannibalistic nymph,
usually p\Г® О”\ГЇ mГҐ
p«Ì tå
N
seesaw
|ГҐ g\u p\ГЊ tГҐ
seesaw
pГЊ
V/NS wear an apron/apron
tО”|Г® pГЊ
apron, usually tО”|ГҐ pГЊ, also ts|ГЇ pГЊ
tО”|ГҐ pГЊ
apron, also ts|ГЇ/tО”|Г® pГЊ
ts|ГЇ pГЊ
apron, usually tО”|ГҐ pГЊ, also tО”|Г® pГЊ
tО”|Г®/tО”|ГҐ/ts|ГЇ pГЊ pГЊ ГҐ. She is wearing an apron.
pГЊ
NS
m\∑ pÌ
Afl J\j p\ГЊ tО”ГҐ
N
p\Ì tΔå w|åj tΔå tΔ«å
Afm Eeh p\Ì tæ|∑
V
å| t|o p\Ì tæ|∑ å.
bottom of jaw
Afj
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
bottom of jaw
patrilateral kin, bridegroom’s clansmen (C)
åthe groom’s and the bride’s kinsmen
crackle and spark
The fire is crackling and sending off sparks.
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
\ГҐ
30
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Afm Mfm Mfm p\ГЊ ts\ГЊ ts\ГЊ N
V
Afm Qfm p\ГЊ l\ГЊ
AfPl
@
b
A
p
game played with round stones, thrown and
caught on back of hand
abundant, but stunted as a result
p\ГЊ l\ГЊ tsГҐ
type of vine, Tinospera cordifolia
dzå p\Ì l\Ì l\Ì k«å å. The rice is growing too close together.
О”|ГЇ p\ГЊ l\ГЊ
stunted grass
å| w\á p\Ì l\Ì l\Ì k«å å. Pigs are very abundant but small.
p\ГЊ l\ГЊ p\ГЊ l\ГЊ
rain in slight shower, see b\∑ l\∑ l\∑
p\ГЊ l\ГЊ p\ГЊ l\ГЊ li ГҐ.
There was a slight shower of rain.
p\ГЊn
C
books (C), usually pronounced p\∑
one book
tæ\o ©\∑ tæ\î p\Ìn
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
31
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
V
A\h Hel pj|å kæ\∑
A\i
pj«å
gourd ladle, also pj«å kæ\∑/pæj|å kæ\∑
cut pieces off with glancing blows, putting
point on pole with an axe, or shaping shaft; strike
glancing blows to dislodge grain, scoop out inside
He is pulling corn kernels off the cob.
kæ\∑ så pj«å å.
A\i
pj«å
V
steeply sloping
steep land in forest
pj«å b\å
pj«å b\å x«o å.
The slope is steep.
|å l\u pj«å
large wok with steep sides
A\i A\i NZl pj«å pj«å tsæw\å N
cymbal
play cymbals
pj«å pj«å tsæw\å tsæw\å å.
A\i Fcj pj«å gu
N
sheath, scabbard
|å tæ\å pj«å gu
scabbard of knife
A\i Hel pj«å kæ\∑
N
gourd ladle, also pj|å kæ\∑
A\i gm pj«å ©\å
N
small ritual tray of woven rattan
A\j
pjГҐ
V
flatten between the hands, squash; see pj\ГҐ
NS/C for flattened things; flat part of foot/hand
pjГҐ pjГҐ
flattened
¯|î pj\å ©∑ å ¯å,
If you squash it,
pjå pjå l\e k«å å.
it will be flattened
på på tæ\î pjå
one cake
på på m\å pjå ~h\e. We haven’t flattened the cakes yet.
tsæÉï pjå
instep
l\ГЎ pjГҐ О”Г¶ ГҐ
place palms together in front of face in respect
A\j
pjГҐ
V
hide, also pjå ¯«å/tΔæ«e pjå
tΔæ«e pjå tΔ«å å.
He is running and hiding.
A\j
pjГҐ
V
hem
j|î kæ\∑ pjå å./j|î kæ\∑ sÉï pjå å.
Hem a garment.
A\m
pj_\ГҐ
V
lie, pretend
å\ me tæ\á pæå lå å bá pj\å å. He is pretending that he only came
yesterday.
pj\ГҐ
V
pj\ГҐ pj\ГҐ le
¯|î pj\å fu ©∑ o.
A\m A\m pj_ГҐ pj\ГҐ
V
s\ï tΔæÉï pj\å pj\å l\e
pj\å pj\å dz\å tΔ«å å.
flat, flatten, taken apart, see also pjå/pæj«å
A\m
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
flat
It is squashed flat.
toothless, lips smacking
toothless
He is eating as if without teeth, lips smacking.
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
32
Southern Lisu Dictionary
A\]Uh
A\`h
A\`h
A\`i
A\`j
A\`j
A\`j
A\`j
A\`j
pj|å≥
V
pj|å≥ b∑ o.
pj|å≥ pj|å≥
pj|Г¶
NS
j|Г® pj|Г¶ tО”Г¦\o ГҐ.
j|Г® pj|Г¶ m\ГҐ tО”Г¦\o.
pj|Г¶
V
pj«ö
V
pj__Г¶
V
j|î m\î ~hi pjö å.
pj_Г¶
V
|å m|e pjö zu.
pj_Г¶
N
pjö
NS
m\o pjö
s«∑ pjö
A\`k Nek pjö tsæ∑
NS
j|î pjö tsæ∑
A\`l
pj\Г¶
V
\å kæ|∑ m\å pj\ö
A
p
The crossbow fired with a vibrating crack.
sound of clapping
obedience, also p|Г¶
She obeys and believes him/She is faithful to him.
He is unfaithful.
carry on shoulder, usually p|Г¶
ricochet off, glance off
cool off the body by exposing it to breeze
The breeze is cooling him off.
untangle
Untangle it!
a monster tiger which feeds on other tigers,
very long, but small in bulk; golden cat;
also pjö l\å/l\å må pjö
pjö my
golden cat fur used as medicine
pjö
C
for strokes with axe, hoe, knife etc.
|å tæ\å ¯\î pjö tΔæÉï ©∑ o.
He has chopped twice with his knife.
pjö
NS
field house, also pö/bö
h~ i pjö
field house, shack; also h
~ i pö/bö
A\`j
@
b
sound of clapping, slack string vibrating
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
bush, see also pö/pu
grassy shrubs
small bushy trees
fat on innards of an animal
fat on innards of an animal
enjoyable, fun (B)
not very enjoyable, not much fun
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
33
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Bh A_j
pæ|å
V
pæ|å pæ|å ni k«å å.
pæ|å j_\ö
pæ|å pe
N
Bh Bch
Bh Gbh
Bh Mah
pæ|å pæ|u
pæ|å k|o
pæ|å ts|ï
N
N
N
Bh Vi
pæ|å ~h«å
N
Bh
fat, plump (C)
It is fat.
fatty (a nickname)
type of flowering tree, flowers sometimes used
as ancestor offerings
taro-stalk used as a vegetable
mattress
man’s turban (usually a towel or a Thai
bathing cloth) (Thai), also pæå k|î (B)
thorny shrub with feathery leaves and edible shoots,
also p|ГҐ ~h\ГҐ
tricolour squirrel
small thorny shrub, also p|ГҐ h~ ГҐ\ with feathery leaves
N
N
Bh Vi @_l pæ|å ~h«å b\e
Bh Vl
pæ|å ~h\å
pæ|å h~ å\ pjö
Bj
pæå
V
pæå je å.
Bk
pæå
V
pæå b»î kÌ å.
pæå b»o dz\å ©∑ o.
Bk
pæå
VV
pæå mo \å, j|î ≥u å.
Bk Eahnl pæå tæ|î\å
V
Bl
pæ\å
V
pæ\å do lå å.
pæ\å d\y je å.
Bl
pæ\å
NS
pæu d\∑ pæ\å
n\e pæ\å
li su pæ\å
j|î pæ\å
j|î pæ\å j|î z\å
Bl
pæ\å
C
m«e tΔ«o tæ\î pæ\å
å| m\o tæi tæ\î pæ\å
å| m\o å kæ\o tæ\î pæ\å
Bl Dah
pæ\å t|î
N
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
and edible berry-like buds and shoots
small thorny vine with small leaves and edible buds
float along on air, glide through the air
It went floating through the air.
fill
Fill it right up.
I’ve eaten till I’m full up.
as soon as (preverbal)
As soon as he saw it, he started to cry.
near
gush
It gushed out.
It poured in (through hole, as water through plug hole).
male/man
silversmith
spirit doctor
Lisu man
a male; his father (slightly vulgar)
fathers and sons
for saddles and tables
one table
one riding saddle
one pack saddle
lone male, also p|ГҐ t|Г®
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
34
Southern Lisu Dictionary
j|î pæ\å t|î z\å
a lone male
Bl El
pæ\å tæ\å
NS/V rubber sandals, flip-flop
making a flip-flopping noise
tΔi≥ pæ\å tæ\å
tsæÉï ¯i pæ\å tæ\å
rubber sandals, thongs, flip-flops
Bl Oeh Ccl pæ\å m|∑ d\u N
heel, blunt end
the heel
tsæi pæ\å m|∑ d\u
~hi pæ\å m|∑ d\u
the end of a roof’s ridge-pole
Bl Ql Ql pæ\å l\å l\å
V
flapping loudly
pæ\å l\å l\å bjö je o. It flew off flapping loudly.
Bm
pæ\å
V
dry out and die, of cut vegetation
tæ\î tså e\ pæ\å ΔÉï o. The weeds will all dry up and die together.
Bm
pæ\å
V
get wet
pæ\å le gu.
It is soaked.
pæ\å l\å l\å /tΔi≥ pæ\å l\å damp
pæ\å l\å
completely wet
dzå pæ\å l\å
rice cooked with too much water
m\y pæ\å l\å_
damp piece of ground
m\∑ h~ å pæ\å å.
It is getting wet in the rain.
Bhl
pæ|å\å
PF
sentence final indicating hypothesis
m\å dÔo pæ|å\å.
I don’t reckon he has any.
B]al
pæ\åj
N
playing cards (C)
He hasn’t laid down his cards/He hasn’t spoken
j|î pæ\åj m\å xo.
openly yet/He hasn’t told all he knows yet.
B]bh
B]bk
B^h
B^h
B^i
B^m
@
b
A
p
pæ|åw/pæ|o
N
artillery (C)
shell
pæ|åw s\î
pæåw/pæo
V
baggy (C)
pæåw pæåw l\e k«å å. It is flabby.
pæ|á
V
brush past
They brushed past and went on.
pæ|á d\y je å.
pæ|á
V
discern, sort out
≥wå pæ|á m\å k|u. I can’t sort out the correct one.
pæ«á
NS limbs, appendages
tsæÉï pæ«á
foot, leg
l\á pæ«á
hand, arm
pæ\á
C
for flattish things
p«å du tæ\î pæ\á
one vegetable bowl
kæ«å tæu tæ\î pæ\á
one basket
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tӾ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
35
Southern Lisu Dictionary
kæ«å n\∑ ts|o lo tæ\î pæ\á
one basket
l∑ k|∑ tæ\î pæ\á
one bowl
B^m
pæ\á
NS dimension
j|î pæ\á
dimension
j|î pæ\á Δi å.
The width is wide.
j|î pæ\á ΔÉï å.
The length is long.
B^m P\ak pæ\á ¯i
N
two days after tomorrow
B^m Lak pæ\á dzÉï
N
oak tree
B_h
pæ|e
V
go together, fit, match, suit
VV be fit to be
He said something unfitting.
bá m\å pæ|e.
xw\å tæu j\ö m\å pæ|e. He was not fit to be headman.
j|î pö tsæå tæe må m\å pæ|e. This patch doen’t match.
B_h
pæ|e
V
blend a mixture, season food
s«å tΔ\_î pæ|e m\å k|u. She isn’t good at blending betel ingredients.
w\o pæj\å pæ|e du
seasoning, spices
B_h
pæ|e
V
breed, mate with
må li li |å m\o må l|á pæ|e å. The donkey mated with the mare.
j|î z\å pæ|e m∑ o.
I managed to breed one.
B_h Yck pæ|e fu
V
be surprised, amazed (C), also pæ|Ìj fu
I was amazed.
\å kæ|∑ pæ|e fu å.
B_i
pæ«e
V
scoop away from self, contrast ö« scoop toward
pæ«e g\∑ dz\å
scoop up and feed
pæ«e fu ©∑ å
scoop away with a stick
pæ«e ¯i å
try to scoop away with a stick
tΔ|u li pæ«e å
row a boat
B_i
pæ«e
V
gore with sideways swing of the head
The buffalo bull gored him with a sideways swing of
å| ≥\å pæ\å pæ«e å.
its head.
The wild boar gored him with a sideways swing of
its head.
å| w\á t|î pæ«e å.
V
B_i Q_j pæ«e le
out of alignment, on two different planes,
lame, staggering, tripping, feet swinging in arcs
staggering
tΔi≥ pæ«e le
pæ«e le pæ«e le dÔe å. His feet swung sideways in arcs as he walked.
pæ«e le le
unable to walk straight, stumbling and staggering
pæ«e le le dÔe å.
He went stumbling and staggering and tripping.
tsæÉï pæ«e le
a crippled foot
s«∑ kæw|å pæ«e le k«å le o.
The wood is warped.
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
36
Southern Lisu Dictionary
å| ≥\å w|u pæ«e le
B_j
pæe
V
pæe l\á xo å.
B_j
pæe
V/VV
p\o xw«å tΔæ\ö pæe å.
tæå tΔæ\ö tæ\å pæe å.
B_l
pæ\e
V
pæ\e pæ\e ¯i k«å å.
k«o pæ\å pæ\e å
k«o tsæ\å pæ\e å
B_l
pæ\e
C
B_l M]ah pæ\e ts|åj
N
B_m
B`j
B`k
@
b
A
p
divorce
They divorced each other.
not taken to heart, not serious
He said it, but he wasn’t serious.
What is said here musn’t be taken to heart.
level, level off, make a threshing-floor or trough
It’s level.
make a wooden threshing trough
level off ground for threshing floor
volume of 2 1/2 litres (1/8 of p|o)
onion (C) with flat, solid leaves and no bulb.
Spirit doctors may not eat these or other onions.
N
hip-joint, also p\î Δe/ΔÉï
V/NS vomit
B_l [_j pæ\e Δe
B_m
pæ_e
B_m
a buffalo with horns which are not on the same plane
tΔæ\u pæ\e
xw\å pæ\e.
j|î pæ\e m\å pæ\e.
pæ_e
NS/C
vomit
vomit meat
He isn’t vomiting
for mountains; place where a road goes or may
go, a route, a way, a doorway
tΔ|u li k|o pæ\e
ferry crossing
j|î dÔe pæ\e m\å dÔo./j|î pæ\e m\å dÔo. There is no way to go through.
j|î pæ\e m\å dÔo.
There is no recognised way of doing it.
w\å pæ\e
mountain pass
w\å dÔ\ï tæ\î pæ\e
one mountain
å| kæ\∑ pæ\e
doorway
pæ\e
V/NS dig out a small hole, a small hole
tΔæ\u pæ\e å.
He dug out a thorn.
j|î pæ\e
small hole (large enough for an animal)
pæö
NS town, city
lo pæö
town, city
pæö
NS bags, hollow containers, etc.
bj\å pæö
a bee hive
dzå pæö
round rice storage bin, ~2 metres diameter and height
dz\î pæö
bladder
må pæö
bamboo storage bin
f\u l«u pæö
the hollow inside a gourd reed-organ
j|î pæö
a bag for storing
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tӾ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
37
Southern Lisu Dictionary
zÉï dÔå pæö
B`m
pæ\ö
V
j|î pæj\ö mjå pæ\ö å.
B`m
pæ\ö pæ\ö
O
pæ\ö pæ\ö by å.
Bah
pæ|î
NP
pæ|î pæ|î
pæ|î l\u
Bah Dj Gcj pæ|î tå ku N
Bah [ah pæ|î Δ|î
N
Bai
pæ«î
V
pæ«î pæ«î l\e k«å å.
å| tæ\å w|u pæ«î
Bai
pæ«î
V
pæ«î j\å le o.
Bah Bel pæ|î pæ\∑
N
a water spring
swell
His face is swollen.
sound of axe or machete cutting or chopping
It makes a chop-chop sound.
small whistling instruments
a tin whistle
two-ended flute with three notes, 60 cm long
lower part of the back (lumbar region)
multicoloured embroidery threads(C)
pointed
It is pointed.
a pointed knife
whip back with a whistling noise
It whipped back and hit him.
evil spirit, also ГҐ| g\o, contagious, infects families or
clans; some become witches with souls that bite others,
causing them sickness or death. Such families are often
ostracised or banished.
people infected by pæ|î pæ«∑
pæ|î pæ\∑ dÔo su
Bak
pæi
NS mustard greens
mustard greens
w\o pæi
Bak
pæi
N
stinging sensation
It is stinging (refers to sensation).
pæi nå å.
Bak
pæi
V
empty, of grain ears
dzå pæi
empty ears of rice
Bak
pæi
NS ninth son, usually tО”\u
ninth son, usually ГҐ
\ tΔ\u pæ\å
|åpæi
Bak Oeh pæi m|∑
N
apron part of Lisu woman’s jacket
stripe down edges of Lisu woman’s apron
pæi m|∑ m\∑
pæi l\á m\∑
ornamental stripes on sleeves
Bak Raj pæi si
V
gentle wafting, of breeze
m\î h~ i pæi si pæi si dÔ\ö å.
The breeze is gently blowing.
Bal
pæ\î
V
slow, of motion
dzå gu tæ\å Δ\ö pæ\î. Don’t walk slowly.
dÔe pæ\î å
go slowly
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
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О”
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^
ГЎ
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Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
38
Southern Lisu Dictionary
NS
pæ\î
pæ\î pæ\å
pæ\î må
\å pæ\î
\å pæ\î pæ\å
\å pæ\î må
pæ\î
Bal
Bal
Bal Hel
Bal Nah
great grandparent
great grandfather, also ГҐ
\ pæ\î pæ\å
great grandmother, also ГҐ
\ pæ\î må
great grandparent
great grandfather, also pæ\î pæ\å
great grandmother, also pæ\î må
NS/C for basketwork strips, thongs, thin narrow
planks, etc.
bowstring of crossbow, also tΔæ«å må pæ\î
tΔæ«å pæ\î
tΔæ«å må pæ\î
bowstring of crossbow, also tΔæ«å pæ\î
må n\e tæ\î pæ\î
one strip of bamboo tying strip
j\å s«∑ pæ\î
tightening strip of loom
pæ\î kæ\∑
N
buckle
catch of a buckle
pæ\î kæ\∑ s\o du
pæ\î tsæ|ï
N
attitude, mood (C), also j|î Δ«ö
j|î pæ|î tsæ|î m\å x«o ¯å, j|î Δ|î tsi ~h|î å. If he is in a bad mood,
he has an ugly temper.
pæ\î mjå
N
face, usually pæj\ö mjå, also pæj\å mjå
pæ\î Δe
N
hip-joint, also p\e Δe/p\î ΔÉï
pæ\î ΔÉï
N
hip-joint, also p\e/p\Г® О”e
pæ\î
V
be lost, lose
tæ\å pæ\î pæ\î dz\å.
Don’t drop so much food when you eat.
tæ\î må pæ\î le o.
One got lost.
Bbh Beh pæ|o pæ|∑
N
pope (E), also pæo pæ\∑
Bbh Nl pæ|o tsæ\å
N
firecrackers, bamboo air gun pea-pistols
Bbi
pæ«o
V
turn around, turn over, turn to side, lay on side
VV do in return
He replied.
bá pæ«o å.
pæ«o fu ©∑ o.
I turned it over.
pæ«o j\î dÔe o.
He turned around and went back.
h~ e\ m«e ΔÉï pæ«o ¯i å. He turned around and looked behind.
j|î då j|î pæ«o å.
It turned over (by itself).
Bbi
pæ«o
V
grow, progress, from one stage to another
kå tæe pæ«o lå å.
The dry season is here.
z\å m∑ l|á pæ«o lå å. She is growing into a young woman.
Bbi
pæ«o
V
chew cud
not chewing the cud
gw\å d\e m\å pæ«o
Bal O\j
Bal [_j
Bal [dj
Bam
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tӾ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
39
Southern Lisu Dictionary
pæ«o
V
have a muscle twisted
I’ve got a twisted muscle in my calf.
tsæÉï w\y må s\∑ pæ«o å.
Bbi
pæ«o
C
for sides, faces, of flat surfaces
tæe tæ\î pæ«o
on this side, on this face
Bbi Qbj pæ«o lo
V
twisting back and forth, turning this way
and that
They are turning this way and that.
pæ«o lo lo d«å å.
Bbj Bel pæo pæ\∑
N
pope (E), also pæ|o pæ|∑
Bbl
pæ\o
NS/P photograph, picture (B), also pæ\o≥, usually bj\ö
a photograph or picture
pæ\o pæj\å
j|î pæ\o
a photograph or picture
Bbl
pæ\o
V
flee, run out
Bbl
pæ\o
NS mother’s mother
mother’s mother
|å pæ\o
Bch
Pæ|u
NS Kachin, usually tΔæ\o pæ\å
Kachin, usually tΔæ\o pæ\å
\å pæ|u
Bcj
pæu
NS eldest son, usually å| b|e, also å| t|å pæ\å
å| pæu
eldest son, usually ГҐ
| b|e, also å| t|å pæ\å
Bck
pæu
V
open
explain
bá pæu
h~ å pæu
the waxing moon
|å kæ\∑ tæ\å pæu.
Don’t open the door.
Bck
pæu
V
white
a white one
pæu pæu å må
pæu tΔæ«å tΔæ«å
very white, also pæu tsæ«å tsæ«å
very white, also pæu tΔæ«å tΔæ«å
pæu tsæ«å tsæ«å
white with bits of black
pæu mj\å mj\å
tæ\o ©\∑ pæu pæu
white paper
¯«å pæu dÔ\ï
white hornbill
j|î pæu tΔ\å
any light colour, almost white
Bck
pæu
N
silver, money
a small silver coin used for decoration; now rare
pæu m\e
pæu Δ\å
money placed in corpse’s mouth (2 small coins)
pæu kæ\∑ Δ_Éï kæ\∑
truth, words worth a lot, promise, especially
Bbi
about marriage arrangements (�silver word gold word’)
N
bank of river
N
werewolf, weredog
pæ\u si l\å må pæ|e k|u å.
A werewolf can mate with a tiger.
Bck Gi pæu k«å
Bcl Raj pæ\u si
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
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j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
40
Southern Lisu Dictionary
pæ\u
V
dzå pæ\u l«u
kæ\∑ så pæ\u
|å kæ\∑ m\å pæ\u.
Bcl Q^k pæ\u lá
N
dÔå n\u pæ\u lá
dÔå m\y pæ\u lá
lö m\y pæ\u lá
Bcl
puffed up
puffed rice
popcorn
It is not puffed up much.
barbet
kind of barbet
kind of barbet (�cold country barbet’)
kind of barbet (�warm country barbet’)
V
(bloom) beautifully
kind of barbet
pæ\u l\o l\o we å.
Bcl Qci pæ\u l«u
N
bubble, vs. f|u foam
Bcl Rch pæ\u s|u
V
swelling and decreasing, rising and falling
pæ\u s|u pæ\u s|u d«å å. It was rising and falling, swelling and decreasing.
Bdi
pæ«y
NS/P large herd
strong bull
pæ«y pæ\å
j|î pæ«y j|î n«∑
vast herds
å| ≥\å pæ«y å| ≥\å n«∑ vast herds of buffalos
Bdi
pæ«y
V
pile up, store up for later use, crowd around
NS/C pile of grain
heap up rice at harvest
dzå pæ«y pæ«y å
dzå tsæÉï pæ«y dÔo å. I have ten stacks of rice.
l\å tsæo j|î dÔ«u dÔ\u j|î l|á pæ«y d«å å. A crowd pressed in upon him.
å dÔå d\å pæ«y å.
She’s drawing water to store up.
Bdi
pæ«y
V
give off steam
Don’t go near, it is giving off steam.
pæå tæ|î\å tæ\å dÔe, j|î Δ\å pæ«y å.
Bdi
pæ«y
V
charge, in order to butt or gore
initial full-strength charge, of fighting animals/people
pæ«y tæ\o
pæ«y tæ\o pæ\å
leader of a herd
pæ«y fu lå å.
It came charging.
Bdj
pæy
V
be sheltered
Bdk
pæy
V
float, of clouds
å dÔå Δ\å pæy lå å. The mist is drifting towards us.
Bdl
pæ\y
NS/V value, price, place value on
tsæo m\o l|á j|î m\å pæ\y. He doesn’t honour the old people.
j|î pæ\y b∑ å
pay the price
j|î pæ\y dá lå.
The price increases.
j|î pæ\y tæ\á å.
The price is cheap (�shallow’)
Bcl Qbl pæ\u l\o
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tӾ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
41
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Bdl
Bdl
Beh Weh
Bek
Bek
Bel
Bel
Bel
Bfm
W
x
X
h
Y
f
j|î pæ\y k|uj å.
j|î pæ\y kæ«å å.
j|î pæ\y m\å dÔo.
j|î pæ\y n|á å.
j|î pæ\y n\u å.
j|î pæ\y j\å lå.
å| m\o tæ\o pæ\y
pæ\y
NS
å| pæ\y
pæ\y
NP/S
pæ\y pæ\å pæ\y må
pæ\y pæ\å ts«o må
\å pæ\y å på
pæ|∑ x|∑
N
j|î pæ|∑ x|∑ m\å x|∑
pæ∑
NS
l\á pæ∑
pæ∑
V
bá pæ∑ ©\∑
tsæÉï z\å pæ∑ ©∑ å.
pæ\∑
V
nå pæ\∑ pæ∑ å.
pæ\∑
NS
dzå pæ\∑
pæ\∑
NS
x\o pæ\∑
pæ\Ì
NS
h~ ГЎ
« pæ\Ì
å| pæ\Ì
a binding on a split arrow, stick, etc.
I haven’t bound it up yet.
~h\e.
shoulder
Z
w
`
Г¶
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
The price is expensive. (C)
The price is expensive.
It has no value.
The price is expensive. (�deep’)
The price is cheap. (�soft’)
The price decreases.
the price of hiring pack horses
pumpkin
pumpkin
ancestors
male and female ancestors; 3 generations sacrificed to
male and female ancestors; 3 generations sacrificed to
male ancestors
shoulder
untie (transitive), explain
explain
He untied the cord.
have measles
to have the measles
ground husk
rice husk
kind of evil spirit
kind of evil spirit
rat
rat, also ГҐ
| pæ\Ì
rat, also h
~ ГЎ
« pæ\Ì
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
42
Southern Lisu Dictionary
NS/C sheets, planks, tips of weapons or tools,
large flat bones
B\h
pæj|å
B\h
pæ\e Δe pæj|å
tsæÉï pæj|å lá
må pæj|å
må kæw\å pæj|å
mj\å pæj|å
l|å pæj|å
l\á pæ∑ pæj|å
s«∑ pæj|å
s«∑ pæj|å tæ|î pæj|å
x\o pæj|å
j\å tsæ\e pæj|å
|å kæ\∑ pæj|å
pæj|å
V
hip bone
place where feet push on foot pounder
bamboo board
large strips of bamboo as used in fences
arrowhead
spear
shoulder blade
planks
one plank
bamboo guiding fins for arrow
Indian rupee
door board
scatter, throw, so that it spreads; scatter
grain, etc., with no thought of it growing; also О”|Г®
dzå må s\∑ pæj|å fu ©∑ å throwing away paddy (as to chickens)
s«å w\å pæj|å å
throw a fish-net
å dÔå w«e pæj|å fu ©∑. Throw the water away.
pæj|å
NS step-relative, also b«á
b«å b\å pæj|å
stepfather
m«å må pæj|å
stepmother, usually m«å må z\å z\å
|å dÔ\î pæj|å
stepdaughter
j|î z\å pæj|å
stepson
B\h
pæj|å
V
steep
steep hillside, still useable for field
pæj|å b\å
B\h Hel pæj|å kæ\∑
N
ladle made from a gourd, also pj«å kæ\∑
B\h Qbk pæj|å lo
N
spleen (human); see also le tæ|e
B\h V^l pæj|å ~h\á
V
slack
tΔæ«å h~ i pæj|å h~ á
\ pæj|å h~ á
\ d«å å. The bowstring is slack.
B\i
pæj«å
V
destroy, take apart, see also pj\ГҐ
h~ i pæj«å fu ©∑ å
dismantling the house
j|î k«u dzÉï pæj«å fu å skinning it, peeling the back off
xw\å pæj«å å
butcher meat
su mjö d\o tæ\å pæj«å. Don’t defame others.
B\j
pæjå
C
width of palm
l\á kwå tæ\î pæjå
one width of palm
B\h
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tӾ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
43
Southern Lisu Dictionary
pæjå
V
fan out
j|î m|∑ n|î pæjå k|u å.It can fan out its tail.
pæjå l\á l\á
fanned out
j|î m|∑ pæjå l\á l\á k«å å. Its tail is fanned out (as a chicken).
B\k Q^m Q^m pæjå l\á l\á V
slightly crookedly
B\l
pæj\å
VS pair word for nГҐ sick
nå z\å pæj\å z\å m\å dÔo.
There are no diseases, sicknesses.
B\l
pæj\å
NS/C leaf, page
tsæ\å tæ«ö pæj\å tΔæÉï very small barking deer (30 cm tall)
tæ\o ©\∑ pæj\å
sheets of paper
s«∑ pæj\å
leaves
s«∑ pæj\å tæ\î pæj\å
one leaf
w\o pæj\å
vegetable
B\l
pæj\å
V
cut with horizontal swings, slash, clear field
He is going to clear fields.
å mi pæj\å je å.
B\l HZl Ql pæj\å kæ\wå l\å N
type of shrub with large leaves
B\k
which bears white flowers, leaves are used in
�sweating’ ceremonies, edible if boiled
N
B\l Oel pæj\å m\∑
gable-end of roof, eaves at ends of house
~ i pæj\å m\∑
h
B\l O\j pæj\å mjå
N
j|î pæj\å mjå m\å bi.
B\l Ra Tl pæj\å sÉÉï z\å N
B\m
pæj\å
N
pæj\å t«á je gu o.
B\`h
pæj|ö
V
B\`j
B\`j
B\`j
B\`l
W
x
X
h
gable-end of roof, eaves at ends of house
face; usually pæj\ö mjå, also pæ\î mjå
Her face isn’t beautiful.
type of small bird (Cisticola)
all, also å\ dÔ\ï/≥å tæå p|o
They took it all.
argue (about possession) (C), retract, lie to
avoid blame, try to go back on
They are arguing about possession.
pæj|ö l\á xo å.
nu pæjö m\å tΔæÉï, su mo å. There’s no need to lie, someone saw you.
tΔæi pæjö
hide and seek game
pæjö
V
unroll, unwrap, open out flat, spread
l\á pæ«á å| t|î pæjö ©\∑. Open your hand out flat/Stretch out your arm.
K\i pæjö tΔæ«å N/C full cubit, from elbow to tip of mid finger
(as opposed to t«y tΔæ«å a short cubit)
pæjö
V
broadcast, spread, unroll, unravel
tæ\î m\y tæ\î m\y wå pæjö dÔe o. It spread to every district.
pæj\ö
V
braid, plait hair
j|î w|u tΔæ«ö pæj\ö t|å å. Her hair is braided.
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
44
Southern Lisu Dictionary
B\`l
B\`m
@
b
A
p
N
face, facial features, facial expression,
appearance, also pæj\å mjå//pæ\î mjå
j|î w\å ¯\î zo pæj\ö Δ|ö l\á xo. The two of them have similar faces.
pæj\ö p|∑
change the facial expression
pæj\ö mjå
face
pæj\ö mjå tæ|o tæ|o
central part of cheeks
pæj\ö ¯i du
mirror
pæj\ö xw\å
skin of face
j|î pæj\ö xw\å
skin of face
j|î pæj\ö xw\å Δ|ö l\á xo å.
Their faces look alike.
pæj\ö
V
become, come into being, turn into
VV
able to accomplish successfully
j|î l\å må tæ\î må pæj\ö lå å. He became a tiger.
l\å må tæ\î må pæj\ö lå å.
A tiger came into being.
dÔe m\å pæj\ö.
He wasn’t able to go (but he made an attempt).
pæj\ö
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tӾ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
45
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Ch Feh
Ci
Ci Ok
Ck
Ck
Ck
Ck
Ck
Ck Zbl
Cl
W
x
X
h
Y
f
d|å g|∑
N
jute, hessian, gunny bag
jute/hessian cloth
d|å g|∑ mÌ
d«å
V
be at, of inanimate N, contraction of dГҐ ГҐ
nu h~ i å lå d«å å.
Where is your house?
d«å må
N
palm tree
dГҐ
V
be at, of inanimate N, see dá and tΔ«å
tæ\î må x∑ m\å då. There isn’t one there.
dГҐ
V
be skilled at, improve
skilful man
då pæ\å
dГҐ s|ГЊ ГҐ
believe that one is skilled
tsæo då
skilful person
m\ГҐ dГҐ ~h\e.
It’s not right yet/It’s still not OK.
≥wå nu l|á m\å då. I reckon you’re no good.
j|î ¯å \å kæ|∑ då å. He’s very good at it.
|ГҐ t|Г® dГҐ le ГҐ.
It’s improving a little.
dГҐ
VV OK, suitable, allowed, able
That will be okay.
dГҐ o.
dГ”e m\ГҐ dГҐ.
He may not go/He should not go.
dz\ГҐ gu m\ГҐ dГҐ.
I can’t eat it all.
m\å då m\å s\å tæ\å je. Don’t use force.
m\ГҐ dГ”e m\ГҐ dГҐ
have to go, must go
dГҐ
NS stick, rod
må kæw\å då
bamboo stick
l|ГҐ dГҐ
erect penis (vulgar)
s«∑ kå då
stick of wood
xo dГҐ
iron rod
x\o dГҐ
firebrand, torch
j|Г® dГҐ
stick
dГҐ
PN
by oneself, of one’s own will, also tΔæ\o
tæ\î tæ«∑ då tæ\î tæ«∑ each moment
nu dГҐ nu dГ”e zu ГҐ. Go and get it yourself.
≥wå då ≥wå
of my own volition
j|Г® dГҐ j|Г®
of his own volition
dГҐ w\o
N
fern
fern pattern of embroidery
dГҐ w\o xwГҐ
d\ГҐ
V
receive in two hands
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
46
Southern Lisu Dictionary
d\ГҐ
V
å dÔå d\å å.
å dÔå d\å je å.
Cl
d\ГҐ
V
wГҐ l\ГҐ be d\ГҐ ГҐ.
Cl Ci
d\å d«å
V
Cl Dbi d\å t««o
V
j|Г® m\ГҐ d\ГҐ tВ«o.
Cl Hck Pcj d\å kæu nu N
Cl
d\ГҐ
NS
d\å d\å pæ\å
d\ГҐ d\ГҐ mГҐ
d\ГҐ l\ГЎ mГҐ
d\ГҐ l\ГЎ ВЇi
Cl Ok
d\ГҐ mГҐ
NS
w|y wy d\ГҐ mГҐ
j|Г® d\ГҐ mГҐ
j|î d\å må k«å å.
\ГҐ d\ГҐ l|u
\å kæ|å d\å må
|ГҐ m\o d\ГҐ mГҐ
Cm Qh
d\ГҐ l|ГҐ
N
Cl Ubl d\å ≥\o
N
Cm Zdl d\ГҐ w\y
V
C^i
d«á
V
nu pæu å lå d«å å.
C^i C^m d«á d\á
V
C^j
dГЎ
V
w\ГҐ dГ”\ГЇ ГҐ dГЎ je ГҐ.
C^j
dГЎ
V
tæe bá dá je å.
C^k
dГЎ
V
Cl
C^m
C^l C^i
@
b
A
p
≥w|å dá å.
d\ГЎ
NS
|å j|å tsæÉï d\á
d\á d«á
V
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
draw water
Water is being drawn.
She has gone to draw water.
set a noose snare (as opposed to a trap)
set a snare
walk with assistance (baby talk), also d\á d«á
answer
He didn’t answer.
type of wild vegetable (phak kuut)
big (C)
mother’s eldest brother, also w|y wy d\å må
mother’s eldest brother’s wife
thumb
first finger
big, eldest
mother’s eldest brother, also d\å d\å pæ\å
The Great One (esp. Great Spirit, top god)
It is big.
cricket, also ГҐ
| d\ГҐ w|u
crocodile (�big lizard’)
big horse
sorghum
walking stick, usually dz\å ≥\o, written dÂ\å ≥\o
bent over (as of an old person)
be inside, contraction of dГЎ ГҐ
Where is your silver?
uphill, see dГЎ
climb, ascend, price increases
He has gone up into the mountains.
continue a story or song
He continued by saying ...
be inside (of inanimates or animates normally
inside something), see då and tΔ«å
There are fish in there.
�spur’ on back of chicken’s leg
chicken’s �spur’
walk with assistance (baby talk), also d\å d«å
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
47
Southern Lisu Dictionary
de
V
de de m\å k«å.
de mi
to m\ГҐ de.
tæ\o pæ\å de
m\y de
w\ГҐ de
w\a do de
C_j
de
V
de le o.
C_j
de
VV
dz\o de su
xГҐ de su
w\u de le o.
Δ«å m\å de
C_j
de
VS
z\ГҐ de
m\∑ de
C_j Q_j de le
PV
w\u de le
C_l
d\e
V
dzГҐ d\e su
w\ГҐ d\e ГҐ
level, squared off
C_j
d\e d\e mu
C_l Fel d\e g\∑
d\e g\∑ su
C_l O\j d\e mjГҐ
d\e mjГҐ fu
C_m
d\e
gw\ГҐ m\ГҐ d\e.
dГ”e d\e ГҐ.
dГ”e m\ГҐ d\e.
dz\ГҐ d\_e ГҐ.
dz\ГҐ m\ГҐ d\_e.
s\ГҐ d\e mi
C_m
d\e
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
be restored, recover
He’s better/He’s recovered/His health is restored.
perfect, complete
a perfectly correct or just person
a perfect person
full grown
It is not completely finished
last (children)
last son, usually О”\ГҐ l\o
last daughter, usually l\o m|e
the most, extremely, see also lö/|å d\î
the biggest, extremely big
beg, ask for
someone who begs for rice
ask for a work party whose labour will not be
repaid, as when building a house
V
C_l C_l d\e d\e
W
x
It’s not properly squared off.
wet-rice fields, paddy fields
He hasn’t squared off the end.
desert
flat country
flat level piece of ground
flat level piece of ground at the bottom
\
j
]
Г·
flat, horizontal, also d\Г® d\Г®
flat, horizontal
V
give freely, give as a gift
the giver
N
a dream
have a dream
V
fitting, clean, acceptable
It’s not fit to be worn.
It would be fitting to go.
He’s not fit to be visited.
It is acceptable to eat.
It is not fit to be eaten.
reserved fallow field
V
^
ГЎ
_
e
carry, esp. of age
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
48
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tsæ\ï d\e
carry a great age (be very old)/understand
C_m
d\e
V
finely pounded up, finely milled
dzГҐ t|Г® m\ГҐ d\e le.
The rice isn’t properly milled
tsæ\å bo t|î m\å d\e le. The salt isn’t grounded fine enough.
C`j
dö
V
fold, stack on top of the other, wrap
C
for packs of cards, folded blankets, books
a pack of cards
pæ\åj pæj\å tæ\î dö
z«ï by dö å.
He is folding the blanket.
z«ï by tæ\î dö
one folded blanket
j|î dö dö/dö dö l\e folded things, book-like, concertina like
C`j Q`l Q`l dö l\ö l\ö V
luxurious, of fruit-bearing shrubs; dense,
luxuriously bearing fruit and sticking up.
j\å pæ|î tæ\u dö l\ö l\ö k«å å.
The opium buds were sticking into the
air in profusion.
d\Г¶
V
push over (without using tools) to fall or roll over
d\ö fu ©∑ å.
He pushed it.
C`l
d\Г¶
N
body, pair word for ko
tæ\î ko tæ\î d\ö/tæ\î ko d\ö d\ö all over the body
C`l
d\Г¶
NS/C bodies, tree trunks
human body
go d\Г¶
tsæÉï b\å d\ö
shaft of foot-operated rice pounder
må kæw\å d\ö
bamboo which has fallen over by itself
s«∑ d\ö tæ\î d\ö
a log of wood
|ГҐ no d\Г¶
kind of bean
C`l
d\Г¶
C
for finger widths
two finger widths
l\ГЎ ВЇi ВЇ\Г® d\Г¶
C`l
d\Г¶
NS epidemic, plague
nГҐ d\Г¶ do ГҐ.
A plague occurred.
C`l A\i Oaj d\ö pj«å mi N
unirrigated swidden fields
d\ö pj«å mi
swidden agriculture
de mi je ГҐ ВЇГҐ,
If we do irrigated fields,
d\ö pj«å mi Δ«å m\å tΔæÉï.there is no need to do swidden fields.
C`m
d\Г¶
V
bear fruit
j|î s\∑ d\ö å.
It is bearing fruit.
C`m
d_Г¶
V
wear/put on, of cylindrical objects on body
tsæÉï ¯i d\ö å.
He’s wearing/putting on shoes.
nå kæ«o d\ö å.
He’s wearing earrings.
l\ГЎ О”|ГҐ d\Г¶ ГҐ.
He’s wearing a bag.
C`l
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
49
Southern Lisu Dictionary
d«î
V
tΔæe d«î
Cak
di
V
b\Г® di ГҐ.
b∑ nå ts|ï di å
tΔ\ö tsæ|ï di å
m\∑ tsæÉï t|∑ di å.
Cak
di
VV
tΔ«å m\å di.
kГЊ m\ГҐ di.
j\Г® t|ГҐ m\ГҐ di.
Cak
di
NS
b\e di
Cal
d\Г®
V
p«å d\î
tΔi≥ d\î d\î
mГҐ l|ГҐj mГҐ d\Г® d\Г®
w|u d\Г®
Cal
d\Г®
VV
tО”Г¦u d\Г® le o.
dz\ГҐ d\Г® le o.
Δ«ï d\î le o.
je d\Г® le o.
|ГҐ d\Г®
Cal Cai d\î d«î
NS
b\e di
Cal Cal d\Г® d\Г®
V
d\Г® d\Г® mu
Cbi
dВ«o
I
Cbi Cbi dВ«o dВ«o
V
Cbj
do
V
b∑ do
do О”\ГҐ
mjГҐ bi do ГҐ.
l\å må tæ\î må do å.
h~ e\ m\Ì kæ\o do å.
j|Г® О”\ГЇ do ГҐ.
ГҐ bГҐ do ГҐ
Cai
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
left over
fallen over and left
grow big, of root vegetables, boils, acne
The yam tubers are growing.
have a boil
have acne
The sweet potato-like tubers are growing bigger.
able to fit into
There’s not enough room (for people).
It can’t all fit in/It can’t all be contained.
There’s not enough room for all to lie down.
nonflying insect, see also d\î d«î
nonflying insect
bald, bare, uncovered
with no clothes on
bare, bald
patch of mГҐ l|ГҐj bamboo without undergrowth
bald-headed
completely done, all done
The fields are completely burned off.
It is all eaten.
Sweeping is finished.
It is all done.
extremely, see de le
insect used as child’s toy (baby talk), see di
nonflying insect
flat, horizontal, also d\e d\e
flat, horizontal
enough! stop!, contraction of dГҐ o
pregnant with large protruding belly
come out, appear, go out, wax (of moon)
east (�sun come out’), also m\∑ tsæå do kæ\∑
tone (�sound that comes out’)
Tears are coming out.
A tiger appeared.
A famine arose.
Blood is coming out/It is bleeding.
moon waxes
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
50
Southern Lisu Dictionary
å| kæ\∑ do å
Cbj
do
VV
Δ«å do le o.
Δ«å m\å do ~h\e
Cbj
do
C
mÌ tæ\î do
Cbj
do
VS
lo do
Cbk
do
NS
do j\Г®
kæ«å w|u kæ«å do
j|Г® do de
j|Г® do ti le o.
j|î do t«ö ¯i m\å pe.
Cbk
do
V
dÔÉï do xw\å dz\å
dÔÉï pæ\∑ do å.
å dÔå do å.
Cbk Fbm do g_o
V
do g\o do g\o dГ”e ГҐ.
do g\o tæ\å je.
Cbk Fj do gГҐ
V
do gГҐ nГҐ ГҐ.
Cbl
d\o
V
l\e bo d\o ГҐ.
Cbl
d\o
N
mjö d\o
j|Г® d\o m\ГҐ bГЎ dz\ГҐ.
Cbl
d\o
PF
j|Г® m\ГҐ lГҐ bГЎ ГҐ d\o.
j|Г® m\ГҐ lГҐ d\o.
Cbl
d\o
V
d\o le o.
Cbl
d\o
V
d\o le o.
j|Г® d\o d\o
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
set out on a journey (�go out the door’)
complete
He has finished making it.
He hasn’t finished making it yet.
bolt of cloth
a bolt of cloth
abnormal, cursed
abnormal, cursed
the bottom
to the bottom
top and bottom of a village (the whole village)
flat land at the bottom
It reached the bottom.
I can’t see the bottom.
drink
feast and drink (�drink liquor eat meat’)
He is drinking liquor.
He is drinking water.
stooped, bent over, also d\ГҐ О”\ГЇ
He walked along all bent over/bent in half.
Don’t bend over.
the small of the back
The lower back aches.
divine using cowrie shells, dice or lots
He is divining.
news, tidings, information
reputation
I didn’t hear anything about it.
evidential of reported speech, usually dГ”\o
I hear he says he isn’t coming.
He says he isn’t coming.
topple (sideways, of people/large things), see b\Г¶
He has fallen over.
rotten (polite form)
It’s rotten (said to old person)
a rotten one
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
51
Southern Lisu Dictionary
d\o
V
m\ГҐ n\ГҐ m\ГҐ d\o.
Cbl
d\o
V
nГҐ d\o dГҐ ГҐ.
Cbl
d\o
NS
d\o dzÉï
wo d\o
Cbl Ol Ck d\o m\ГҐ dГҐ VV
bГЎ d\o m\ГҐ dГҐ.
dГ”e d\o m\ГҐ dГҐ.
je d\o m\ГҐ dГҐ.
Cbm
d_o
V
ГҐ| t|o d\o ГҐ.
Cbm
d_\o
N
d\o tæö/d\o tΔæÉï
d\o kГЊ ГҐ
d_\o ¯«å
d\o fu
d\o me tО”Г¦\ГЇ
≥w|å d\o dzÉï
fu d\o
Δ|ï d\o/s\å t«Ì d\o
pair word for n\ГҐ stop/rest
Cbl
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
bed-ridden, prostrate
He is prostrate with sickness.
walnut
walnut tree
walnut
not be the proper thing
That is not the thing to say.
This is not the time to go, is not the place to go.
That is not the thing to do.
scorch, smoulder, burn without flames
Fire scorched it.
poison, also t|o ná tsæ\ï_
roots and rhizomes from which poison is made
put on arrow poison
peafowl (its gall is poisonous)
poisonous snake
poisonous mushroom
tree for fish poison
snake poison
alternate names for a poison which reacts in the
time to measure three lengths of grass stalk.
NS
d|u
|ГҐd|u
Cch Cch d|u d|u
d|u d|u z\ГҐ
Cci Cch dВ«u d|u
mj\Г¶ dВ«u d|u
Ccj
du
ГҐ| pu du
Ccj
du
Ccj
du
Cck
du
du do ГҐ
Cch
W
x
He didn’t stop or rest.
fourth-born daughter, usually ГҐ\ s|ГЇ mГҐ
fourth-born daughter
V
short time
short time
NS
baboon
baboon
N
quill
porcupine quill
PF
VV
V
evidential of inferential evidence
good to, should
go visiting
go out visiting
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
52
Southern Lisu Dictionary
du
NS instrumental nominalizer, thing for
tæe je du ≥o.
It’s a thing to do this with/This should be done.
tæ\o ©\∑ bo du
thing to write with
dzГҐ tО”|ГҐ du
thing to cook with
ts_ГЇГ‰ du
messenger, angel
tsæ_ïÉ du
foot-operated rice pounder
Cck
du
NS child of same-sex sibling, compare s|ГҐ
son of same-sex sibling
z\ГҐ du
m\∑ du
daughter of same-sex sibling, also ГҐ
| m\Г® du
|ГҐ m\Г® du
daughter of same-sex sibling, also m\∑ du
Cck Deh du t|∑
N
a skirt, sarong, Thai phasin
one sarong
du t|∑ tæ\î kæ«o
Cck Q^m du l\ГЎ
N
wings
Ccl
d\\u
N
hollow in the ground, on a tree trunk, etc.
V
be hollow, cavernous
hollow log
s«∑ dö d\u
j|î kæ\u d\u å.
It has a hole in it
\å kæ|∑ d\u å.
It is very hollow. (i.e. large cavity, thin walls)
Ccl
d\\u
V
blunt, stumpy, opp. tæ«á
blunt, stumpy
d\\u d\\u
tΔ«å tΔ«ö tæe må d\u d\u l\e k«å å.
This arrow is blunt.
j|î l\á ¯i tæ\î må d\u d\u l\e k«å å.
One of her fingers has been cut
Cck
Ccl
Ccl
@
b
A
p
m|∑ d\u
n|o d\u
|ГҐ m\Г® d\u mГҐ
d\u
NS
p«å d\u
pВ«o d\u
p«∑ d\u
d\\u
NS
C
pæu d\u
tΔæ«å d\u
tО”Г¦\Г® d\u
tО”Г¦|ГЇ d\u
dzГҐ d\u
tsæÉï d\u
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
off leaving a stump.
short stumpy tail
wedge, also n|o dz\u
Shorty, a girl’s name
serving bowl, also p«å pæ\∑
large serving bowl, also p«o d\u/p«å pæ\∑
large serving bowl, also p«å d\u/p«å pæ\∑
small serving bowl
source, place where something is found
ravines, valleys, rice pounders
silver mine
navel
buttocks (source of feces)
salt lick (where animals lick salt)
place with an abundance of rice
foot-operated rice pounder
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
53
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tsæÉï d\u tæ\î d\u
lö d\u
lo kæ\u tæ\î d\u
zÉï d\u
ΔÉï d\u
å dÔå d\u
å dÔå tæ\î d\u
d\u
NS
~hГҐ d\u
d\\u l\ГҐ
N
dВ«y
V
m\ГҐ dВ«y dГҐ ГҐ.
m\å d«y tΔ«å.
m\y dВ«y dГҐ ГҐ.
dy
V
dy dВ«y z\ГҐ
dy dy
dy dy l\e k«å å.
tæe dy å.
gu dy ly
m\å dy tΔ«å å.
m\å dy tΔ«å.
m\y dy ГҐ.
w|u dy
d\y
V
Ccl
Ccl Ql
Cdi
Cdj
one foot-operated rice pounder
hot spring
one ravine, one stream
spring
gold mine
well-watered place
stream (in a ravine), large deep pool
tomato
tomato, also ГҐ d\u
type of partridge, reddish, multicoloured head
move around in a location, fidget, tremble
It was inert.
Keep quiet/Be still.
The ground is trembling.
shake, rattle
nontalkative person
shaky, wobbly
It is shaky.
It is rattling.
brown fish-owl
motionless, still
Be still.
There is an earthquake.
head
be included in, belong to a group, owe
allegiance to
b\e di å di be ¯å, å| tæe tæ\î kæ\∑ ¯å, l\å må m\å d\y.
Tigers are not included in the term b\e di ГҐ
| di
become a Christian
WusГҐ l|ГЎ d\y ГҐ.
|å tæe tæ\î ts|åj ¯å, låjts\å xw\å tæu l|á d\y å. This village comes
Cdl
under the jurisdiction of the Doi Chang headman.
d\y
V
enter
west (�sun enter’), also m\∑ tsæå go kæ\∑
b∑ d\y
The dry season is approaching.
kå tæe d\y lå å.
m|y d\y ГҐ
live with wife’s parents (of son-in-law)
så kæ\o d\y lå o.
His third year is coming up.
j|î ¯å pæå tæ|îå\ d\y lå m\å p|∑.He’s too scared to come close.
|ГҐ m|e d\y lГҐ.
Come inside quickly.
Cdl
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
54
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Cdl
Cdl
Cdl
Cdl Ll
Cdm
Ceh
Cej
Cej
Cel
d\y
V
mi tΔæå d\y je å.
d\y
V
g\ГҐ lГЎ d\y ГҐ.
g\ГҐ lГЎ m\ГҐ d\y.
d\y
N
d\y dz\ГҐ
V
d\y dz\å m∑ å.
d\y dz\ГҐ mj\ГҐ ГҐ.
d\y dz\ГҐ ВЇi ГҐ.
d\y dz\å xw|å tsæÉï lå
d\y
N
kæ\∑ så d\y
mГҐ d\y
≥w|å d\y
j|Г®d\y
d|∑
NS
|åd|∑
d|∑ d|∑
d∑
V
d∑ fu ©∑.
d∑
V
sÉï d∑ å.
d\∑
V
dig in the ground, bury, see t|y
He is digging.
crawl
He is crawling.
He isn’t crawling.
rhinoceros, usually så tΔæ«å
think, written d\y dГ‚\ГҐ
I realise/I comprehend.
I am confused.
I am considering.
ГҐ. He came to his senses/He suddenly noticed.
scale/husk of corn
husk of corn
bamboo �scales’, i.e. sheath
fish scales
scales
second-born son, usually ГҐ\ lВ«e
second-born son
intimate address for second-born son
cut off (into two parts across grain with knife/axe)
Cut it off.
decide a case
Decide a law case.
beat, hit (with hand or stick), thresh, throw
tops or nuts in games, perform ritual
take a photograph
bj\ö d\∑
pæu d\∑ pæ\å
silversmith
d\∑ be
hammer head, hammer
d\∑ l\á xo å.
They are fighting.
t«o lo d\∑ å.
They are playing tops.
tΔæw|å t|å d\∑
perform steaming ritual with artemisia to purify
tΔæw|å tæ|å d\∑ m\å tΔæÉï. It isn’t necessary to perform steaming
dzå d\∑ å
l|å x«o d\∑ å.
xo d\∑ pæ\å
j|î l|á tæ\å d\∑.
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
ceremonies.
thresh rice
They are �shooting’ beans
blacksmith
Don’t beat him.
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
55
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Cel
Cel Cel
Cem
Cem Cem
W
x
X
h
Y
f
d\∑
V
say, speak, used of specialized speech forms
tΔ\u j«î d\∑ ©\∑ å.
He gave him advice.
w\å Δö ≥\o d\∑ k|u å. He is good at cracking jokes
j\î ≥\o d\∑ å.
He talks in his sleep.
d\∑ d\∑
V
in noisy crowds, swarms
l\å tsæo d\∑ d\∑ l\e gwå tΔæ«e å. crowds of noisy people dancing there
å| w\á d\∑ d\∑ l\e
noisy crowds of pigs
d_∑
V
have sharp pain
dÔ\u bjå d\∑ å.
He has a stitch.
tΔæu d\∑ å.
He is delirious.
d\∑ d\∑
VS
pale, of black
ná d\∑ d\∑
not very black
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
56
Southern Lisu Dictionary
t|ГҐ
V
tΔ«å tΔ«ö t|å ¯i å.
|å tæ\å t|å ¯i å.
t|ГҐ
V
t|å t|î ©\∑ å.
t|ГҐ
PF
Dh
Dh
Dh
test for sharpness with the finger
He feels the crossbow arrow to see if it is sharp.
He is feeling if the knife is sharp.
deposit, leave to be redeemed, pawn
He leaves it here for safe-keeping.
completive marker, indicates that object
was left so it stays
tО”Г¦\ГЇ fu t|ГҐ.
Let it go.
tsæ«o kÌ t|å.
Tie it up.
tsæ«o kÌ t|å o.
I have tied it up.
ВЇ|Г® t|ГҐ.
Sit down.
j|î ~hi tæ\î må Δ«å t|å å.He built a house.
Dh
t|ГҐ
C
for hand-breadths
two hand-breadths
l\ГЎ kwГҐ ВЇ\Г® t|ГҐ
Dh
t|ГҐ
NS first-born son (C), usually å| b|e, also å| pæu
\åt|å pæ\å
first-born son, usually ГҐ
| b|e
Dh Dh
t|ГҐ t|ГҐ
V
incapable of tasting (C), also t|å≥ t|å≥
He doesn’t taste anything/He has lost taste for it.
n|ГҐ ~hu t|ГҐ t|ГҐ l\e.
D. Fbl t|ГҐ g\o
V
limping slowly with a stick.
He came limping.
t|ГҐ g\o t|ГҐ g\o lГҐ ГҐ.
Dh N]bl t|å tsæ\åw
V
rice straw (C)
Dh Oam Dh A]al t|ГҐ m\Г® t|ГҐ p\ГҐj A openly, so that all can see or hear, publicly
t|ГҐ m\Г® t|ГҐ p\ГҐj bГЎ ГҐ. He says it quite openly.
t|å m\î t|å p\åj m|å ©\∑ ©∑ o. He showed it openly.
Dh Q\]bm t|ГҐ lj\ГҐw
N
spirit guard (T) woven crossed bamboo by door
Dh Z_k t|ГҐ we
V
type of spirit, causes chronic ailments
t|ГҐ we О”Г¶ ГҐ.
make promise and symbolic payment to spirits
(by burning chicken’s tail feather with a joss-stick
and then letting it go.)
Dh [ai
Dh \_h
Di
@
b
A
p
t|å Δ«î
V
judge, decide a case (T), also bá tsæ∑
xw\å tæu pæ\å t|å Δ«î wå å.
The headman must judge.
t|ГҐ j|e
V
slow to act, delay (C), also t|ГҐj
He never acts in a hurry.
j|Г® ВЇГҐ t|ГҐ je k|u ГҐ.
t«å
V/VV join with, cooperate, do together
pair word, couplet word, also j|î t«å tæ\o
t«å tæ\o
hunt together
t«å g\å
dzå t«å dz\å lå.
Come and eat with us.
j|î l|á t«å tΔ«å å.
He lives with him/is cooperating with him.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
57
Southern Lisu Dictionary
t«å
V
l\á ¯i t«å wy å
Di @\m t«å bj\å
N
t«å bj\å tæ\î kæw\å
Di Ebl t«å tæ\o
V
Di Gbi Fc t«å k«o gu N
count, using fingers
Di
ancestor shelf, also t«á bj\å
one ancestor shelf
pair word in a couplet, also t«å tæ\o/kæ\∑
exercises, reasons (C); something which diverts
activity and so prevents something else from being
done, a hold-up or an interruption, also t«å k«o du
N
t«å l\u
Di Qcl
count on fingers
merit, from semi-ceremonial provision of water for
thirsty travellers
He is providing a drinking place for travellers
(he is seeking merit)
t«å l\u xwå å.
tГҐ
V
vertical, erect, upward, heaped in a pile
tå tå ΔÉï
vertical, upward, erect
tå tå k«å å
standing upright, erect
tГҐ tГҐ\ГҐ tВ«o m\ГҐ.
Stand it upright.
tГҐ tГҐ\ГҐ kГЊ m\ГҐ.
Put it all in a pile.
tГҐ tГҐ\ГҐ dzo m\ГҐ.
Make a heaped measureful.
tå ≥\å mi
steeply sloping field
tΔi≥ tå tå
clustered and poking up into the air
må kæ|o tå
cup for holding joss sticks upright
s«∑ m|∑ d\u tΔi≥ t_å tå k«å å. The stump has a lot of branches at the
Dj
top growing upright, sticking up into the air.
w\ГҐ tО”e tГҐ tГҐ
pointy uneven mountains
w\å l|ö tΔi≥ tå tå d«å å. There are a lot of peaks all clustered together,
sticking up into the air.
В©|ГҐ tГҐ
karst (pointed vertical rock formation)
Dj
Dj
Dj B_i
Dj Dfi
Dj Fl
Dj Gcah
W
x
X
h
Y
f
tГҐ
V
cackle, of hens
ГҐ| j|ГҐ mГҐ tГҐ ГҐ.
The hen’s cackling.
tГҐ
NS seventh-born daughter, usually å\ tsæ«ï må/m|î
\ГҐtГҐ
seventh-born daughter, usually ГҐ
\ tsæ«ï må
tå pæ«e
V
limping, hobbling along with a stick
tå pæ«e tå pæ«e lå å. He came limping along.
tå t«Ì
V
hopping, see also tГҐ g\ГҐ
tå t«Ì tå t«Ì dÔe o. He went hopping and skipping.
tГҐ g\ГҐ
V
hopping, see also tå t«Ì
tå g\å tå g\å t«Ì dÔe o. He hopped along
tГҐ k|uj
V
hiccup
tå k|uj tΔ«å å.
He is hicupping.
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
I
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
58
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
N
V
Dj Qch tГҐ l|u
Dj Uj tå ≥å
Dj Uj Uj tå ≥å ≥å
Dj \l
Dk
Dl
tГҐ j\ГҐ
tГҐ j\ГҐ mi
tГҐ
tГҐ du
tГҐ dzГҐ
t\ГҐ
xw\å tæu pæ\å
N
type of shrub which bears big white flowers
woodpecker
with the end slightly bent over, bent over
to form obtuse angle, bent backwards
unshaded spot where sun shines most of the time
a field in sunshine most of the day
V
shield, also tГҐ
a shield, also tО”ГҐ ni
shield, protect, help
V
accuse, charge, be a barrier
wå tΔæe t\å å. I’m going to charge him in front of the
headman.
j|Г® t\ГҐ gu m\ГҐ dГ”o. There is nothing to stop it.
Dl
t\ГҐ
V
give a nickname to
j|î l|á j|î mjö tæe t\å ©\∑ å ≥o. They gave him this nickname.
Dl Dbh B\l Kdk t\å t|o pæj\å tΔæÉï
N
mouse deer, also tsæ\å tæ«ö tΔæÉï
Dl GZ_l t\ГҐ kw\e
V
rolling on the back (of horses), also t\ГҐ k\o
The stallion is rolling on its back.
|å m\o pæ\å t\å kw\e tΔ«å å.
Dl Pcl t\ГҐ n\u
N
police (Thai)
Dl Wbl t\ГҐ x\o
VV with, together (C) (precedes verb)
å\ z\o t\å x\o dÔe å ≥å å\ .
Shall we go together?
Dm Abm t\ГҐ p_o
N
woven bamboo mat, usually ts\ГҐ p\o
Dm GZm t\ГҐ kw\ГҐ
V
backward
t\å kw\å ΔÉï
backwards
D]ah
t|ГҐj
C
generations (C), also pГҐ
tæ\î tsæ\∑ tæ\î t|åj
forever, to all generations
sГҐ t|ГҐj
three generations
xo t|ГҐj
descendants
D]ah
t|ГҐj
V
be patient at delays
¯|î ¯i t|åj ©\∑ wå å. You must be patient with me today.
D]ah
t|ГҐj
V
humour
Humour each other.
|ГҐ t|Г® t|ГҐj l\ГЎ xo ГҐ.
D]am
t\ГҐj
V
bewitch, send disease by making a wasp
out of sticks; disease associated with
aching joints and swellings
return black magic to the sender by throwing
eggs on spinning knife after spell is cast
t\ГҐj l|Г® ГҐ
D]bh
@
b
A
p
C
t|ГҐw/t|o
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
for specific places
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
59
Southern Lisu Dictionary
å li tæ\î t|åw wå.
Which specific place?
D]bh
t|ГҐw/t|o
V
give up a habit, cut out, also tw|å≥
j\å pæ|î t|åw tΔ«å å. He is giving up opium.
D]bh
t|ГҐw/t|o
V
decide a case, settle a dispute, judge
As for the headman,
xw\å tæu pæ\å ¯å,
j|î s|ï t|åw su ≥o.
he is the one to settle disputes.
≥wå ¯å s|ï t|åw je ©\∑ m\å då. I can’t settle this case for you.
D]bh Nah tæ|åw ts|ï
N
an opening in a fish trap (C) with protruding
spokes allowing entry but no exit
tГҐw/t|o
V
l\o zÉï tåw zÉï
t|ГЎ
PN
j|î t|á g\∑.
j|Г® t|ГЎ dГ”e.
t|ГЎ
V
D]bj
D^h
D^h
D^i
D^i
X
h
molten metal
goal/dative, pronounced l|ГЎ
Give it to him.
Go to him.
have outstanding debts which cannot be
paid (usually dead people)
a person who died with outstanding business debts
©∑ l\á t|á su
t|ГЎ
NS direction
direction, also t|ГЎ m|o
t|ГЎ tО”Г¦\Г¶
in that direction
go t|ГЎ tО”Г¦\Г¶
dГ”e ГҐ t|ГЎ tО”Г¦\Г¶
the direction one is going
dГ”e ГҐ t|ГЎ tО”Г¦\Г¶ mo ГҐ. Going, we saw it.
l\ГЎ jГҐ t|ГЎ tО”Г¦\Г¶
in the right hand direction
l\á ©|∑ t|á tΔæ\ö
in the left hand direction
ГҐ li t|ГЎ tО”Г¦\Г¶.
In which direction?
t|ГЎ m|o
direction, usually t|á ΔÉï/t|á tΔæ\ö
t|á Δ_Éï
side, direction (archaic)
l\á ©|∑ t|á ΔÉï
to the left
w|u t|î t|á ΔÉï
in the downhill direction
å li t|á ΔÉï.
In which direction?
mo t|á Δ_Éï
the high side
t«á
V
carry in two arms, see also tæ\á
Carry it away!
å| m|e t«á je.
má t«á je å.
He is carrying it away on his back.
t«á
N
uphill slope
It slopes uphill.
t«á bi b\å x«o å.
t«á dá m\å kæu.
I can’t climb uphill.
t«á m\å d\á.
The slope is not steep.
t«á ≥\å sÉï
steeply sloping forehead
D^h
W
x
pair word for l\o cast metal
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
I
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
60
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
ancestor shelf, usually t«å bj\å_
V
over backwards, also t«á lá kæw\å
He fell over backwards.
t«á kw\å ΔÉï kw|å d\o je å.
t«á l\á kæw\å ΔÉï kw|å d\o je å. He fell right over backwards.
D^i Zdm t«á w\y
N
upper arm, biceps, also l\ГЎ w\y
D^j
tГЎ
V
measure, compare, carry in two hands
C
for measurements of length
example
tá ≥\o
tá ≥\o bá ¯å
for example, suppose that
tæ\î tá
one measure’s length
ВЇ\Г® tГЎ
two measure’s length
nu tГЎ ВЇi, ГҐ li mГҐ w\u ГҐ\ .
You measure it - which is bigger?
D^l
t\ГЎ
V
clumsy, pair word for k|o
He speaks with difficulty/He speaks haltingly.
lГҐ k|o lГҐ t\ГЎ.
D_h
t|e
N
indigo, dark blue vegetable dye
t|e pæj\å
leaves of indigo
j\ГҐ t|e
lumps of indigo dye
D_h D_h D_h t|e t|e t|e I
Lisu chicken call, usually kВ«o k|o k|o
D_h Dbi t|e tВ«o
N
watermelon (Shan)
D_i
tВ«e
N
additional, another, see also t|î/ts«åj/n|ö b\á
t«e tæ\î må l\u ©\∑. Add on another.
t«e tæ\î xw«å je m\å. Please do it again.
D_i
tВ«e
V
tack onto (sewing), also t«ö
It is only tacked on, not sewn properly.
t«e t|å tæ\î gu å.
D_i
tВ«e
V
remain, stay behind (animate), also t«î
D_i
tВ«e
V
straight, clever, also t«ö
clever
l\ГҐ tВ«e
tsæo t«e
clever person
D_i
tВ«e
V
packed tight, firm-muscled
It’s packed tight.
t«e t»e l\e k«å å.
t«e t»e l\e Δ«å t|å.
It was solidly made.
dГ”i tВ«e le o.
I am certain.
D_i D_i tВ«e tВ«e
V
wholehearted
|å Δ\ï je å x∑, t«e t«e l\e je å. Whatever he does, he does wholeheartedly.
D_i Maj t«e tsÉï
N
plate (C)
D^i @\m t«á bj\å
D^i GZl t«á kw\å
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
61
Southern Lisu Dictionary
D_j
D_j
D_j
D_j
D_j
D_l
D_m
D`h
D`i
te
V
make spirit offering, also ti
n\e te
make spirit offering
n\e te sÉï te
make spirit offering
n\e te n\e w\y
make spirit offering
te
N
underneath, also ti
te te ΔÉï
underneath
te tså te ~h«ö
all mixed up together, jumbled
te
VP
equal, usually ti/tö
Mm D_j Wbl te ts\ГҐ te x\o V all mixed up together, also ti ts\ГҐ ti x\o
Mam te ts\ГЇ
N
nail (C) (metal, for hammering)
te ts\ï tæ\î tæ«∑
one nail
t\e
V
put up a prize or stake in a gamble
What is the prize?/What are the stakes?
|ГҐ О”\ГЇ t\e t|ГҐ \ГҐ
t_e
V
short-legged
l\å tsæo t\e t\e
shorty
|å j|å tsæÉï t\e
a chicken with short legs
t|Г¶
VS
crippled, paralysed, lame
poisoned arrow
d\o t|Г¶
tsæÉï t|ö
crippled leg
t«ö
C
for layers, also tΔæ\∑
pregnant (two layers of body)
ko d\ö ¯\î t«ö
¯«î må ¯\î t«ö dÔo å. be of two minds
¯«î må ¯\î t«ö så n\∑ då å.
He can never make up his mind.
(his mind has two or three layers)
s«∑ kæw|å tæe må så t«ö dÔo å.
This plank has three layers.
Δ\ï t«ö wå dÔe o.
It has gone to the seventh heaven (said of soul-stuff
that wanders away).
t«ö
V
line clothing
¯\î t«ö bö tsæ\ï t«ö tΔ«å å. She is lining a jacket.
t«ö du
lining (for clothing)
t«ö
V/VV straight, honest, clever, also tВ«e
straight
t«ö t«ö l\e
tsæo xå tsæo t«ö
good and honest people
m|å t«ö
teach straight
¯«î t«ö
honest
j|î tΔå tΔ«ö m\å t«ö. His arrow isn’t straight.
j|î ¯«î må ¯å t«ö å ≥o. He is honest. (heart is straight)
D`i
D`i
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
I
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
62
Southern Lisu Dictionary
D`i
VP
t«ö
t«ö b\e xo
t«ö m\å pe.
t«ö m\å mo.
look (not used alone, rarely negated)
opposite and facing each other
Couldn’t see through it the whole way.
I looked but didn’t see; contrast ¯i m\å mo.
(I cannot see).
I couldn’t make out what it was.
look
Go and look.
t«ö m\å do lå.
t«ö ¯i
å| t|î dÔe t«ö ¯i.
D`j
tö
V
draw in arms and legs
tsæÉï pæ«á å| t|î tö ©\∑. Please draw in your legs.
D`j
tö
VP
equal, also ti/te
tö tæ|u\å/tö tæu
equally thick
tö m|o\å/tö mo
equally high
tö mj|å\å/tö mjå
equally many
tö Δ|î\å/tö Δi
equally wide
tö Δ|ï\å/tö ΔÉï
equally long
tö w|u\å/tö wu
equally big
tö ©|∑\å/tö ©∑
equally far
D`k Vak tö ~hi
N
in the middle
in the middle
tö ~hi\å
tö ~hi n|á\á
inside in the middle
Dah
t|Г®
V
only, lone, may imply anti-social attitude
t|î tæ\å pæe
don’t be a loner
tsæo t|î
solitary person
m\∑ t|î
only daughter
¯«å må t|î
a lone female bird
l\ГҐ tО”Г¦o p|ГҐ t|Г®
a loner
~hГҐ mГҐ p|ГҐ t|Г®
a rogue elephant
z\ГҐ t|Г®
only son
wГҐ t|Г®
king, also w\å tsÉï
j|Г® z\ГҐ t|Г®
his lone son
|ГҐ w\ГЎ t|Г®
wild boar
Dah
t|Г®
Num one (in �eleven’)
tsæÉï t|î
eleven
Dah
t|Г®
V
spit out
m\∑ ~h|∑ t|î fu ©∑ å spit out saliva
Dah
t|Г®
V
pound in mortar, beat (with tool or stick)
t|î Δ\e ©∑.
Kill it with a big stick.
tsæÉï d\u t|î å
pound rice in a foot rice pounder
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
63
Southern Lisu Dictionary
l«å ts\ï t|î å
t|Г®
NS/VS
m|o j|Г® t|Г®
l|Г¶ t|Г®
w|u t|î ΔÉï
j|Г® t|Г® j|Г® k|ГҐj
t|Г®
PV
t|å t|î ©\∑ o.
tæå kÌ t|î.
tæe bá t|î ©\∑ o.
t|Г®
N
t|î tæ\î xw«å
t|î tæ\î zo
Oei t|î m«∑
N
t|î m«∑ tæ\î må
Ql Ach t|Г® l\ГҐ p|u
N
Dah
Dah
Dah
Dah
Dah
N
N
Dah Ql Mch t|Г® l\ГҐ ts|u
Dah Qaj t|Г® li
Dai
Daj
Daj
Daj
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
upper millstone (which pushes downward)
roll downward
downward/upside down
the base and the lid
verb-phrase aspect marker, meaning “left”
He left it behind for safe keeping.
Leave it here.
He left word that ..../He left these instructions.
another, also t|e/ts«åj
once more
one more person
a burying place, grave
a grave - word used by old people
yam bean (Pachyrhizus erosus Urbar)
a juicy, sweet root vegetable, eaten raw
round a crossbow bow
wrinkled
wrinkled
N
pole-vault game
He can along pole-vaulting with alternate
ends of the pole.
t«î
V
t«î m\å dz\å.
t«î
V
dÔÉï t«î
t«î
V
tæå t«î å ≥o.
ti
V
h~ i tæ\u kwå ti å.
ti
N
xw\å tæ«o ti
ti
V
dÔ\o må ti tΔ«å å.
Dai
base, downward
hog badger
supporting cane rings
tΔæ«å t|î li
Dah Qam t|Г® l\Г®
V
tin t|Г® l\Г®
Dah Tm Aj Tm t|Г® z\ГҐ pГҐ z\ГҐ
t|Г® z\ГҐ pГҐ z\ГҐ je o.
Dai
pound chili peppers
immerse in water, dye
Soaked it but it isn’t dyed fast.
distill liquor
distill liquor
stay, remain
I will stay here.
pair word for tæ\u start a new family
start a new family (formal, archaic)
chopping block for meat or vegetables
meat chopping block
make platforms, furnaces
He is making a platform
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
I
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
64
Southern Lisu Dictionary
ts|o tæ\î må ti tΔ«å å.
Daj
ti
V
tsæo m\o tsæo ti
Daj
ti
V
n\e ti ГҐ
Daj
ti
V
j|Г® do ti le o.
j|Г® do ti j\ГҐ je ГҐ.
Daj Daj ti ti
V
m\y ti ti ГҐ.
Daj Mm Daj Wbl ti ts\ГҐ ti x\o V
Daj
ti
VP
ti bj|Г¶\ГҐ
ti tæ|u\å/ti tæu
ti k|ГҐ\ГҐ
ti m|o\ГҐ/ti mo
ti mj|ГҐ\ГҐ/ti mjГҐ
ti О”|Г®\ГҐ/ti О”i
ti О”i n|ГЎГЎ
\ wГҐ
ti Δ|ï\å/ti ΔÉï
ti ΔÉï ti m|∑
ti w|u\ГҐ/ti wu
ti ©|∑\å/ti ©∑
Dam
t\Г®
NS
\ГҐt\Г®
Dbh
t|o
V
|ГҐ t|o |ГҐ m|e t|o.
Dbh
t|o
C/NP
t|o tsÉï
t|o tsÉï x«∑ m\å k|u.
He is making a clay furnace
pair word for m\o �old’
elders, those worthy of respect
sacrifice to spirits, usually te
sacrifice to spirits
sink, reach the bottom
It has sunk to the bottom.
It is sinking to the bottom.
overcast
The weather is overcast.
all mixed up together, also te ts\ГҐ te x\o
equal, also tö/te
neck and neck, flush with, side by side
equally thick
level with
equally high
equally many
equally wide
in the centre
equally long
nearly same length
equally big
equally far
fifth-born son, usually å\ w\u pæ\å
fifth-born son, usually ГҐ
\ w\u pæ\å
light, set fire to; see tsÉï/d\o
Light the fire/lamp.
groups, horseloads, places (C), also t|ГҐw
packload (not in pack-basket)
He doesn’t know how to tie loads on to the pack
frames.
j|î tsæÉï pæ«á ts|å l\∑ l\∑ dÔe å må, It has a lot of legs crowded together,
li t|o dГ”o ГҐ.
but its legs are in four groups.
|å m\o tæ\î t|o tæ\o å. The horse packed one load.
ГҐ t|o wГҐ
whereabouts?
å li tæ\î t|o wå
whereabouts?
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
65
Southern Lisu Dictionary
t|o
V
poison, see d\o
t|o ná tsæ\ï
poison (internal)
≥w|å t|o dz\å å.
He is poisoning fish to eat.
Dbh
t|o
PN instrumental, source, usually tО”|o, also le
|å Δ\ï t|o Δ«å \å.
What did you make it with?
|å tæ\å t|o Δ«å å.
I made it with a knife.
Dbh
t|o
V
decorate, put on decorations
j|Г® mj|ГҐ tО”Г¶ t|o m\ГҐ bi.The decorations he has put on are not beautiful.
Dbh Dbh t|o t|o
V
bulging, upside down
~hå må nå g\å t|o t|o l\e k«å å. An elephant’s forehead is lumpy.
t|o t|o ΔÉï
upside down
t|o t|o g∑ å
have dysentery; have diarrhoea to the point that
Dbh
the bowels are empty and nothing is excreted
N
V
Dbh G^h t|o k|ГЎ
Dbi
tВ«o
tokay lizard
oppose
j|î l|á tæ\å t«o.
tВ«o
V
w\o pæj\å t«o dz\å å.
tВ«o
V
Dbi
Dbi
Don’t oppose him.
dip into sauce, with fingers or chopsticks
dip vegetables into pepper/sauce and eat them
lean upright against, stand upright with
the base on the surface, prop up;
compare kæw|å/t∑
tå t»å t«o m\å.
tВ«o dzГҐ
gwГҐ tВ«o t|ГҐ ГҐ.
Stand it upright.
support (Christians use also for financial support.)
It is leaning against (something) in an upright
position/It is standing upright on top of the
ground over there.
j|î ¯å dz\å ≥\o t«o ©∑ å.He was using a walking stick/crutch.
Dbi K\l Oj tВ«o tО”Г¦\ГҐ mГҐN
Dbi Nl t«o tsæ\å
N
dragonfly, also \ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГҐ x\o/\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГҐ x\o mГҐ
metal dibbling stick (C)
t«o tsæ\å tæ\î tsæÉï
Dbi Qbj tВ«o lo
V
t«o lo d\∑ å.
t«o lo tsÉï å.
Dbj
to
V
tΔ«å tΔ«ö kæw|å to å.
one metal dibbling stick
X
h
play top-spinning, throw top with whip
top spins
square off the end
He is squaring of the end of the bamboo segment
he is using to make arrows.
He didn’t square off the end properly.
de de le m\ГҐ to.
to
V
Dbj
W
x
a spinning-top
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
give to drink, see do
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
I
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
66
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Dbj
AS
to
ГҐ to
ГҐ to to
needlessly
needlessly
needlessly
Dbj K\^bm Oj to tО”Г¦\ГЎw mГҐ N
N
Dbj D]ah to t|ГҐj
|ГҐ m\o to t|ГҐj
Dbj Gbi B\l to k«o pæj\å V
white cicada, also to tО”Г¦\ГЎw
mГҐ/to tО”Г¦\ГҐw mГҐ/to dГ”\ГЎ mГҐ/tu tu wГЎ
girth strap (C), also tu t|ГҐj
horse’s girth strap
a fan-shaped pandanus-like leaf used for
temporary roofing - the leaves are laid like tiles
V
dangling, hanging down
to lo lo
dangling
n|ГҐ to lo
hanging, dangling ears
t\o
C
for multiples, amounts of interest, also t\oj
tsæÉï pæj|å ¯\î t\o ≥å å ¯å, tæ\î t\o ¯å ≥w\å pæj|å.If two equals ten sheets,
Dbj Qbj to lo
Dbl
then one equals five sheets.
N
Dbl K`i t\o tΔæ«ö
V
V
V
m\ГҐ dz\ГЇ m\ГҐ t\o l\o.
Dbl Rbl t\o s\o
N
t\o s\o dzГҐ
Dbl Wbi t\o xВ«o
V
Dbl M`h t\o ts|Г¶
Dbl Qah t\o l|Г®
Dbl Qbl t\o l\o
a type of bird not known in Thailand;
pair word for ГҐ
| nГЎ crow
excuse me (C)
piles, hemorrhoids (T), also tО”Г¦\Г® wu ts|ГЇ nГҐ
clever, also t\o l\o
Neither foolish nor clever
a type of rice; Pa-O (group in Burma)
this kind of rice
a common bluish lizard which has long legs
fairly large, very common ground feeder
t\o
V
understand
nå n«å m\å t\o l\á xo. They didn’t understand each other.
Dbl Q\m t\o lj\ГҐ
V
take refuge in the shade, also t\o lj\ГҐw
m\∑ tsæå t\o lj\å tΔ«å å. They are in the shade taking shelter from the sun.
Dbm
t\o
PF
future (with some doubt), usually n«á
Dbm
t\o
C
for blooms
s«∑ we tæ\î t\o
one flower
Dbm
t\o
V
sound of arrow hitting home
t\o be j\ГҐ le o.
He �hit the nail on the head’.
t\o k\ГЊ le o.
The arrow thudded home.
Dch
t|u
NP vagina (vulgar)
t|u b\Г®
vaginal (vulgar)
Dbl
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
67
Southern Lisu Dictionary
t|u kæu
t|u my
tВ«u
V
tВ«u ts\ГЇ le ГҐ.
t«u tΔ\o j«î dÔo å.
tu
V/NS
Δ«å w|u tu å.
Dci
Dcj
Dcj
Dcj
Dcj
Dcj
Dck
vaginal orifice (vulgar)
female pubic hair
mean
He is too mean.
He keeps his mean thoughts to himself.
get up, start, begin, also w|u tu
They started to make it/They put their hands to
making it.
They made a start.
the originator
get up
j|Г® tu tu ГҐ.
j|Г® tu tu su
ГҐ| m|e tu
tu
C
tæ\î tu
\ГҐ tu
tu
NS
bj\ГҐ tu
bj\ГҐ tu be
D]ah tu t|ГҐj
N
Dm tu t\ГҐ
N
tu t\å dzÉï
tu t\å pæj\å
Dck Z^k tu tu wГЎ N
one thousand
sixth generation grandparent
brown ground wasp
brown ground wasp
Large Bee clan, large Lisu subclan in Thailand
girth strap (C), also to t|ГҐj
plant with edible core, about 1 metre high
this plant
leaf of this plant
a white cicada, from its noise; see also to tО”Г¦\ГЎw
mГҐ/to tО”Г¦\ГҐw mГҐ/to dГ”\ГЎ mГҐ
playing cards, game of chance;
stake on the outcome, risk
N
V
t\u
Dcl
thousand
I am gambling.
t\u tΔæ\e≥ å.
t\u tæ\å tΔæ\e≥.
Don’t gamble.
j|Г® \ГҐ t\u l\ГЎ xo h~ Г®| ВЇi, Since they are willing to bet on the outcome,
xw\å tæu pæ\å t\å tΔæÉï å. they can put the matter before the headman.
Dcl Dcl t\u t\u
V
disgruntled, sulk, pout
sulkingly, with bad grace
t\u t\u tsæ|ï tsæ|ï
t\u t\u tsæ|ï tsæ|ï tæ\å je. Don’t do it with such bad grace.
t\u t\u l\e ¯«î t|å tΔ«å å. He is sulking.
Dcah
t|uj
V
make up according to a formula or
recipe, adding right amounts
When you make gunpowder, you must
xo zВ«o t|Г® ГҐ ВЇГҐ, t|uj wГҐ ГҐ.
zÉï lö t|uj kÌ.
t|uj
C
Dcah
W
x
X
h
keep to the recipe.
Put in the right amount of hot water.
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
weights, multiples, interest, also t\o
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
I
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
68
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tæ\î t|uj ¯\î t|uj g\∑ wå å.
You must pay double its weight.
tæ\î t|uj ¯\î t|uj nö å ≥o. He will want two for every one (e.g. silversmith
charges two rupees for a thing made from one)
t|uj
V
≥wå t|uj då å.
Ddh
t|y
V
mi tΔæå kæ\u å t|y o.
Ddi
tВ«y
C
tæ\î t«y
l\ГЎ tО”|o tВ«y ГҐ.
Ddi
tВ«y
V
tВ«y le o.
tВ«y ly ly
j|î ¯å t«y ly ly ¯«î Δ\ï
Ddi K\i t«y tΔæ«å
C
Ddj
ty
NS/V
tsæÉï ty ty
Deh
t|∑
V
bj\å må t|∑ ©∑ o.
Deh
t|∑
V
t|∑ t|∑ l\e
|å t|o t|∑ o.
Deh
t|∑
V
du t|∑ t|∑ å.
Deh
t|∑
NS
do t|∑
tΔ«å t|∑
dÔe t|∑
dzå dz\å t|∑
li kæo t|∑
Deh
t|∑
NS
tsæÉï t|∑
«á tsæÉï t|∑
Dej
t∑
V
t∑ t∑ l\e k«å å.
gwå t∑ t|å å.
|å m|e t∑ t|å.
Dcah
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
vouch for, guarantee
I can vouch for it.
be buried
It is buried in the ground.
for fistfuls
one fistful
enfold in the fist
shrink, of cloth; crumpled.
It is crumpled up, it is shrunk.
crumpled, badly creased, pouting
ГҐ.He was sulking with pouting lips.
half cubit, measured from elbow to end of fist
socks, wear socks
wear socks
sting
A bee stung him.
burn, burning hot
extremely hot
He was burned by a spark/He got a burn.
wear a skirt
wearing a phasin (Thai-style woman’s skirt)
place where people do something
place where things come out
address, place where people live
destination
restaurant
ferry crossing
webbed foot, insect web
webbed foot
duck’s web
stretch out taut
It is stretched taut.
It is stretched up over there.
Stretch it out taut
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
69
Southern Lisu Dictionary
t∑
V
t∑ t∑ le
gwå t∑ t|å.
t∑
V
kæ\∑ så m\å t∑.
m\y t∑ mi t∑
t∑
NS/C
t«Ì
V/C
VV
t«Ì b\o lo
t«Ì do lå
t«Ì k|u å Δ\ï
Dej
Dej
Dej
Dfi
t«Ì m\å k|u.
k\Ì t«Ì
|å n\å k\Ì t«Ì
~h«á k\Ì t«Ì
så t«Ì b\o lo
t«Ì
tæ\î t«Ì
t«Ì
p\å t«Ì
p\å t«Ì kw|å
t\ГЊ
tæ\î t\Ì
tj«å
Dfi
Dfi
Dfm
D\i
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
upright, vertical, precipitous
Stand it up over there, sticking in the ground.
plant, sow
He isn’t planting corn.
creation, also m\y tО”\e mi tО”\e
group of animals, also bu/dzu
run, jump
very quickly
dark stinging ant (�jumping ant’)
come out very quickly
all things that can run, hop or jump - generic term
for humans and animals
He can’t run/He can’t jump.
flea
dog flea
rat flea
long red stinging ant (�three jump ant’)
C
mile/kilometre
one mile/one kilometre
NS
stool/bench/chair
stool, small low bench
chair
C
joss stick, second
one second/one joss stick
tj|o
gwГҐ tj|o t|ГҐ.
D\bh
stand upright, embedded in something
V
VV
be at (of people and animals), stay, live
continuous action, usually pronounced tΔ«å/tΔå
V
hang (C)
(spelling pronunciation established in 1915)
It is hanging up there.
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
I
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
70
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tæ||å
V
encourage, comfort, restrain, place the hand on
¯«î må tæ|å å.
encourage
l\å tæ|å
large loosely woven basket or fence, also l\å tæ|å
l\å tæ|å
large loosely woven basket or fence, also l\å tæ|å
j|î l\á pæ«á j|î z\å l\á w\y wå tæ|å ©\∑ å.
He laid his hand on his son’s
Eh
upper arm.
Eh
Eh
Ei Obm
Ej
Ej Qj
Ek
El
El
@
b
A
p
tæ|å
V
scald
Hot water scalded him.
zÉï lö tæ|å å.
xw\å tsæ∑ tæ|å å.
He was scalded with hot fat.
tæ|å
N
charcoal, ember (C), also ts|∑ s\Ì
tæ|å tΔæu å.
make charcoal
x\o tæ|å
ember
tæ«å m\o
N
otter (C), also tæ\å m\o/zÉï ~h«á
tæå
V
shield from wind or rain
m\e ~hi dÔ\ö å x∑, Even though the wind is blowing,
s«∑ dÔi ≥wå l|á tæå då å. the sheet of plastic is shielding me.
tæå lå
V
unkempt, dirty and untidy, tattered
tΔi≥ tæå lå
unkempt and untidy, also tæi≥ tæå lå
tæå lå
flabby belly fat, hanging down and wobbling
å| w\á j|î tæå lå
the dangling and wobbling skin on a pig’s belly.
tæå lå lå
hanging in wobbling folds
j«î bö tΔ\ï tæå lå lå k«å å.
His shirt is hanging over his belt.
tæå
V
here, since
He is here.
tæå tΔ«å å.
tæå b\å
this side of the river
tæå p|o
everything on this side (on the same level), up to now
j|î ~hi tæå p|o
on this side of his house
p|å tsÉï tΔ«å lå tæå p|o må.
Since I came to live on the plain.
|å tæå
there by you, there aforementioned
å| w\á ≥å tæå p|o
all pigs (pigs this side)
tæ\å
A
don’t
Don’t go.
tæ\å dÔe.
tæ\å dz\å.
Don’t eat it.
tæ\å je.
Don’t do it.
tæ\å
V
good, be on good terms with, get a good yield,
be a good buy
go ¯\î zo tæ\å l\á xo å. Those two are good friends.
t_∑ tæ\å å.
It was fruitful.
t∑ m\å tæ\å.
It wasn’t fruitful. (planted a lot but yielded a little)
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
71
Southern Lisu Dictionary
å| m\o tæe må ¯å h~ u tæ\å å. This horse was a good buy.
å| m\o tæe må ¯å h~ u m\å tæ\å.This horse was not a good buy.
El
tæ\å
N
animal haunts, stamping grounds
buffalo haunts
|å ≥\å tæ\å
å| w\á tæ\å
boar haunts
l|å p|å tæ\å
a bog
El
tæ\å
NS/P knife
knife
|å tæ\å
|å tæ\å p|å
big machete, also tæ\å p|å/|å tæ\å p\å p«å
big machete, also tæ\å p|å/|å tæ\å p|å
|å tæ\å p\å p«å
scabbard
|å tæ\å pj|å gu
|å tæ\å k|å ku
side of knife
|å tæ\å dÔ\ö
side of blade of knife
|å tæ\å tΔ«ö
short straight pointed knife
|å tæ\å nu
back of knife
|å tæ\å l\á w\y
handle of knife
|å tæ\å l\e
small knife, also tæ\å l\e
|å tæ\å s\ï n\e
blade of knife, also tæ\å l\e
|å tæ\å w\y
handle of knife
|å tæ\å w|u dö
tip of knife
|å tæ\å w«u pæ«î
short pointed knife
El
tæ\å
C
for places
in that area
go tæ\î tæ\å wå
El Bh
tæ\å pæ|å
N
muzzle loader, also tæ\åw p|åw
muzzle loading gun
tæ\å pæ|å po
El Bbh tæ\å pæ|o
N
muzzle-loader , also tæ\o pæ|o
muzzle-loader rifle, also tæ\o pæ|o po
tæ\å pæ|o po
El Eh Rel tæå tæ|å s\∑ N
pineapple
El Eh
tæ\å tæ|å
N
chicken (baby talk)
tæ\å tæ|å fu
chicken egg (baby talk)
El Obm tæ\å m\o
N
otter (C), also tæ«å m\o/zÉï ~h«á
El Ql
tæ\å l\å
V
flabby and wrinkled
flabby and wrinkled
tæi≥ tæ\å l\å
tΔi≥ tæ\å l\å
flabby and wrinkled
El Vkl tæ\å ~hå\å
V
go heavily and carelessly
tæ\å h~ å\å dÔe å ¯å, If you walk heavily and carelessly,
m«e kæo le o.
you’ll fall down.
El Wbl tæ\å x\o
A
do action together (C) (precedes verb)
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
72
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
N
N
N
N
El Zj tæ\å wå
El Zbk tæ\å wo
E]Ui P]Oh tæ«å≥ n|åm
E]Uj Mam tæå≥ ts\ï
E]ah
tæ|åj
living room, main room, also tæ\å wo/tæ\å wå
living room, main room, also tæ\å wå
water tank (English + T)
paralytic (C)
Thailand, Thai (T)
Thailand
tæ|åj m\y
E]al
tæ\åj
V
blow along (especially of floating objects)
m\î h~ i tæ\åj t«á je o. It floated away carried by the wind.
E]bj
tæåw
V
quarrel, shout at in anger
tæ\å tæåw l\á xo.
Don’t quarrel with each other.
E]bl B]b. tæ\åw pæ|åw N
muzzle loader, also tæ\å pæ|å
E]bl Nah tæ\åw ts|ï
V
have extra responsibilities, also tæ\o
nu |å m\î tΔ«ï å ¯å, If you require your married daughter to live
tæ\åw tsæ|ï w_å å.
with you, you must be ready for extra responsibilities.
≥wå ¯å tæ\åw tsæ|ï då å.
I don’t mind having extra responsibilities.
E^h
tæ|á
A
sound of a taut-stringed crossbow
The crossbow was shot with a sharp crack.
tæ|á b∑ o.
E^i
tæ«á
V
sharp
The knife isn’t sharp.
|å tæ\å m\å tæ«á.
E^l
tæ\á
V
pregnant
She is pregnant (vulgar); see also j|Г® z\ГҐ dГ”o ГҐ,
j|î ~h\e tΔæ\î tæ\á å.
nå pæj\å n|o å.
E^l
tæ\á
V
lift/carry with one arm, contrast t«á
|å t|î tæ\á dzwå lå. Please help me lift it.
E^l
tæ\á
V
shallow, cheap of price
The water is shallow.
å dÔå tæ\á å.
E^l
tæ\á
V
carry in one arm, see t«á
E^l
tæ\á
PN/NF time marker (past)
go tæ\á
at that time
m\î tæ\á
dawn time
m\y tæ\á k«o tæ\á
all over the world
x|∑ tæ\á
formerly
å| tæ\á
when?
|å tæ\á\å mi
whenever
å\ me tæ\á
yesterday
dzå gu Δ\ö å tæ\á
as I was walking/when I was walking
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
73
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tæ\á
NS everywhere, also tæ\á in the phrase
m\∑ tæ\á k«o tæ\á
all over the world, everywhere
E^l [dj tæ\á ΔÉï
N
above, on top of, more than
å dÔå tæ\á ΔÉï kwå above the water
w\å dÔ\e tæ\á ΔÉï
on the top of the mountain
tæe må tæ\á ΔÉï
above this, more than this
E^m
tæ\á
V
knock into, bang into
t«e ts\î_ tæ\á ©∑ å.
knocked a nail into
E^m
tæ\á
V
consume greedily
dzå å\ kæ|∑ tæ\á k|u å. He is good at eating food greedily
E^hl
tæ|áá
\
AS a little bit, contraction of t|Г®e|
a little bit, contraction of ГҐ
| t|Г®e|
å| tæ|áá
\
E_i
tæ«e
V
give in addition to, supplement
When we exchanged horses,
ГҐ| m\o pГҐ l\ГЎ xo bГЎ ГҐ ВЇГҐ,
j|î l|á tΔæ\o h~ jå tæ«e ©\∑ ©∑ o. I gave him 600 baht in addition to my horse.
w\o tæ«ö
cabbage, also w\o kæ|u
E_j
tæe
VS
speak, converse, also tæö
s|å tæe
speak, converse, also s|å tæö/Δ|å tæö
E_k
tæe
V
hard-working
The third son is hard-working.
åså ¯å tæe å ≥o.
E_k
tæe
P
thus, like this, also tæö/tæö lö
You must do it like this.
tæe je wå å.
tæe
this, thus
tæe tæ\î må må
this one
tæe le å.
This is all/That’s all.
tæe xw«å
this time
tæe xw«å ¯å s|Ì å. This time I know/Now I know.
tæe xw«å m\å nö.
I don’t want it any longer.
|å tæe
this aforementioned one, that one by you
|å tæe å
so, then
E_Ph Dah Bcl Rh tæ|en t|î pæ\u s|å N
heaven and earth spirit (C)
E^l
(enlightened Buddha)
A
aside, apart from, also tæ\î l\á
tæ\e l\á ΔÉï å
aside, apart from, also tæ\î l\á ΔÉï å
tæ\e l\á ΔÉï å dÔe å. Go apart from the others.
tæ«ö
V
wrap up
dzå dÔå |å t|î tæ«ö ©∑. Please wrap up some cold rice.
tæ«ö
C
a measure of weight - 1.6 kilograms
E_l Q^m tæ\e l\á
E`i
E`i
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
74
Southern Lisu Dictionary
pæu tæ\î tæ«ö
one weight of silver - 100 rupees’ weight
j\å pæ|î tæ\î tæ«ö
1.6 kg of opium
tæö
VS
speak, converse, also tæe
s|å tæö
speak, converse, also s|å tæe/Δ|å tæö
tæö
NS/C bamboo poles/long pipes/ sections of length
dzå gu å li tæ\î tæö wå?
Along which section of the trail?
må kæw\å tæö ¯\î tæ«ö two bamboo poles
s«∑ w\u tæ\î tæö
one cut log
tæö
Dem this, usually tæe
tæö kæ\∑
thus, to this degree
tæö lö
thus, like this, usually tæe lö
tæ\ö
V
tie knots
tie up with rope
tsæÉï z\å tæ\ö å.
tæ\ö be
a knot
tsæÉï z\å tæ\ö be
a knot in a cord
tæ\ö
V
bow down and touch head to the floor in
respect; have a wedding ceremony
bow down to, have the ceremony legalising the wedding
w|u dy tæ\ö å.
w|u dy tæ\ö gu
place where marriage ceremony is being held
tæ\ö
V
free, unoccupied
l\á m\å tæ\ö.
I’m not free to do it/I’m too busy to do it.
tæö\ö
I
exclamation accompanying the showing of
something: �here!’, �see, I told you so!’, �here,
E`j
E`j
E`k
E`l
E`m
E`m
E`kl
take it!’, �look what I’ve got!’
Eaj
Eaj
Eaj
Eak [aj
Eal
@
b
A
p
tæi
V
near
\å kæ|∑ m\å tæi.
not very near
pæå ti å.
near
ti
N
saddle, seat, base
|å m\o tæ_i
horse saddle
p«e l\o j|î tæi
bicycle seat
tæi
AP adverbial phrase marker, also ≥å
tæi tæ\å lå
flabby and wrinkled
j|î kæ«u dzÉï tæi tæ\å l\å k«å å. His skin is loose and wrinkled.
tæi Δi
N
the middle, the centre
tæi Δi wå/ tæi Δi n|áá
\ wГҐ
in the middle
tæ\î
V
wet (transitive)
å dÔå tæ\î fu ©∑. Throw water on it.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
75
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tæ\î
VS
sneeze
sneeze
~h«á tæ\î å
tæ\î
V
refer to, make reference to
j|î d\o tæ\î ©∑ å,j|î do lå o. As we were talking about him, he appeared/
Eal
Eal
As we were talking about it, it happened.
Ebi \j
tæ\î
Num one, numeral; quantity
1,000
tæ\î tu
tæ\î k|åå
all
l\å tsæo tæ\î k|åå\ tæe k«å å.
All people are like this.
tæ\î må
one thing
tæ\î m\y tæ\á ΔÉï
throughout the whole country
tæ\î m\∑
10,000
tæ\î zo
one person
tæ\î ~hjå
100
tæ\î Δ«å
100,000 (Shan)
tæ\î l|e\å
the same as
x\∑ pæ\å tæ\î l«e\ å\
like a Chinese man
j|î tæ\î l|e\å ≥o.
It is the same.
|å tæ\î
at this point
å\ z\o tæ\î l\á Δ_ïÉ z\å dÔe å ≥|∑e\ . Let’s go a little way apart from the rest
tæ\î
C
bucket, standard measure of volume of grain
one measure
tæ\î tæ\î
tæi≥
AP adverb marker, usually tΔi≥
tæi≥ tæå lå
dirty and unkempt
tæi≥ tæ\å l\å
flabby and wrinkled
tæ|o
V
bribe
j|î ¯å xw\å tæu pæ\å l|á tæ|o ©\∑ å. He bribed the headman.
tæ|o
V
bulge
bulging
tæ|o tæ|o le
b\å l|y tæ|o tæ|o l\e
bulging cheeks and crop
tæ«o
V
chop up fine, peck, bite (of insect or snake)
h~ j\å tæ«o må
a type of mosquito
xw\å tæ«o dz\å å.
They are mincing meat (with knives)
fu tæ«o å.
The snake struck.
å| j|å pæ\å tæ«o l\á xo å. The cocks are fighting each other.
tæ«o
V
nod
give a nod
≥\å tΔæ|u tæ«o å
tæ«o jå
N
tall palm tree, inedible stem, tuber used for pig food
W
x
Z
w
Eal
Eal
EaUj
Ebh
Ebh
Ebi
Ebi
X
h
Y
f
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
76
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tæo
N
≥å må tæo
me tΔö tæo
tæo z\å
s«∑ s\∑ tæo
s«∑ we tæo
j|î s\∑ tæo z\å d\ö å.
j|î we tæo z\å we å.
Ebl
tæ\o
V
tæ\o d\∑ je o.
Ebl
tæ\o
V
tΔæ\î tæ\o å
Ebl
tæ\o
V
å| m\o tæ\o su
Ebl
tæ\o
C
j|î w|u tæ\î tæ\o
Ebl Bl C_j tæ\o pæ\å de N
Ebl Bbh tæ\o pæ|o
N
tæ\o pæ|o po
Ebl Ebl tæ\o tæ\o
V
lå tΔæö tæ\o tæ\o l\e
Ebl Hcl tæ\o kæ\u
N
Ebl K`i tæ\o tΔæ«ö
N
mj\ö tæ\o tΔæ«ö
Ebl Ofi tæ\o m«Ì
N
tæ\o m«Ì pæ\å N
Ebl Qk tæ\o lå
V
tæ\o lå m\o
tæ\o lå z\å
~h«á tæ\o lå
tæ\o lå m\o
Ebl Ql tæ\o l\å
N
|å m\o tæ\o l\å tæ\î dÔ\i
Ebl Wbk tæ\o xo
VS
j|î tæ\o xo
Ebl el tæ\o ©\∑
N
tæ\o ©\∑ tæ\î pæj\å
Ebj
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
bud, swelling at end of a shoot
banana buds
banyan buds
small forming fruit, flower buds
fruit bud
flower bud
It is bearing small fruit.
It is getting small buds.
stuff into
I pressed it right in. (as a cork into a bottle)
constipated
constipated
transport on horseback
those who are using pack-horses
for stages
in the first stage
desert, also x\∑ tΔi bj\å
muzzle-loader , also tæ\å pæ|o
muzzle-loader rifle, also tæ\å pæ|o po
panting, tongue hanging out and staring
with his tongue hanging out, panting
pangolin
medium-sized inedible bird
leaf monkey
village ritual leader, priest, usually m«Ì m«Ì
village ritual leader, priest, usually m«Ì m«Ì
rabbit, hare
mule, also m\o li li/le le/l«o tsÉï
rabbit
large rabbit-sized rodent
mule, usually li li, also må li li/l«o tsÉï/le le
horse pack-basket
a pair of horse pack-baskets
pink (brown, purple for some people)
something pink
paper, book, writing
one sheet of paper
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
77
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tæ\o ©\∑ tæ\î p\Ìn
one book
tæ\o ©\∑ bo du
thing for writing with (pencil, pen)
tæ\o
V
tread on, take a step
NS/C for strides, steps
b\e di l|á å| m|e tæ\o Δ\e ©\∑. Kill the bug by treading on it.
tsæÉï tæ\o ¯\î tæ\o tæ\o. Take two steps.
¯\î tæ\o tæ\o å.
He took two steps.
tæo≥
V
clear (C), of thinking
d\y dz\å m\å tæo≥.
He doesn’t think clearly.
m\å tæo≥ m\å Δ\å
He doesn’t think clearly.(The meaning isn’t clear.)
tæ\o≥
V
understand, perceive (C)
I don’t understand. (I understand the language, but
nå n«å m\å tæ\o≥.
Ebm
EbUj
EbUl
not what you are implying.)
tæ|u
VS
\å tæ|u tæu
tö tæ|u\å
tæu
VS
å tæu
\å tæu tæu
tæu
V
b\∑ my tæu å.
xw\å tæu pæ\å
xw\å tæu må
tæu
V
n|å po kæu tæu å.
s«∑ kæw|å tæu å.
j|î kæ\u tæu å.
tæu
V
dzå gu Δ\ï tæu å.
tæu
V
¯«å wå m\å tæu h~ e\ .
j|î wå tæu å.
p|e k|å tæu å.
tæu
V
z\ï tæu å
tæ\u
NS/C
på tæ\u tæ\î tæ\u
p«î tæ\u
Ech
Ecj
Eck
Eck
Eck
Eck
Eck
Ecl
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
thick, see also tæu/tæu
extremely thick
equally thick
thick, see also tæu/tæ|u
how thick?
very thick
thick, see also tæu/tæ|u
He is uncouth/He brags. (thick lungs)
headman (thick meat)
headman’s wife
pierce, contrast l\Г¶ drill
pierced his ears
pierce a hole in a plank (with red hot iron)
pierce a hole
make a road or path
We are making a new trail.
set traps, snare
I haven’t set the bird snare yet
set snares
set a bamboo gate trap
urinate
to urinate
tube, pod
one water cylinder
bamboo water pistol
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
78
Southern Lisu Dictionary
kæ\∑ så tæ\u
ear of corn
kæ\∑ så tæ\u g\o
corncob (without grains)
må kæw\å tæ\u
bamboo cylinder
mj\å tæ\u
quiver
l«å tΔ\ï tæ\u
pepper pod
j\å pæ|î tæ\u
opium poppy seed pods
j|î tæ\u
pod, tube
Ecl
tæ\u
V
erect fence or wall
erecting a fence
bö tΔö tæ\u å
kæ«Ì tsæÉï tæ\u å
erecting outer walls of a house
Ecl
tæ\u
V
marry
court and marry
n\∑ tæ\u å
h~ i tæ\u kwå ti å.
marry
Ecl Hcm tæ\u kæ\u
N
scaly anteater; Indian pangolin
Ecl K_j HZh tæ\u tΔæe kæw|å N
bricks, also tæ\u tsæÉï kæw|å
tæ\u tΔæe kæw|å ¯å x\o s|å ~hi Δ«å du ≥o.
Bricks are for building
Buddhist temples.
Ecl Naj HZh tæ\u tΔæÉï kæw|å
Edj
tæy
C
Edm
Edm
tæ\î tæy
tæ\y
VP
tæ\y kæ\∑
tæ\y w\å
tæ\y
V
j\å j«î s\∑ tæ\y dz\å å
|å j|å fu tæ\y dz\å å
tæ|∑
V
N
bricks, also tæ\u tΔæe kæw|å
span of thumbtip to tip of middle finger
one span from thumb tip to tip of middle finger
command
words of command
a command
peel
peel potatoes to eat
peel a boiled egg to eat
splash, fly (of sparks or oil out of a frying
pan), spatter
The fat is spattering out.
xw\å tsæÉ∑ tæ|∑ dÔ\å lå å.
tæ|∑ l|∑ l|∑
dripping and splashing
tæ|∑ l|∑ l|∑ zÉï lå å. It was dripping and splashing.
Eeh
tæ|∑
V
protruding
mjå s\∑ tæ|∑ tæ|∑ l\e protruding eyes
Eeh Qeh Tl tæ|∑ l|∑ z\å N
shorty
l\å tsæo tæ|∑ l|∑ z\å small, short person
Eek
tæ∑
V
firm, steady, steadfast
It is completely steady.
tæ|∑ tæ|∑ l\e k«å å.
j|î Δ\å tæ∑ å.
He is full of strength.
Eeh
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
79
Southern Lisu Dictionary
\å kæ|∑ tæ∑ å.
Eel Qel Qel tæ\∑ l\∑ l\∑ V
myriads of small animals crowded
together making soft noises
He has crowds of small children.
j|î z\å tæ\∑ l\∑ l\∑ tΔ«å å.
tæ«Ì
NS/V turban, wrap/wear turban
turban
w|u tæ«Ì
w|u tæ«Ì tæ«Ì
wear/wrap on turban
w|u tæ«Ì m\å tæ«Ì
She isn’t wearing a turban.
tæ«Ì
C
for moments
just a moment.
tæ\î tæ«Ìe|
tæ\î tæ«Ì z\å dÔe h~ e\ . I’m leaving for/in a moment.
tæ«Ì
C
for poles, sticks, rifles, shots
one rifle, one shot
po tæ\î tæ«Ì
må kæw\å tæ\î tæ«Ì
one bamboo pole
|å dÔu tæ\î tæ«Ì
one chopstick
tæÌ
V
wander (in the jungle)
k«å tæÌ
wander in the jungle for fun
li tæÌ
jungle food
li tsæå mi wå tæÌ je å. He has gone wandering in the jungle.
tæÌ
C
for sorts, kinds (slightly derogatory)
go tæ\Ì
that lot
¯\î tæ\Ì dÔo å.
There are two sorts.
tæ\Ì
NS/V notches in log as steps, cut notches for steps
s«∑ tæ\Ì
notches in log for steps
s«∑ tæ\Ì tæ\Ì
cut notches in log for steps
Efi
Efi
Efi
Efk
Efk
Efm
W
x
X
h
It is very steady.
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
80
Southern Lisu Dictionary
g|ГҐ g|ГҐ
N
(woman’s name)
g«å o
A
sound of a Lahu crossbow
g«å o b∑ o.
The crossbow fired with a hollow crack.
gГҐ
V
graze, eat grass
|ГҐ m\o m\o gГҐ dz\ГҐ ГҐ. The horse is grazing.
gГҐ
C
for scattered places
tæe tæ\î gå
this place
tæ\î gå tæ\î gå tsæw|å je å.
He is visiting various places.
tæ\î gå tæ\î gå å dÔo å. They are scattered, one here, another there.
tæ\î gå tæ\î w\å
some people
tæ\î gå tæ\î ts|åj
some villages
tæ\î gå dÔo å.
There is one place.
dГ”e gГҐ
the place one is going
j|î gå tæ\î gå dÔo å. There is one place.
\ГҐ gГҐ
burial hill, usually ГҐ kГҐ
gГҐ
V
step over something fairly high
on tiptoes, stretching upward
gГҐ gГҐ l\e
gГҐ gГҐ
V
bent and under tension, cocked, bowed
a bent crossbow
tΔæ«å gå gå l\e
tsæÉï b\y gå gå l\e
hooves with the tips spread
tsæÉï w\y gå gå l\e
bow-legged
l\ГҐ О”|ГҐ gГҐ gГҐ l\e kГЊ le o. The bag is stuffed tight.
g\ГҐ
NS spider
spider
\ГҐ g\ГҐ mГҐ
g\ГҐ
embroider zig zag designs
\ГҐ g\ГҐ mГҐ g\ГҐ ГҐ.
They are embroidering zigzag (spider) designs.
g\ГҐ g\ГҐ
supported on many legs but elevated slightly;
Fh Fh
Fi bj
Fj
Fj
Fk
Fk Fk
Fl
spider-like
sГҐ tsВ«o g\ГҐ g\ГҐ l\e i t|ГҐ ГҐ. The tripod was placed down, all spider-like.
Fl Fel
Fl Fl
Fl Ql
Fl Q^k
@
b
A
p
g\å g\∑
V
forgive, also z|å g\∑
g\ГҐ g\ГҐ
V
dawdling
g\ГҐ g\ГҐ g\ГҐ g\ГҐ dГ”e ГҐ. He dawdles.
g\ГҐ l\ГҐ
C
gallon (B < English)
one gallon
tæ\î g\å l\å
g\ГҐ lГЎ
V
crawling
He doesn’t crawl.
g\ГҐ lГЎ m\ГҐ d\y.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
81
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Fm
Fm @_j
Fm
g\ГҐ
V
g\ГҐ dz\ГҐ ГҐ
g\å ≥\o
xw\ГҐ g\ГҐ ГҐ
j|Г® k|ГҐ ВЇ|ГҐ g\ГҐ je ГҐ.
|å m|e g\å fu ©∑.
g\ГҐ be
V
tæe g\å be je å.
g\ГҐ
NP
g\å pö
g\å pö ΔÉï
g\ГҐ p|o
tæe g\å p|o
tæe g\å p|o å mjå b\å
chase, hunt, follow
hunt to eat
disguised speech, g\ГҐ inserted after each syllable
hunt
I followed him.
Chase it.
visit (aimlessly, without reason)
He went visiting around.
uphill side, beyond
uphill side, in a small, specific locality.
on the uphill side, in a small, specific locality.
on the uphill side over a large area, beyond, after
from now on, more than this
d«å h~ e\ \å. How much more money than this
have you got?
tæe g\å p|o å mjå ¯i d«å h~ e\ å\ . How many days from now?
g\å p|o ΔÉï
on the upper side of (covers a large area)
Fbj C`l
N
around, about, also g\_å l\á g\å dzÉï
g\å g\å dzÉï s\å tsæÉï zo about 30 people
~hi g\å g\å dzÉï/~hi g\å h~ i dzÉï around the house
g\å dÔæå
N
in front of, in presence of, in the sight of
su g\å dÔæå wå dÔe bá ©\∑. Go and say it in front of the others.
g\å l\å dzÉÉï
N
kind of tree, used for oil
Lak g\å l\á g\å dzÉÉï N
around, about, also g\å g\å dzÉï
h~ i g\å l\á g\å dzÉï
around the house
g\ГҐ s|ГЇ s|ГЇ
A
deliberately
g|e
NS ninth daughter, usually \ГҐtО”\u mГҐ
ГҐ| g|e
ninth daughter, usually ГҐ
\ tО”\u mГҐ
gВ«o
NS fuzz of pig
fuzz of pig
\ГҐ gВ«o
go
V
collect, pick up, choose, conscript, also gu
pæu go dz\å su
money collector
dzå gu wå go m∑ å. I picked it up on the road.
m\∑ f|u go pæ\å
tax collector
≥w|å go dÔö
kingfisher (fish pick up hawk)
go d\Г¶
N
body, self, usually ko d\Г¶
W
x
Z
w
Fm Fm La g\å g\å dzÉÉï
Fm I\j
Fm Qm Lak
Fm Q^m Fm
Fm Rah Rah
F_h
Fbi
Fbj
X
h
Y
f
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
82
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Fbk
go
V
m\∑ tsæå go kæ\∑
m\∑ tsæå go le o.
set, of the sun
the west
The sun has set (call of the m«Ì m«Ì pæ\å on the
eve of Lisu New Year)
go
N
that
on that side, from that time on
go p|o
go tæ\á
at that time
go tæ\î zo må
that particular person
go mГҐ
that one
Fbk
go
V
swallow
He swallowed it.
go d\y je ГҐ.
Fbk
go
V
drag along, pull
He pulled and poked into it.
go d\Г¶ je ГҐ.
mГҐ go
bamboo jewsharp
s«∑ go t«á lå å.
He is dragging firewood in.
ГҐ\ go
a hoe
å| tæ\å go do lå å. He drew the sword out.
|å m\o m\å go t«á lå. I did not lead a horse here.
Fbk Fbk go go
leaning over at an angle
a tree leaning over at an angle
s«∑ dzÉï go go l\e
Fbk Ubl go ≥\o
V
swaying back and forth
s«∑ dzÉï go ≥\o go ≥\o d«å å. The tree is swaying back and forth.
Fbl
g\o
VS
empty
empty bowl
kæ|∑ g\o
j\ГҐ po j|Г® g\o
an empty kerosene tin
j|Г® g\o
an empty one
Fbl A_h Dak Wel g\o p|e ti x\∑ A
by accident
Fbl I`k g\o dÔö
N
bridge/ramp/ladder
to build a bridge (ritual or otherwise)
g\o dÔö Δ«å å.
Fbl Q`i g\o l«ö
V
loose, of handles, knives, etc.
g\o l«ö g\o l«ö då å. The handle is loose and rattling.
Fbl V`l g\o ~h\Г¶
V
loosely packed, bouncy
g\o dÔö g\o h~ ö\ g\o h~ ö\ d«å å. The bridge is bouncy.
g\o h~ ö\ g\o h~ ö\ d«å å. They are all loosely packed in.
Fbm
g\o
V
cushion the head
w|u g\o
pillow
w|u g\o lo g\o gu m\å dÔo. There’s no place for a pillow for my head.
Fbm
g\o
V
crooked, deceitful, cheat
Fbk
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
83
Southern Lisu Dictionary
g\o ¯«î
g\o ¯«î m\å dÔo.
≥wå l|á g\o dz\å å.
s«∑ g\o
j|Г® g\o g\o
|ГҐ g\o
g\o
V
dz\ГЇ g\o
g\o
C
tæ\î g\o li å.
sГҐ g\o li ГҐ.
Fbm
Fbm
evil intentions
He hasn’t any evil intentions.
He cheated me.
flail, crooked stick for threshing
a crooked one
werewolf, usually pæ«î pæ|∑
remove skin
peel off skin of hemp
for turns of rope
one turn around
He wound the rope around it three times/He wound
three turns of rope around it.
N
Fbm Fbm g\o g\o
pipe
j«î ko g\o g\o
Fbk P\ak go ВЇi
N
go t|Г® ВЇi
go ВЇ\Г® ВЇi
go sГҐ ВЇi
Fci Fck gВ«u gu
N
Fcj
gu
V
l\ГЎ ВЇi gu ГҐ.
Fcj
gu
V
n\e gu sÉï gu
Fcj
gu
V
go gu m\ГҐ dГҐ.
Fcj
gu
NS
z«ï gu
Fcj
gu
NS
zГҐ gu
Fcj
gu
NS
d«å gu
tæ\o ©\∑ so gu
tО”Г¦|o gu
m\o gw\ГҐ gwГҐ gu
xå lö gu
j|î \å tΔ«å gu
å dÔå k|o gu
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
tobacco pipe
four days hence
five days hence
six days hence
seven days hence
owl, see gu
point, also go
He pointed his finger.
sacrifice to non-ancestral spirits
sacrifices for natural spirits and �guardians’
pack up, make up loads
We can’t make it all up into loads.
spoon
spoon, also j«î gu
path, road
path, road, also dÔå gu
a place
place where something is
a place where they study
mistakes
the place where they are singing
something to trust in, a hope
the place where they are
a river crossing
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
84
Southern Lisu Dictionary
gu
V
gu le o.
dz\ГҐ gu m\ГҐ dГҐ.
å mi kæwå gu le o.
Fck
gu
NP/S
gu pæ\å
gu dy ly
gu kæ|u
gВ«u gu
Fck
gu
NS
z\ГҐ gu
Fck
gu
NP
gu w|u
gu m|∑
Fck
gu
V
Fcknm gu\ГҐ
C
tæ\î gu\å
m\å ΔÉï tæ\î gu\å
Fcl
g\u
V
å dÔå g\u m\å p|∑.
Fcl
g\u
N
po g\u
tΔæ«å g\u
g\u pæj|å
Fcl
g\u
NS
|ГҐ g\u
Fcl
g\u
NS
m\u g\u
Fcl
g\u
NP
g\u tΔæ«ö
g\u tО”Г¦\ГЇ
g\u mi
g\u n\u
ГҐ| w\ГЎ mГҐ g\u mi
Fcl Lcl g\u dz\u
N
Fcm
g\u
V
j|î k«u dzÉï g\u je o.
Fck
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
finish up, all, completely
It is finished up (i.e. none left)
I can’t eat it all up.
I have hoed up all of my fields.
owl
man of Owl clan
brown fish owl
a small type of owl
owl
husband, in
husband
compass direction, in
North
South
swallow
for “all” in the phrase:
That’s all (�one little all’), barely
He is alive, but barely so. (�not dead, one little all’)
wade through
I’m not brave enough to wade through the river.
coffin, stock of gun or crossbow
wooden frame and stock of gun
crossbow stock
coffin boards
dove
dove
thunder
thunder, also m\∑ g\u
cane, rattan
hard rattan
a kind of rattan
cane, rattan
soft rattan
pig rattan
things, belongings, also g\u dГ”\u, usually tО”ГҐ s|ГЇ
strip off easily in one strip, also g\o
Its skin is stripped off.
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
85
Southern Lisu Dictionary
g|∑
NS hessian/jute/gunny cloth, see d|å g|∑
g|∑
NS eighth daugher, usually å\ p«å må
|åg|∑
eighth daughter
Fej
g∑
NS kind of vine, see å| g∑ tså
Fej
g∑
NS tomorrow, see s|å g∑/s|å n\á
Fej \al g∑ j\î
N
beggar, also d\e su
Fek
g∑
PF
past tense, also g∑/kÌ
Fek
g∑
V
develop calluses, also kæu
l\o påw påw g∑ le o. He has got calluses.
Fel Fel g\∑ g\∑
V
overloaded on back, staggering under load
s«∑ má ©∑ g\∑ g\∑ l\e lå å. He came staggering under a load of wood.
Fel
g\∑
V
give
g\∑
VV benefactive, do for someone; usually ©\∑
Give it to me.
≥wå l|á g\∑.
j|î l|á g\∑ dz\å.
Feed him.
j|î l|á m\å g\∑ dÔe. I wouldn’t allow him to go.
|å m|î d\∑ g\∑.
Hit him/Hit him for me.
Fel
g\∑
V
go first
He went first.
x|å tΔæ\e å g\∑ å.
Fel
g\∑
V
kneel
He knelt.
tsæÉï ts|ï g\∑ å.
Fel
g\∑
NS/C for boxes;
C
for length of first knuckle of middle finger
one wooden box
s«∑ g\∑ tæ\î g\∑
Fel @k g\∑ bå
N
a woven basket or box with a lid, used for
Feh
Feh
storing clothes and personal effects
one woven box
g\∑ bå tæ\î s\∑
Fel Lak g\∑ dzÉÉï
N
a tree with pine-like bark, leaves like peach leaves
Fel Qel g\∑ l\∑
N
scabies, various fungus infections.
He has scabies.
g\∑ l\∑ tΔæ«e å.
FZh
gw|ГҐ
DemP there (distant, on same level), see gwГҐ
there (distant, on same level)
gw|ГҐ gwГҐ
FZh FZh gw|ГҐ gw|ГҐ
V
ears pricked up
FZj
gwГҐ
PN
locative, usually kwГҐ
ГҐ gwГҐ
where?, usually ГҐ li kwГҐ
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
86
Southern Lisu Dictionary
gwГҐ
V
sing
m\o gw\ГҐ gwГҐ su
singers
m\o gw\å m\å gwå. They’re not singing.
FZj FZj gwГҐ gwГҐ V
concave, sagging
ГҐ| w\ГЎ kГҐ ku gwГҐ gwГҐ l\e
pig with a caved-in back.
FZj Kbl gwГҐ tО”Г¦\o
V
friend, usually kwГҐ tО”Г¦\o
FZj Laj gwå dz_Éï
N
a row of long quills along a porcupine’s back
|å pu ¯å j|î gwå dzÉï dÔo å. The porcupine has a row of quills on its
FZj
back.
gwГҐ
N
gwå tΔ«å å.
gw|ГҐ gwГҐ
gwГҐ gwГҐ
|ГҐ gwГҐ
FZk I`k gwå dÔö
V
gwå dÔö l\á xo å
FZk Re: gwå s\∑
N
gwå s\∑ po
FZl
gw\ГҐ
N
gw\å kæw\å
gw\å tΔæÉï
gw\å m\å s\∑
gw\ГҐ mГҐ w\o
FZl
gw\ГҐ
V
bö tsæ\ï m\å gw\å.
mi tsæÉï m\å gw\å.
FZl
gw\ГҐ
V
gw\ГҐ d\e
gw\å d\e pæ«o å
gw\ГҐ dz\ГҐ ГҐ
FZlqJ\jqRj Gw\ГҐtО”ГҐsГҐ
FZk
there (on same level), see go
He lives there.
there (distant, on same level)
around there (on same level)
there (previously mentioned)
discuss
discuss together, have a discussion
eggplant
eggplant bush
buckwheat
bitter buckwheat, Fagopyrum tataricum
sweet buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum
unmilled buckwheat
herb used as a poultice on broken legs of chickens
wear clothes
He isn’t wearing a jacket.
He isn’t wearing trousers.
chew
the cud
chew (�turn’) the cud.
chew and eat
N
the Trickster in Lisu stories, usually
Kæw\åtsåså, also Xw\åtsåså/Xw\åtΔåså
FZl Ql Ql gw\ГҐ l\ГҐ l\ГҐ
V
sound of boiling and bubbling
zÉï lö gw\å l\å l\å då å. The water is boiling and bubbling.
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
87
Southern Lisu Dictionary
k|ГҐ
V
stab, puncture, inject, prickly-tasting
b\i dz\å ©∑ å, k|å å. If you eat yams, they have a prickly taste.
k|ГҐ xwГҐ
make trouble (�seek to stab’), also tΔæ\u je å
tО”Г¦\u k|ГҐ ГҐ.
A thorn stuck him.
ná tsæ\ï k|å å.
He gave him an injection.
|ГҐ w\ГЎ k|ГҐ О”\ГЇ
blood spurting out when a pig’s liver is stabbed
Gh
k|ГҐ
NS (pointed) stick
cattle prod, usually s«∑ k|å
k|ГҐ du
crow pheasant, usually lö m\y å
| j|ГҐ
k|ГҐ w\o mГҐ
lo k|ГҐ
small stream
s«∑ k|å
stick, firewood, cattle prod, also s«∑ då
stick, firewood
s«∑ k|å då
≥w|å k|å
kind of catfish
Gh
k|ГҐ
V
deride, belittle
Don’t belittle others.
su l|á tæ\å k|å.
Gh Jdj k|å tΔÉï
N
evidence, usually kæ«o k«å
Gh Naj Gh Q^m k|å tsæÉï k|å l\_á Vfiddle, fidget
k|å tsæÉï k|å l\á tæ\å je. Don’t fidget, keep your hands to yourself.
Gh P^h k|ГҐ n|ГЎ
N
behind, after, written thus but usually k|ГҐ ВЇ|ГҐ
behind him
j|î k|å n|á ΔÉï
Gh P\h k|ГҐ ВЇ|ГҐ
N
behind, after, also k|ГҐ n|ГЎ
What happened afterwards?
k|å ¯|å ¯å å li k∑ le å.
k|å ¯|å ΔÉï k|o lå å må
in the past
j|Г® k|ГҐ ВЇ|ГҐ g\ГҐ je ГҐ.
He followed after him.
Gh Qh @bm Qbj k|ГҐ l|ГҐ b\o lo N
butterfly
Gh Q^m k|ГҐ l\ГЎ
V
spreading, as long branches
tΔi≥ k|å l\á l\á pj|ö å. They were carrying long branching poles.
Gi
k«å
V
be, happen (appearance), fusion of kГҐ ГҐ, see kГҐ
pæu pæu l\e k«å.
It is entirely white.
tΔi≥ tΔ«î le k«å.
It is scary, spooky.
nå k«å
must, also nГҐ t|ГҐ
å tæu tæu k«å.
It is very thick.
å li k«å å.
What is it like?/What is wrong? What happened?
Gi
k«å
N
storehouse
bank, treasury
pæu k«å
kæ\∑ så k«å
corn store
dzå k«å
rice granary
Gh
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
88
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Gi
Gi @l
Gi Al
Gi El
Gi Ecj
Gi K\m
k«å
VP/VVplay, do for fun
go to jungle for fun
k«å tÌ
k«å tΔæ\î
happy
k«å ¯|å
play
dÔe k«å
go for fun
z\å nö z\å tæå k«å ¯|å tΔ«å å. The children are playing here.
k«å b\å
V
begrudge, feel sorry, usually x|uj z\å/kæw\åj Δe
nu pæu tæ\å k«å b\å. Don’t begrudge your money.
k«å p\å
N
flat yard area beside a Lisu house
k«å tæ\å
N
wild ox (gaur) haunt
wild ox’s haunts
|å ¯\î k«å tæ\å
k«å tæu
N
back pack basket, usually kæ«å tæu
k«å tæu ©\å m\å k|u. I’m not skilful at weaving back baskets.
k«å tΔæ\å
N
high bamboo platform, floor of house on
stilts, also kæ«å tΔæ\å
k«å tΔæ\å ~hi
house built on stilts
k«å tΔæ\å wå ¯|î t|å tΔ«å å.
She is sitting on the high platform
(usually beside an unraised house).
k«å tΔ\e
N
k«å tΔ\e tæ\î zo må
nu k«å tΔ\e dÔe.
Gi Qh Qh k«å l|å l|å
V
k«å l|å l|å bjö je o.
Gi Qi
k«å l«å
N
k«å l«å s\∑
Gi Wbl Wbl k«å x\o x\o A
k«å x\o x\o kæu å.
Gj
kГҐ
V
kå tæe
kå tæe pæ«o lå å.
kå kå ¯i k«å å.
tΔ«ï kå pæ\y
\å kæ|∑ m\å kå.
Gj
kГҐ
NS
ГҐ kГҐ
Gj Gcj kГҐ ku
N
j|Г® kГҐ ku nГҐ
Gi J_l
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
before, first, also x|å tΔ\e/x|∑ tsæ\å/s«å tΔ\e
the first person, the one in front
You go first.
squawking
It flew off squawking.
kind of plum, also k«ån l«ån
kind of plum
loudly (of shouting)
He called/calls out loudly.
dry (of non-porous material)
dry season
The dry season has come.
It’s dry.
�dry breasts price’, bride price
It’s not very dry.
burial hill, also gГҐ
burial hill, also ГҐ
\ gГҐ
the back, between shoulders
His upper back hurts.
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
89
Southern Lisu Dictionary
kå kæ\∑
N
door, usually å| kæ\∑
kå kæ\∑ kæu
door opening
Gj @eh kå b|∑
N
sarus crane, white long-legged water bird
Gj A_hnl kГҐ p|e\ГҐ
A
vigorously, violently, also kГҐ p|e
kå p|e\å tæ\å d\∑
Don’t beat him hard.
Gj Qj Gbh Qbh kГҐ lГҐ k|o l|o V in between, and so open to disadvantages of
Gj Hel
both, neither one nor the other
kå lå k|o l|o tæ\î x|åw å må He is middle aged.
Gj Q^j Q^j kГҐ lГЎ lГЎ V
prostrate on the back, flat on the back
kГҐ lГЎ lГЎ d\o dГҐ ГҐ. He has toppled down prostrate.
å| m\o kå lá lá j\î t|å tΔ«å å. The horse is sleeping flat on its back.
kГҐ
V
be, happen, nonnegated usually fused to k«å
pæu pæu l\e m\å kå. It isn’t entirely white.
kГҐ
NS/C for groups of people strung out along a trail
l|å tsæo j|î kå kå lå å. Small groups of people are coming.
k\ГҐ
V
market, sell
He went to market to buy and sell.
kГҐj ts\ГЇ k\ГҐ je ГҐ.
k\ГҐ
V
head off, block off, ambush, stop, prevent
someone from doing something, guard
political boundary, also kæ\∑ edge
k\ГҐ k|ГҐj
m\y k\ГҐ k|ГҐj
border of a country, also m\y kæ\∑
Go and head him off along the trail.
dzГҐ gu ГҐ |ГҐ m|e dГ”e k\ГҐ.
~hi bå ΔÉï å ¯\î zo k\å å.
Two men were blocking off any escape
Gk
Gk
Gl
Gl
route next to the house.
a checkpoint guard
Go and stop them.
Guard him.
Please hold your dogs.
j|Г® j|ГҐ k\ГҐ su
|ГҐ m|e dГ”e k\ГҐ.
|ГҐ m|e k\ГҐ.
|å n\å |å t|î k\å ©\∑.
K\ГҐl\ГҐ
N
India, Indian, also K\ГҐl\ГҐ
K\ГҐl\ГҐ m\y
India
K\ål\å dzÉï
tree with sour fruit, edible bark used in mincemeat
K\ål\å må n|å tæ\u dzÉï kind of tall tree, good for timber, with edible branch
GlqQl
tips and flowers (Indian lady ear pod tree)
N
V
k\ГҐ sВ«o
k\ГҐ l\ГҐ
Gl Rbi
Gm Qm
large tree, Holoptelea integrifolia (T)
tangled and obstructive, of freshly fallen trees;
blocked up with rubbish, lying around in piles
tangled, blocked up
It’s blocked up with rubbish.
a tangle of fallen trees
tΔi≥ k\å l\å
tΔi≥ k\å l\å d«å å.
s«∑ k\å l\å
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
90
Southern Lisu Dictionary
k|ГҐj
V
j|Г® z\Г¶ k|ГҐj j\ГҐ le o.
G]ah
k|ГҐj
N
m|o j|Г® k|ГҐj
j|Г® k|ГҐj m\ГҐ dГ”o.
å dÔå k|åj k|åj
G]aj G]aj B: kåj kåj pæ\å
G]aj Mam kГҐj ts_\ГЇ
N
G]al Dh k\ГҐj t|ГҐ
N
G]ah
k\ГҐj
V
k\ГҐ_ j zВ«o
j|Г® d\o k\ГҐj du
kГҐw/ko
N
tΔæ«e tæe må j|î kåw
kГҐw/ko
V
G]am
G]bj
G]bj
G]bm
G^hbl
Gah Qch
Gbh
@
b
A
p
nu tæ\å k\åw.
l|ГҐ xВ«o k\ГҐw ГҐ.
k\ГҐw/k\o
NS
j|Г® k\ГҐw m\ГҐ dГ”o.
k|ГЎo\
N
k|Г® l|u
N
k|o
NS
tО”ГҐ k|o
l\å tsæo k|o
n\e k|o
ВЇ\Г® k|o
wo k|o
j|î k|o j|î kæ\u m\∑
|ГҐ m\o k|o
|å ≥\å k|o
ГҐ| w\ГЎ k|o
|ГҐ j|ГҐ k|o
ГЎ
В« k|o
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
have a free or extra turn in the top game
He had his special turn at the z\Г¶ top and hit it.
lid, glass (C), also k|ГҐj k|ГҐj
handle of millstone
It has no lid
water glass
N
name of leader in l|ГҐ xВ«o pod game
marketplace, city (C), also dÔÉï
a type of rooster used for decoying jungle
fowl (N Thai), also ГҐ
| j|å k\åj t|å pæ\å
counteract (C)
an anti-nauseant herb medicine
the antidote to a poison
a foetus, embryo (C)
dГ”o ГҐ. This deer has an embryo in its womb.
meddle with, interfere, fiddle with, play
with, also kwГҐ
Don’t meddle with it.
He is promiscuous. (�messing around with pods’)
something well-made, good quality (C)
It isn’t good quality.
glass (T), also ВЇГҐ bГҐ
yardarm scale (T)
wild
galangal (�wild ginger’)
the Mlabri (�wild people’)
wild, evil spirits
wild cattle
wisdom tooth (�wild bear’)
the wild and the domestic
wild horse
wild buffalo
untamed domestic pig
wild fowl
wild duck
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
91
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
pass, pass through childbirth
VV aside
g\å m∑ ©∑ k|o je o. We caught up to and passed them.
k|o pæ\e
river crossing; door threshold made of bamboo
tΔ|u li k|o pæ\e
a ferry crossing
k|o kГЊ mГҐ
the past
k|o lГҐ ГҐ mГҐ
the past one
g\å m∑ ©∑ k|o je o. We caught up to and passed them.
nå pæj\å k|o så å.
She had an easy labour and delivery
s«å ¯i k|o ©∑ ¯å mo å.
He saw it after three days had passed.
w\ГҐ dГ”\ГЇ k|o je o.
He crossed the mountain.
|å t|î dÔÉï k|o je å.
Please slide it aside.
å dÔå k|o je o.
He passed through the river.
k|o
V
clumsy, pair word with t\ГЎ
not speak clearly (�tongue is clumsy’)
lГҐ k|o lГҐ t\ГЎ
l\ГЎ
_ k|o l\ГЎ t\ГЎ
not handle things well (�hands are clumsy’)
k|o
V
be lodged in the eye, ear or nose; remove a
k|o
Gbh
Gbh
Gbh
thing which has become lodged in the eye or ear;
pick ear or nose, poke a (bent) finger into
k|o fu ©∑ o.
I have removed it from your eye (or ear).
nå kæu dz\ï k|o fu ©∑ å.
He is picking his nose.
s\ï tΔæÉï k|o fu ©∑ o. He picked his teeth.
≥wå mjå s\∑ wå p|ö tΔæ\ï tæ\î x\∑ z\å k|o d«å å.
A speck of dirt has
become lodged in my eye.
j|î mjå s\∑ k|o ©∑ o. They gouged out his eyes.
å| pæ\y kæ\u l\á ¯i k|o å. He poked his finger into the pumpkin.
|å t|î k|o ©\∑ m\å.
Please remove something from my eye (or ear).
Gbh
Gbh Am
Gbh Dbh
Gbh Dbh
Gbh Fbl
Gbh Gbh
W
x
X
h
Y
f
k|o
Dem that far away on same level, see go
on the other side far away on the same level
k|o b\ГҐ
k|o p\ГҐ
N
build (of the body) (C)
j|Г® k|o p\ГҐ xГҐ ГҐ.
He has a good strong build.
k|o t|o
N
a crest of feathers on a bird’s head
Qbh k|o t|o l|o A
sound of horse bell; see k|o l|Г¶
k|o g\o
V
infertile, unproductive (�wild empty’)
dzГҐ k|o g\o
rice which has no grain inside the husks
ГҐ| no k|o g\o
beans with empty pods
|ГҐ j|ГҐ fu k|o g\o
an infertile egg
D^l D^l k|o k|o t\ГЎ Vclumsy, see k|o
tæ\o ©\∑ bo å må, k|o k|o t\á t\á l\e bo å. He writes clumsily.
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
92
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
Gbh Gbj k|o ko
elder brother (C), also ГҐ| ko/|ГҐ j_\Г®
eldest brother, also k|o t|ГҐ
eldest brother, usually k|o b|e
k|o b|e
k|o t|ГҐ
second elder brother,
k|o lВ«e
k|o sГҐ
third elder brother
k|o s|ГЇ
fourth elder brother
k|o w\u
fifth elder brother
Gbh Q`h k|o l|Г¶
N
large cowbell, see also k|o t|o l|o/ k|∑ l|î
k|o l|ö tæ\î s\∑ d\y t|å å. It has a cowbell.
k|o l|Г¶ k|o l|Г¶
sound of a cowbell
GbhqQbh k|ol|o
N
Northern Thai, also z|otsÉï
Gbi
kВ«o
V
stiff, hard; increased (of price)
k«o k«o k\∑ k\∑
hard and rough
k«o k«o l\e k«å å.
It is stiff.
tΔi≥ k«o k«o d«å å.
It is stiff.
dzГҐ kВ«o kВ«o
hard, improperly cooked rice
¯«î k«o
hard-hearted
¯«î k«o tæ\y tæ\y
very hard-hearted
j|î pæ\y k«o ts\ï le o. It is too expensive.
j|î pæ\y k«o le o.
The price is going up.
\å kæ|∑ m\å k«o k«o d«å å.
Not very stiff.
Gbi
kВ«o
V
accuse
I have grounds on which to accuse him.
k«o ©\∑ nå å.
Gbi
kВ«o
V
give the “thumbs up” sign of approval
He gave the “thumbs up” sign.
l\ГЎ mГҐ kВ«o ГҐ.
Gbi
kВ«o
NS pair word for m\y �country’
m\y tæ\á k«o tæ\á
all over the world
Gbi
kВ«o
NS room, usually k«Ì
j|Г® kВ«o
room, usually k«Ì
Gbi Bl k«o pæ\å
N
a wooden threshing trough
He is making a threshing trough.
k«o pæ\å pæ\e å.
Gbi Gbh Gbh kВ«o k|o k|o I
Lisu chicken call, also t|e t|e t|e
Gbj
ko
V
bake, roast by fire, toast, bask
pГҐ pГҐ ko ГҐ.
bake/warm up bread/ sweets.
m\∑ tsæå ko å.
The sun warms.
ГҐ| t|o ko ГҐ.
The fire warms.
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
93
Southern Lisu Dictionary
ko
V
provide a feast; entertain to a feast
tæe mjå zo x∑ ko kæu å.
I can entertain even this many people.
Gbj Aaj ko pi
NS pithy core
j|Г® ko pi
the pithy core of/inner heart of bamboo, banana
trees, bones, etc. in contrast to j|î ¯«î må
Gbj C`l ko d\Г¶
N
body, self, also go d\Г¶
tæ\î ko tæ\î d\ö
the whole body
≥wå ko d\ö dÔe å. I myself went.
Gbj Maj Tl ko tsÉï z\å N
pigeon (domestic) (C)
Gbl Dbi Qbj k\o tВ«o lo N
coppersmith barbet
Gbl D^h k\o t|ГЎ
A
cackling of chickens
k\o tæ|á k\o t|á tå å. The hen cackled “cackle cackle”.
Gbl G]ai k\o k«åj
N
monitor lizard (Shan)
land lizard
mi tsæå k\o k«åj
å dÔå k\o k«åj
water monitor
Gbm Gbm k_\o k\o
V
flat, deflated
l\ГЎ О”|ГҐ pjГҐ k\o k\o l\e flat empty shoulder bag
GbUj
ko≥
N
a type of cyclatid insect, the call of which is a
spirit calling ko≥ ko≥.
Gbj
If you can say what it is sitting on, it stops.
k|u
V
k|u fu je ГҐ
w\å k|u pæ\y
w\ГҐ k|u dz\ГҐ ГҐ.
w\ГҐ k|u su
k|u
VV
≥wå je m\å k|u
j|î k|u pæ\å
k|u
Num
k|u zo
k|u
NS
mi k|u
mu k|u
mu k|u dz\ГЇ
kВ«u
NP/C
k«u dzÉï
ВЇ\Г® kВ«u g\u ГҐ.
s«∑ k«u dzÉï
Gch
Gch
Gch
Gch
Gci
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
hire
hire and send
wages
He is employing.
employer
know how to do skillfully
I don’t know how to do it.
a handy person
nine (before most mid tone classifiers)
nine people
cloud
low clouds
high clouds
fog
bark or skin
skin, bark, hide
He stripped off two strips of bark.
tree bark
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
94
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Gci N:
Gcj
|å ¯\î k«u dzÉï
k«u tsæ\å
N
k«u tsæ\å m\å pæ\e h~ e\ .
ku
V
s«∑ d\ö ku å.
å| tsæ«o ku å
cow hide
threshing floor (C)
I haven’t made my threshing floor yet.
wedge under, brace, keep from rolling
put chocks under a log
place hide around an axe handle to keep the head
on firmly
ku
Num nine, also k|u before most mid tone classifiers
|å ¯\î ku kæ«å
nine cows
Gcj
ku
NS majesty, awesomeness, aura
j|Г® ku dГ”o ГҐ.
It is awesome.
Gcj
ku
VS
build a bridge
g\o ku m«á ku m\o gw\å
bridge building song
Gcj Ecl ku tæ\u
V
grey, dirty
ku tæ\u tæ\u l\e
very grey/dirty
j|î ku tæ\u tæ\î må
a grey/dirty one
Gcj Gcj ku ku
A
stooped
ku ku l\e ¯«î t|å tΔ«å å. He is sitting stooped over.
Gcj Hel ku kæ\∑
N
a hitch knot in trouser-tops, loin-cloths, etc.
ku kæ\∑ tæ\ö å.
He hitched his pants up with a knot.
Gcj Mcj ku tsu
A
bending forward and straightening up
ku tsu ku tsu d«å å. It is bending forward and then straightening up.
Gcj Tm ku z\ГҐ
N
star, also ku z\ГҐ
ku z\ГҐ tО”Г¦\Г®
meteorite (�star feces’)
Gcl
k\u
N
drum, no longer used by Lisu
k\u tæ\î s\∑ d\∑ å.
He is beating a drum.
Gcl
k\u
V
consider, theorise
I reckon he is going.
dГ”e ГҐ О”\ГЇ k\u o.
nu k\u ВЇi.
You work it out./You think about it.
Gcl Aai Oj k\u p«î må N
a type of bulbul, also p|Г® k\o lВ«e
Gcl Oel Lak k\u m\∑ dzÉï N
tower, pagoda, also k\u n\∑ dzÉï
Gcl P\]b k\u ВЇ|ГҐw N
a type of dumpling made out of yam flour (C)
Gcl P\aj J\j P\aj k\u ВЇi tО”ГҐ ВЇi
N
things, usually tО”ГҐ s|ГЇ
Gcl Qah Gh k\u l|Г® k|ГҐ
N
a type of bulbul, also k\u l|Г® k\ГҐ k\ГҐ
Gcl Qah Gl Gl k\u l|Г® k\ГҐ k\ГҐ
N
type of bulbul, usually k\u l|Г® k\ГҐ k\ГҐ
Gcj
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
95
Southern Lisu Dictionary
k|uj
V
expensive (C), also kæ«å
It is not so expensive.
tæe k|∑ m\å k|uj.
j|î pæ\y k|uj å.
The price is expensive.
k|∑
V
deceive, lie
VV pretend to be
Don’t tell lies.
k|∑ ≥\o tæ\å tΔæ\ö.
dz\å k|∑ su
person who pretends to eat
tsæo k|∑ su
a liar, a deceiver
su l|á tæ\å k|∑.
Don’t deceive people.
k|∑
NS bowl
C
for bowlfuls
a bowlful of rice
dzå tæ\î k|∑
lo k|∑
bowl
k|∑
V
comfort, pacify, cheer up
j|î ≥u tΔ«å å, å| m|e dÔe k|∑ ©\∑. She is crying, go and cheer her up.
k|∑
V
twisted too tight (spun), see also k∑
k|∑ l\∑ l\∑
twisted too tight so that secondary twists occur
k|∑ l\∑ l\∑
roly-poly, of plump children
w\y k|∑ le o.
He twisted it up tight in both hands.
Δ|ï l\y l\y k|∑ le o. It has become twisted.
k|∑
NP neck, near the top
near the top, on the upper side
k|∑ k|∑ ΔÉï
k|∑ ts|ï
neck; near the top
k|∑ ts|ï nå
have a sore throat
k|∑ ts|ï ΔÉï
uphill from
h~ i k|∑ ts|ï å å| pæ\y tså d«å å. There is a pumpkin vine near the uphill
Gcah
Geh
Geh
Geh
Geh
Geh
side of his house.
k|∑ ts|ï n\á
area behind head of animal without distinct neck
j|î k|∑ ts|ï n\á fu j\å le å.
He shot it behind the head.
f\u l«u be k|∑ ts|ï
the neck of a water gourd
k|∑ n\å g\o kæ«o
nape of the neck, also k|∑ n\å kæ«o
j|î k|∑ n\å g\o kæ«o bj\å t|∑ å. A bee stung him in the nape of his neck.
N
Geh Qah
k|∑ l|î
Gei
pæu k|∑ l|î
\å n\å k|∑ l|î
k«∑
V
må kæw\å k«∑ å.
|å kæ\∑ tæ\å k«∑ tsÉï.
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
a small, high-pitched horse or cow bell,
see also k|o t|o l|o/k|o l|Г¶/tО”|e l|e
silver bell
dog bell
creak, of doors, bamboo, etc.
Bamboo squeaks.
Don't make the door squeak.
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
96
Southern Lisu Dictionary
k«∑
V
be in despair
in despair
¯«î k«∑ mjå k«∑
k«∑
V
spice
tsæ\å bo l«å ts\ï k«∑ å. Spice it with salt and chili.
k«∑
V
exchange keepsakes
¯«î tæ\o k«∑ l\á xo å. They exchanged keepsakes.
k∑
VP
twisted (too tight, spun), see also k|∑
k∑ l\∑ l\∑
twisted too tight so that secondary twists occur
w\y k∑ le o.
He twisted it up tight between two hands..
Δ|ï l\y l\y k∑ le o. It has become twisted.
k∑ l∑
curly, twisted
k∑ l∑/tΔi≥ k∑ l∑ twisted too tight, so that secondary twists occur
k∑ l∑
a spindle
k∑ l∑ pu å
to set a spindle spinning
w|u k∑ l∑
the crown of the head
k\∑
C
half (T); half-pip; especially salt
k\∑
C
half a full finger span (i.e. from tip of
Gei
Gei
Gei
Gej
Gel
Gel
middle finger to knuckle on the back of the hand)
one cubit plus a half a finger span
Gel
Gel
Gel Del
Gem Dem
Gfi
Gfi
tæ\î tΔæ«å tæ\î k\∑
k\∑
V
stunted in growth (either height or weight)
k\∑ ts\ï le o.
It is too stunted.
k\∑
VV fit to be, having sufficient status or quality
mÌ tæe må kÌ m\å k\∑ .
This cloth isn’t fit to be put on the other.
j|î ¯å j|î z\å m\å k\∑. He is not fit to be his son.
k\∑ t\∑
V
rough, uneven, bumpy, also k\∑ t\∑/kæ\∑ tæ\∑
tΔi≥ k\∑ t\∑
rough, uneven
j|î k\∑ j|î k\∑
rough patches
k\∑ t\∑
V
rough, uneven, bumpy, also k\∑ t\∑/kæ\∑ tæ\∑
tΔi≥ k\∑ t\∑
rough, uneven
j|î k\∑ j|î k\∑
rough patches
xw\å k\∑ t\∑
edible cartilage
k«Ì
V
remove from office
su j|î l|á k«Ì fu ©∑ o. They sacked him (as spirit leader, headman, etc.)
k«Ì
V
be between, alternate
tæ\î ¯i k«Ì tæ\î ¯i lå å. He comes on alternate days.
w\å dÔ\ï tæ\å må k«Ì å. There is a mountain between.
å mjå ¯i dzå gu k«Ì o.
How many days’ journey is there in
between?
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
97
Southern Lisu Dictionary
k«Ì t|å
N
bumps, unevenness, also k\∑ t\∑/k\∑ t\∑
tΔå k«Ì t|å
a cyst which appears on ears that have been pierced
j|î mjå s\∑ j|î k«Ì t|å the bump on a bamboo joint where branch emerges
k«Ì
NS partition, room, also kВ«o
C
for rooms, walls
one main living room
tæ\å wå tæ\î k«Ì
tæ\î må tæ\î k«Ì tΔ«å å. They were on different sides of the wall.
k«Ì g\u
bedroom, also j\î t|å k«Ì
k«Ì g\o ¯\î k«Ì
two bedrooms
k«Ì g\o k«Ì o.
The bedroom has been walled.
k«Ì tsæÉï
an inner wall
k«Ì tsæÉï m\å k«Ì h~ e\ . I haven’t put in any inner walls yet.
kæ\u ts|o b\e tæ\î k«Ì må
room with a fireplace (separate kitchen)
j|î k«Ì
room, also j|Г® kВ«o
bedroom, also k«Ì g\u
j\î t|å k«Ì
k«Ì
V
cause to turn or separate
k«Ì
NS ring
finger rings
l\á ¯i k«Ì
kГЊ
V
put, place
tæå kÌ t|å.
Put it down here.
kГЊ m\ГҐ di.
I can’t fix it all in.
kГЊ
PV
past action, also ©∑
t«á lå kÌ dÔe o.
He brought it, then left.
dzГҐ dz\ГҐ kГЊ ВЇГҐ, dГ”e o.
When we have eaten, we’ll go.
|å t|î Δ«ï fu kÌ.
Please wipe it.
Q_j kГЊ le
V
happen
j|î l\á ¯i å| tæ\å d∑ kÌ le å. His finger happened to be cut off with a
Gfi Dh
Gfi
Gfi
Gfi
Gfj
Gfj
Gfj
knife.
What happened?
Nothing happened.
|ГҐ О”\ГЇ kГЊ le ГҐ\ .
ГҐ| О”\ГЇ|e m\ГҐ kГЊ le.
Gfl Dfi k\Ì t«Ì
N
|å n\å k\Ì t«Ì
h~ ГЎ
« k\Ì t«Ì
Gfl Maj k\Ì tsÉï
N
GZh
kw|ГҐ
V
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
flea
dog fleas
rat fleas
banks, dykes in paddy fields, also k\∑ tsÉï
be greedy (esp. for meat), also tО”Г¦\ГҐ
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
98
Southern Lisu Dictionary
kw|ГҐ
V
fall over backwards
He fell over backwards, end over end.
t«á kw|å ΔÉï kw|å d\y je å.
GZh
kw|ГҐ
V
hang (C), see ≥o
C
for a hanging strip
a strip of meat
xw|å tæ\î kw|å
GZh
kw|ГҐ
Dem there far away on same level, see gwГҐ
there very far away on same level
kw|ГҐ gwГҐ
kw|ГҐ kwГҐ
around there very far away on same level
GZh GZh kw|ГҐ kw|ГҐ
N
long-tailed nightjar (type of bird)
GZh K\h K\h kw|ГҐ tО”Г¦|ГҐ tО”Г¦|ГҐ N
a type of bulbul
GZh Adj kw|ГҐ py
N
cuckoo (large night bird, grey with speckled neck
and curved beak), song language for married
man, night spirit, also kw|å pö
kw|ГҐ py |ГҐ m\Г®
a type of bird (eldest sister of kw|ГҐ py)
kw|ГҐ py |ГҐ m\o
hoopoe (�horse cuckoo’)
GZh Qah Gl Gl kw|ГҐ l|Г® k\ГҐ k\ГҐ N
small bird, red-brown with spotted chest
GZh
kw|ГҐ lj|ГҐ
NP/S enclosed vessel for liquids
storm lantern, hurricane lamp
kw|ГҐ lj|ГҐ
tsæ\å kw|å
kettle, teapot
GZh [di kw|å Δ«ï
V
experienced
He is experienced.
kw|å Δ«ï å.
m\å kw|å Δ«ï t|å
inexperienced
GZi
kw«å
V
clear, scrape off (with something flat), clear
the throat, scratch in ground with hands
a scraper
kw«å pæ\å
j\å pæ|î kw«å pæ\å
opium scraper
kw«å fu ©\_∑.
Scrape it off.
tsæÉï n|å kæw|å kw«å fu ©∑ å. He cleared his throat.
h~ å d\u kw«å pæ\å
an earth scraper
j\å pæ|î kw«å pæ\å
an opium scraper
GZiqLcj Kw«ådzu
N
originally the word for Tibetan, now only in
GZh
Kw«ådzu må
GZi Qbj kw«å lo
N
kw«å lo tæ\î kæw|å
GZj
kwГҐ
NS
h~ i tæ\u kwå ti å.
GZj
kwГҐ
VS
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
legends, refers to a land inhabited only by women
Tibetan woman
fireplace stones
one fireplace stone
pair word for h~ i family
start a new family/household
pair word for lВ«o overflow
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
99
Southern Lisu Dictionary
kwГҐ
N/V fork, branch, node; branch out, part
kwГҐ l\ГЎ xo ГҐ.
Part from one another, pair for b\e l\ГЎ xo ГҐ
dzå gu tæe kwå je å. The trail branches like this.
dzГҐ kwГҐ
a fork in the trail
mi tsæÉï kwå tΔæö forked pants with individual legs (not Lisu pants)
s«∑ kwå
forked branch (tool for picking up rice etc.)
s«∑ kwå ¯ö
a fork in a tree
GZj
kwГҐ
V
buck (horses)
|å m\o tæe må m\e do m\å kwå.
This horse doesn’t buck.
GZj
kwГҐ
NS palm/sole surfaces
tsæÉï kwå
sole of the foot
l\ГЎ kwГҐ
palm of the hand
GZj
kwГҐ
V
misbehave, meddle with, also kГҐw
w\u pæ\e ¯i tæ\å kwå. Don’t misbehave al the time!
GZj
kwГҐ
PN at, to, also wГҐ/ГҐ
~hi kwå tΔ«å å.
He is in the house.
kwГҐ be
from, out of, by means of, usually kwГҐ ts|o
h~ i kwГҐ be
from the house
j|Г® je ГҐ mГҐ kwГҐ be s|ГЊ ГҐ.
I knew by what he did.
kwГҐ tО”Г¦i
up to, until
kwГҐ ts|o
from, out of, by means of, also kwГҐ be
ГҐ kwГҐ
where?, usually ГҐ li kwГҐ
GZj K_i kwå tΔæ«e
V
dance, a dance
kwå m\å tΔæ«e.
I’m not dancing.
GZj Kbl kwГҐ tО”Г¦\o
N
friend, also gwå tΔæ\o/tΔæ\o pæ«á
GZj A_i kwГҐ pВ«e
N
liquor ingredients
GZl A\i Qbl Oj kw\å pj«å l\o må N type of bulbul with black head
GZl Dh Qh kw\ГҐ t|ГҐ l|ГҐ
I
sound of rice-pounder, also kw\å≥ t|å l|å
GZm
kw\ГҐ
N
a cane ball
kw\ГҐ pВ«e ГҐ
kick a cane ball
kw\å k«å ¯«å å
play with cane ball
kw\ГҐ lo ГҐ
throw a cane ball – game played at New Year
GZm
kw\ГҐ
V
govern, protect and care for, concern
oneself with, deal with, have a purpose,
have some value (C)
It’s difficult to deal with.
kw\ГҐ ~h|Г® ГҐ.
kw\ГҐ sГҐ
kingdom, rule, reign over land, people; a period over
GZj
which somebody rules
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
100
Southern Lisu Dictionary
m\y kw\å pæ\å
nu tæ\å kw\å.
nu kw\å du m\å ≥å.
≥wå kw\å wå å.
|ГҐ О”\ГЇ|e m\ГҐ kw\ГҐ.
kw\ГҐ О”\ГЇ
those who govern
Don’t you meddle in this matter.
It’s none of your business.
I must concern myself with this/I must get involved.
It is pointless.
watch, look after the interest, be concerned, involved
with, govern, rule, care for
≥wå m\å kw\å Δ\ï. It doesn’t concern me.
|å m\o |å t|î kw\å Δ\ï ©\∑.
Please watch my horse for me.
N
areca nut (C)
N
a bad omen (C)
It is a bad omen.
kwГҐj s|ГЇ dГ”o ГҐ.
GZ_j
kwe
V
not given to crying (C)
m\å ≥u å, kwe å. She doesn’t cry much.
GZ_l
kw\e
V
docile, placid, good tempered, peaceful (C)
tæe kæ|∑ m\å kw\e. It isn’t very docile.
kw\e kw\e ¯i k«å å. It is docile.
¯«î må kw\e kw\e kÌ le o.
My heart is at peace.
j|î z\å nö \å kæ|∑ kw\e m\å k|o.
Her child isn’t very placid.
GZ]Ul Dh Qh kw\å≥ t|å l|å I sound of rice-pounder, also kw\å t|å l|å
GZm Maj kw\å tsÉï
GZ]ah Rah kw|ГҐj s|ГЇ
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
101
Southern Lisu Dictionary
kæ|å
C
weight of 14 rupees (one tenth tæ«ö/40 tΔe)
kæ|å
NS
lizard
lizard
\å kæ|å
kæ|å
V
dry on spot (without moving)
kæ|å tæ\∑
shelf above fireplace (for drying things)
kæ«å
V
go mouldy
b\y my så ts|ï kæ«å le o. It has gone mouldy.
kæ«å
C
for cattle (archaic), now usually mГҐ
|å ¯\î ¯\î kæ«å
two cows
kæ«å
N/C village (archaic), usually , ts|åj tsÉï, used in
kæ«å do
bottom of the village
kæ«å tΔæ\î d\u
bottom of the village (impolite, �village buttock’)
kæ«å tsæÉï kæ«å l\á
sides of village (�village leg village arm’)
kæ«å li tΔö
edges of village
kæ«å w\o p|o
below the village
kæ«å w|u g\u
the top of the village
kæ«å w|u kæ«å do
the whole village, from top to bottom
kæ«å
NS/C basket for carrying on the back,
kæ«å tæu
basket for carrying on the back, also k«å tæu,
see also kæw\å l\o
kæ«å tæu tæ\î kæ«å
one back basketful
kæ«å tæu má å.
He is carrying a pack basket on his back.
kæ«å \n ts|u
type of large basket for carrying in pairs on a pole
kæ«å n\ ts|u tæ\î pæ\á one such basket
kæ«å n\ ts|u lu
basket for carrying on a pole
kæ«å \n ts|u lu tæ\î s\∑ one basket for carrying on a pole
m|å kæ«å
basket of dead person’s possessions by grave
|å j|å kæ«å
basket-nest for chicken (on pole)
kæ«å
V
expensive, usually k|uj
kæ«å
VS
brave, in
kæ\∑ kæ«å
brave, usually z\å kæ«å
brave, also kæ\∑ kæ«å
z«å kæ«å
kæ«å b\e
V
with uncombed messy hair
kæ«å tsæ\å
N
high raised platform, floor of raised house,
Hh
Hh
Hh
Hi
Hi
Hi
Hi
Hi
Hi
Hi @_l
Hi Nl
high place to sun-dry crops, high sleeping place
a raised house
kæ«å tsæ\å h~ i
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
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j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
102
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Hi Obk Qbj Obk kæ«å mo lo mo
V
live close to bride’s father
kæ«å mo lo mo wå å. You must live nearby so that I can see you.
(said by father of bride to bridegroom)
kæ«å le
V
make a forced stop-over on a journey
tæ\î ¯i ¯\î h~ j\å kæ«å le o. I stopped over two nights and a day.
HiqQm
Kæ«ål\å
N
Wa person
Hi Qm Qm kæ«å l\å l\å
V
branching out upward, also kæ«å l\á \á
tΔæ«e w|u tsæÉï kæ«å l\å l\å. The deer’s horns were branching out upward.
Hj
kæå
V
copulate (of people or animals)
|å j|å pæ\å tæe må kæå m\å k|u. This rooster is impotent.
Hl
kæ\å
V
charm dangerous things (B)
I can exert charm against it.
≥wå kæ\å då å.
Hl
kæ\å
V
murder
murder
kæ\å Δ\e
Hl
kæ\å
NS
fish trap (for trawling, or dragging)
fish trap
≥w|å kæ\å
Hl
kæ\å
V
bear, endure, suffer
I can bear it.
kæ\å då å.
w\u x∑ å kæ\å m\å då. I was more tired than I could bear.
Hl
kæ\å
V
guarantee
I can’t guarantee it.
kæ\å m\å då.
≥wå kæ\å å.
I guarantee it.
Hl
kæ\å
NS
Akha
Akha
\åkæ\å
Hl Qi
kæ\å l«å
NS
sticky rice cooked in bamboo tube (T)
sticky rice cooked in bamboo tube
må kæ\å l«å
Hl Qah Qbj kæ\å l|î lo N
a type of tree which bears fruit eaten by
Hi Q_
cattle, leaves turn red
Hm
Hm @_l
kæ\å
V
get lodged in
≥w|å tΔæ\u kæ\å d«å å. a fish bone stuck in his throat
kæ\å b\e
N
open mouth, also kæw\å b\e, see m\Ì n«Ì
kæ\å b\e tæ\å x\å.
Don’t open your mouth, shut up.
kæ\å b\e x\å x\å l\e ≥u tΔæ«ï å. She’s always howling (i.e. crying with
gaping mouth).
Hm Hm
@
b
A
p
kæ\å kæ\å
V
adulterated too much, a great number
dzå må s\∑ kæ\å kæ\å l\e.
There is a lot of unmilled rice mixed in.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
103
Southern Lisu Dictionary
kæ\å l\å
V
spangled
k_u z\å kæ\å l\å l\å d«å å. The stars were out in their myriads.
kæ\å l\å l\å
plethora of small shiny objects
tΔi≥ kæ\å l\å
spangled, with myriads
å| kæ|o z\å kæ\å l\å l\å d«å å.
There were myriads of silver ornaments
Hm Qm
on his jacket.
V
H]aj Hel kæåj kæ\∑
state a case in court, charge formally with
an offence, present evidence supporting an
accusation (C)
take an examination (C)
immobilise by tying
kæ«åw
V
kæ\ö
V
put down and immobilise by tying up
tsæ«o kæ\ö d\o ©∑
å| m\o tsæÉï kæ\ö l\á kæ\ö tsæ«o d«å å. The horse is tied up with his fore and
H]bi
H`l
hind legs immobilised.
kæi
NS
third son, usually ГҐsГҐ
|å kæi
third son, usually ГҐsГҐ
kæ|o
V
baggy, tight at edges but baggy in the middle
kæ|o kæ|o l\e
convex, bulging in the middle
z\å nö n\å h~ o« kæ|o å. The child’s hat is baggy.
j|î bö tsæ\ï kæ|o kæ|o l\e k«å å. His coat is baggy.
kæ|o
NS
small round silver ornament, also kæw|å
|å kæ|o/|å kæ|o z\å/|å kæ|o\å small round silver ornament
kæ«o
V
levy a fine
He fines people
su l|á kæ«o dz\å å.
kæ«o
V
snap off, break off (intransitive)
kæ«o le o.
It is snapped.
w\o tæ«ö kæ«o dz\å å. He is snapping the cabbage leaves off the stalks.
kæ«o
C
for round trips
tæ\î ¯i kæ\∑ så ≥w\å kæ«o má å. He carries five loads of corn in a day
kæ«o
NS
earring
C
for garments, blankets, etc.
one jacket
bö tsæ\ï tæ\î kæ«o
nå kæ«o
earring
z«ï by tæ\î kæ«o
one blanket
wå må tæ\î kæ«o
one winnowing tray
kæ«o k«å
N
evidence (T), also k|å tΔÉï
|å Δ\ï kæ«o k«å x∑ m\å dÔo.
They have no evidence at all.
Haj
Hbh
Hbh
Hbi
Hbi
Hbi
Hbi
Hbi Gi
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
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О”
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Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
104
Hbk
Southern Lisu Dictionary
kæo
V
cross over without touching
bö tΔö t«Ì kæo je o. He jumped over the fence.
w|u kæo pæ\y
brideprice for girl with unmarried elder sister
(�head pass-over price’)
kæo
V
kæo zu
Hbk
kæo
V
|å Δ\ï m\å kæo.
Hbk
kæo
VS
j\_î mjå kæo å.
Hbk Q_j kæo le
V
tΔæe kæo le o.
m«e kæo le o.
Hbk [`j [`j kæo Δö Δö
Hbl
kæ\o
V
tæe bá m\å kæ\o.
dzå dz\å m\å kæ\o.
nå n«å m\å kæ\o.
Hbk
Hbl
Hbl
Hbl
Hbl
Hbl
Hbl
j\ö m\å kæ\o.
kæ\o
VV
kæw\å m\å kæ\o.
m\å kæ\o m\å så.
©«∑ m\å kæ\o.
kæ\o
VV
bo kæ\o le o.
kæ\o
V
kæ\o do
kæ\o do kæ\o å.
ts\å p\o kæ\o å.
Mbh kæ\o ts|o
N
kæ\o ts|o b\e
Q^m Acj kæ\o l\á puN
[`i kæ\o Δ«ö
N
kæ\o Δ«ö má å.
kæ\o Δ«ö n\e te
kæ\o Δ«ö n|î å.
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
stretch out two hands to receive
stretch out hands and get
happen, see also kæ\o
It doesn’t matter/You’re welcome.
dream
He dreamed a dream.
fall
Someone dropped it.
He fell over.
V
in private
be usual, normal, natural
We don’t usually say it like this.
It’s not normally eaten.
It doesn’t sound “natural”/It’s not the normal
way of saying it.
It’s not comfortable to use.
have room to act (possible but not convenient)
There’s no room to dig.
There’s no room to do anything.
There’s no room to swing it.
in a clumsy and unskilful way, also kæw\å
It is written in an unskilful and clumsy way
spread out a mat, blanket, etc.
mat, mattress, anything to lie on
spread a matress
spread a mat
fireplace, stove, also kæ\u tΔ|o
fireplace, also kæ\u tΔ|o b\e
large tree with small green edible fruit
ritual bridge; influence (usually bad) resulting
from opinions passed (e.g. a bad rice crop - people
say it’s bad and it gets worse as a result)
be under bad influence
make a ritual bridge
offset bad influence by performing ceremony of
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
105
Southern Lisu Dictionary
making a small ritual bridge, and offering chicken
and rice for good influence whilst enclosing bad
influence in a hole
kæ\o
V
|å n\å m\å kæ\o.
Hbm
kæ\o
V
å dÔå kæ\o je å.
Hbm
kæ\o
NS/C
kæ\o Δ\ï
tsæÉï ¯«î xå å.
\å ¯«î tæ\î kæ\o
Hbm
kæo
V
|å Δ\ï kæ\o le å\ .
Hbm
kæ\o
V
kæ\o kæ\o l\e k«å å.
n|å kæ\o
s«∑ b\∑ kæ\o
Hbm Cbm kæ\o d\o
N
Hbm Qbm kæ\o l\o
N
bite
Hbm
Hch
Hch
Hcj
Hck
Hck
X
h
draw water
She’s gone to draw water.
year
New Year
things are good this year - crops, health, luck, etc.
last year
happen, of unfavourable things
What happened?
flat, when the rest is round
It has a flat side.
harelip
a tree with a flat side
bamboo aqueduct, usually kæw\å tæ\o
a small, close-woven open basket used for
rice, also kæw\å l\o
a type of spirit (T)
purify a house of kæ|oo
\ spirits
teacher (T)
kæ|oo\
N
kæ|oo\ s|o å.
kæ|u
N
kæ|u pæ\å
kæ|u må
kæ|u
NS/C
pæu tæ\î kæ|u
j|î kæ|u
å| w\á xw\å tæ\î kæ|u
|å j|å fu tæ\î kæ|u
kæu
V
j|î kæu kæu å
kæu
VV
dzå gu Δ\ö m\å kæu.
má m\å kæu.
kæu
NS
mi tΔæå kæu
wå l\å kæu/wå kæu
Hbhl
W
x
The dog doesn’t bite.
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
male teacher
female teacher
for lumps
one lump of silver
a lump
one lump of pork
one egg
to have a hole
There is a hole (in the ground).
able to (have strength to, just barely)
I’m too weak to walk.
I haven’t the strength to carry it.
hole
a hole in the ground
a ditch trap with a snare, a pit trap
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
106
Southern Lisu Dictionary
j|î kæu
a hole
j|î kæu ~hö å.
It has a hole in it.
å| pæ\∑ kæu
a mouse hole
©|å kæu
a hole in a cliff
Hck
kæu
V
call
church (�call life people’)
kæu dz\ï tsæo
å| m|e kæu t«á lå.
Call him here.
|å m|e dÔe kæu.
Go and call him.
tsæo h~ å kæu å.
He is calling his soul.
j|î ¯å ≥wå l|á w|o wo kæu å. He calls me father’s younger brother
Hcl
kæ\u
V
steal
VV do secretly
He stole it and carried it away.
kæ\u t«á je o.
kæ\u tΔæ«e å.
He ran away when nobody was looking.
kæ\∑ tΔæ\ï å
steal
kæ\u tΔæ\ö å
speak secretly, also kæ\∑ tΔæ\ï å
kæ\u ¯i ná ¯å
secretly
kæ\u j|î dÔe å
steal away without people knowing
tsæo kæ\u
thief
Hcl
kæ\u
NS
smoke, tobacco for smoking
smoke, tobacco for smoking
m\u kæ\u
Hcl
kæ\u
NS
fifth daughter, usually ГҐ| w\u mГҐ
å| kæ\u
fifth daughter, usually ГҐ
| w\u mГҐ
Hcl
kæ\u
NS
inside,
C
for valleys, hollows, depressions
the space in a garden
bö kæ\u
mi tΔæå kæ\u wå
in the ground, underground
me nå ≥\∑ kæ\u tæ\î kæ\u a hollow
mjå kæ\u
sunken eyes
n|å h~ u kæ\u
the space inside the mouth
lo kæ\u tæ\î kæ\u
one valley
h~ i kæ\u/~hi kæ\u wå
inside a house
j|î kæ\u
depressions
j|î kæ\u d\u å.
The inside is hollow.
j|î kæ\u n|áá
\ /j|î kæ\u n|áå\
indoors
å dÔå kæ\u wå
underwater
Hcl Hcl kæ\u kæ\u
V
with holes, dented, squashed in, concave
with many depressions/hollows, concave, pitted
kæ\u kæ\u l\e
mjå s\∑ kæ\u kæ\u l\e eyes sunken in
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
107
Southern Lisu Dictionary
kæ\u z\å kæ\u må
pits, depressions, hollows
j|î kæ\u kæ\u l\e d\∑ je å. It became dented.
Hcl Mbh kæ\u ts|o
N
fireplace, stove, also kæ\o ts|o
fireplace, also kæ\o ts|o b\e
kæ\u ts|o b\e
Hcl Nl kæ\u ts\å
A
sound of whispering
kæ\u tsæ\å kæ\u tsæ\å tΔæ\ö. Speak in whispers.
Hcl Oel kæ\u m\∑
NS
domesticated, tame (opposite of k|o)
kæ\u m\∑ dzÉï
green calotes lizard
j|î kæ\u m\∑
a tame one
å| w\á kæ\u m\∑
domesticated pigs
Hcl Pel Lak kæ\u n\∑ dzÉï
N
charcoal, also kæw\å m
\ pæu
Hcl Vk kæ\u ~hå
N
ashes, also kæw\å m\∑ pæu
Hcm
kæ\u
NS
pangolin, anteater
tæ\o kæ\u
pangolin, anteater
Heh
kæ|∑
N
amount, degree
that much
go kæ|∑
tæe kæ|∑
this much
tæe kæ|∑ m\å xå.
It is not so good.
dÔö kæ|∑ ö
that low
nö kæ|∑ mö
that high
å\ kæ|∑
very/a lot
\å kæ|∑ dz\å
eat a lot
\å kæ|∑ xå
very good
Heh
kæ|∑
NS
bowl
bowl
lo kæ|∑
Heh Qel Qel kæ|∑ l\∑ l\∑ V
tangled
kæ|∑ l∑ l∑ kæ∑ l∑ o. It has become all tangled.
Hei
kæ«∑
V
chop down trees
He’s felling trees.
s«∑ dzÉï kæ«∑ å.
Hek
kæ∑
V
persecute, bully
bully and boss around
kæ∑ dÔÉï å.
≥wå l|á kæ∑ å.
They persecuted me.
Hek
kæ∑
NS/C/V nest, skein of thread
one bird’s nest
¯«å kæ∑ tæ\î kæ∑
¯«å j|î kæ∑
a bird’s nest
¯«å j|î kæ∑ kæ∑ å. Birds are building nests.
z\å kæ∑
placenta
j\å kæ∑ tæ\î kæ∑
one skein of thread for a loom
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
108
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
Hek Qel kæ∑ l\∑
kæ∑ l\∑ du
kæ∑ l\∑ l\∑
kæ∑ l\∑ l\∑ d«å å.
tΔi≥ kæ∑ l\∑
nu tæ\å kæ∑ l\∑.
kæ\∑
NS
dzå gu j|î kæ\∑
m\y kæ\∑
m\∑ tsæå do kæ\∑
m\∑ tsæå go kæ\∑
å dÔå j|î kæ\∑
kæ\∑
N
kæ\∑ b\e
kæ\∑ kæ\o su
kæ\∑ ts«ï
kæ\∑ m\o
kæ\∑
V
s«∑ kæ\∑ å.
å| pu s\∑ kæ\∑ å.
kæ\∑
V
bá mo kæ\∑ su
kæ\∑
N
C
bá kæ\∑
kæ\∑ pæu å
kæ\∑ pæu pæ\y
Hel
Hel
Hel
Hel
Hel
trouble, hinder, untidy, chaotic
things which are trouble
scattered all over the place, chaotic
Things were scattered all over the place.
untidy, chaotic
Don’t bother him.
the edge, rim, bank
side of the road
border of a country
east
west
the riverside
dog (archaic)
hairy dog
person born in Dog Year
old skinny dog
old dog
split, cut with the grain/lengthwise
He is splitting firewood.
He’s splitting the cucumber lengthwise.
decide, judge
a judge
word, speech
for utterances
word
open bride-price discussions (of bride’s father)
three rupees given by the groom to the relative who
opens the discussion for the bride’s family
kæ\∑ tΔæå≥
accent, pronunciation (C)
j|î kæ\∑ tΔæ|å m\å x«o. His pronunciation isn’t correct.
j|î ¯å kæ\∑ tΔæ|å å. He gabbles.
kæ\∑ fu
a verbal blessing or curse
kæ\∑ fu m\å xå Δ\ï tæ\î kæ\∑ tæ\å g\∑. Don’t pronounce a curse on him.
kæ\∑ fu xå xå Δ\ï tæ\î kæ\∑ g\∑ m\å. Pronounce a blessing on him.
kæ\∑ fu m\u gw\å
blessing song
dÔ\ö kæ\∑
curse
m|å kæ\∑
words of teaching
nu l|á tæ\î kæ\∑ bá ¯«î ΔÉï å. I want to have a word with you.
©\∑ kæ\∑
blessing
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
109
Southern Lisu Dictionary
kæ\∑
NS
door
door, also ГҐ
| kæ\∑
kå kæ\∑
m|å kæ\∑
gates of the Land of the Dead
å| kæ\∑
door, also kå kæ\∑
Hel
kæ\∑
N
ferry crossing
ferry crossing
tΔ|u li k|o kæ\∑
Hel
kæ\∑
NS
notch on a crossbow/trigger
trigger of a gun
po kæ\∑
tΔæ«å kæ\∑
crossbow notch (for bowstring)
Hel Eel kæ\∑ tæ\∑
V
bumpy, rough (of roads), also k\∑ t\∑/k\∑ t\∑
tΔi≥ kæ\∑ tæ\∑ d«å å. It is rough and bumpy.
Hel Hi kæ\∑ kæ«å
V
brave, usually z\å kæ«å
Hel Kdl kæ\∑ tΔæ\ï
V
ask others to keep secret, also kæ\u tΔæ\ö å
tæ\å kæ\∑ tΔæ\ï.
Don’t keep it a secret.
dz\o dz|oo\ kæ\∑ tΔæ\ï å. He kept it completely secret.
≥wå l|á tæ\å kæ\∑ tΔæ\ï. Don’t tell me to keep it a secret.
j|î l|á kæ\∑ tΔæ\ï.
Tell him to keep it a secret.
Hel Kdl kæ\∑ tΔæ\ï
N
stopper, cork
Please put the cork in.
j|î kæ\∑ tΔæ\ï |å t|î tΔæ\ï ©\∑.
Hel Rel kæ∑ s\∑
N
a type of fruit, red, about 10 cm diameter,
Hel
Hel Rj
Hel Ycl
Hem
HZh
W
x
X
h
Y
f
fruit hang on trunk of trees
large fruit of this tree
tree of this fruit
green fruit of this tree
kæ\∑ s\∑ d\å må
kæ\∑ s\∑ dzÉï
kæ\∑ s\∑ n«î tΔæ\ï
kæ\∑ så
N
kæ\∑ så tæ\u
kæ\∑ så pæ\u
kæ\∑ så dÔÉï
kæ\∑ så nö
kæ\∑ f\u
V
kæ\∑
NS
m\∑ kæ\∑
kæw|å
V
gwå kæw|å t|å å.
kæw|å t|å å.
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
corn
ear of corn
popped corn
fermented corn flour paste
tassel on top of corn stalks
yawn
evening
evening
lean against, support (animate agent)
It is leaning against something there.
He is leaning back against it.
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
110
HZh
HZh
HZh
HZh
Southern Lisu Dictionary
NS/C for boards, segments of bamboo, other flat
kæw|å
oblong raw materials, fields
tæ\u tΔi kæw|å/tæ\u tsÉï kæw|å
bricks
tΔ«å tΔ«ö kæw|å
section of bamboo from which arrows will be split
må kæ\∑ kæw|å
boards made from halved bamboo
s«∑ kæw|å
planks
å mi tæ\î kæw|å
one unirrigated field
kæw|å
NS
small round silver ornament, also kæ|o
small round silver ornament
|å kæw|å
kæw|å
V
split in half lengthwise
split bamboo in half lengthwise
må kæw|å å
kæw|å
V
set free from an obligation, forgive a debt
©∑ l\á by d«å å må j|î kæw|å ©\∑ ©∑ o. He let me off/He said I
needn’t pay my debt.
HZh HZh Oj kæw|å kæw|å må N
goliath beetle, also må kæw\å b\e di
HZj
kæwå
V
generous (C), also kæwå≥/Δi kæwå≥
HZj
HZj
HZj
HZl
HZl
@
b
A
p
¯«î må å li kæwå Δi
О”i kwГҐ
j|î ¯å kæwå Δi å.
j|î ¯«î må kæwå å.
kæwå
V
zÉï jå tæ\å kæwå.
kæwå
V
å mi kæwå je å.
kæwå
C
tæ\î kæwå t«Ì å.
kæw\å
V
kæw\å kæw\å mu
kæw\å le o.
kæw\å Δö
kæw\å Δö po lá
tsæ\å bo kæw\å å.
må kæw\å
l«o kæw\å
z«o kæw\å
kæw\å
VV
ΔÉï kæw\å le o.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
å li g\∑ å. Give according your own discretion.
generous and kind; degree of willingness
He is generous and kind.
He is generous.
gossip
Don’t gossip.
hoe
He’s going to hoe his fields.
for leap/attack of animal
It made an attack.
bitter, too salty
bitterly
It’s turned bitter.
reddish onion, also tsæo≥/tsæo
a type of onion
It’s too salty.
bamboo
artemisia
artemisia
intensifier
It is completely dead.
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
111
Southern Lisu Dictionary
HZl
HZl
HZl
HZl
HZl
kæw\å
VV
bo kæw\å le o.
kæw\å
NS
m|o j|î kæw\å
my kæw\å
kæw\å
NS
dzå kæw\å
dz\å kæw\å
kæw\å
V
kæw\å
V
kæw\å tæ\å
kæw\å tæ\å tæ\å je.
Ebl kæw\å tæ\o
N
in a clumsy and unskilful way, also kæ\o
It is written in an unskilful and clumsy way
lower part, in
lower millstone
body hair
collectives for food
crops, rice
food for a number of days carried from home
wide (C), also kæw\å≥, usually Δi
play in a bad way(C), also kæw\å≥
in a noisy manner
Don’t do it noisily.
bamboo aqueduct (implies a long one),
also kæ\o d\o/kæw\å tsæ\o
zÉï kæw\å tæ\o/å dÔå kæw\å tæ\o water-aqueduct
zÉï kæw\å tæ\o Δ|ï å. They are erecting a bamboo aqueduct.
HZl Nbl kæw\å tsæ\o N
bamboo aqueduct, usually kæw\å tæ\o
HZl Oel Bck kæw\å \m\∑ pæu N
ashes, dust, also kæ\u h~ å
HZl [dj kæw\å ΔÉï
V
satisfied, content
¯«î kæw\å ΔÉï
satisfied, content
¯«î kæw\å m\å ΔÉï
not satisfied, not content
HZm
kæw\å
V
dig, poke, tickle, etc.
tæ\å kæw\å.
Stop your poking and tickling.
HZmqMjqRj Kæw\åtsåså N
Trickster (in Lisu stories), also Xw\ГҐtsГҐsГҐ
HZm Qbm kæw\å l\o
N
a small, close-woven open basket used for
rice, also kæ\o l\o
HZ]al [_j kæw\åj Δe V
begrudge, feel sorry (C), also x|uj z\å/k«å b\å
nu pæu tæ\å kæw\åj Δe.Don’t begrudge your money.
HZ]Uj kæwå≥
V
generous (C), also kæwå
HZ]Ul kæw\å≥
V
wide (C), also kæw\å
HZ]Ul kæw\å≥
V
play in a bad way (C), also kæw\å
HZ^m
kæw\á
A
sound of bamboo poles splitting open
HZl
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
112
Southern Lisu Dictionary
I
I^m Q^m
dÂå
dГ”\ГЎ l\ГЎ
V
V
dГ”e
tæ\å dÔe ~h\e.
I_k C_i dГ”e dВ«e
I_k
I_l
I_m
I_m
I_m
I_m
I`h I`k
I`j
I`j
I`k
I`k
I`k
@
b
A
p
see dzГҐ
multicoloured, variegated, striped,
also dГ”\ГҐ l\ГЎ
go, also sometimes ge
Don’t go yet.
V
remaining, left (agentless intransitive verb),
written dze le
gwå dÔe d«e ©∑,
Even though there was some left there,
≥wå j\_î dÔe tæ\á,
when I went back,
\ГҐ О”\ГЇ|e m\ГҐ dГ”e dВ«e. there was none left.
dГ”\e
NS thing, type, kind, also dГ”\Г®/dz\ГЇ
There are many kinds.
\å mj«å dÔ\e dÔo.
dГ”\e
C
for pairs (clothing), also dГ”\Г®
tsæÉï ¯i tæ\î dÔ\e
a pair of shoes
dГ”\e
V
gnaw (of rodents), usually dz\Г®, written dz\e
dГ”\e
VV be normal to do (not tabooed)
je m\ГҐ dГ”\e
be inappropriate to do
dГ”\e
VS
at an angle, usually dГ”\Г¶
\å go m|∑ dÔ\e
short hoe, also \å go m|∑ dÔ\ö
dÔ|ö dÔö
Dem that way down there, see also tО”|Г¶
Follow him way down there.
dÔ|ö dÔö j|î k|å ¯|å g\å je.
dÔö
V
bump
|å ¯\î dÔö l\á xo å. The cows are butting each other.
dÔö
V
mourn, wail
j|î dÔö tΔ«å å.
He is doing the death wail/He is mourning.
|å tΔæå dÔö å
wail/mourn
dÔö
Dem that down there
dÔö tæ\î ~hi må ≥o. It is that house down there.
dÔö
V
lend, sell on credit, be in debt, owe
entrust to
l\á dÔö
≥wå l|á dÔö t|å å. He sold it to me on credit.
≥wå l|á dÔö ©\∑ å. He loaned to me.
dÔö
C
couple (of animate beings), pairs, also dz\ГЇ
tsæÉï dÔö ¯å ¯\î tsÉï må.
ten pairs is twenty
tsæo dÔö
married middle-aged people
tsæo dÔö må
married middle-aged women
tsæo dÔö pæ\å
married middle-aged man
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
113
Southern Lisu Dictionary
l\å tsæo tæ\î dÔö
z\å dÔö
m\∑ dÔö
≥\o dÔö
dÔö
NP/S
dÔö pæu
dÔö d\å må
dÔö pæ\å m\o
dÔö pæu
dÔö pæu må
dÔö ná
dÔö ná må
dÔö x«å lá/dÔö l\å
me dÔö
≥w|å go dÔö
dÔö
NS/C
tæ\î dÔö
g\o dÔö
©|å dÔö
dГ”\Г¶
V
I`k
I`k
I`l
a couple (man and wife)
twins (two boys or one boy and one girl)
twin girls
proverb (two lines paired)
hawk
a white eagle
eagle
hawk
white hawk
white hawk
black kite
black kite
goshawk, sparrow hawk, laggar falcon
night hawk
kingfisher (hawk that picks up fish)
high things
of the same height
bridge, spirit bridge, ladder
cliff
curse, pronounce blessing, swear an
oath (usually involves two people, may the
innocent one escape and the guilty be punished)
nu m\å dÔÉï ¯å ≥wå dÔ\ö å ≥o.
If you don’t believe me, I will
invoke a curse (I’ll die if I’m wrong or lying.)
dГ”\Г¶
V
dГ”\Г¶
NP
dГ”\Г¶ m\ГҐ dГ”o В©|ГҐ m\ГҐ
dГ”\Г¶ z\ГҐ
dГ”\Г¶ z\ГҐ mГҐ z\ГҐ
dГ”\Г¶ h~ Г¶ В©|ГҐ h~ Г¶
dГ”\Г¶ О”|ГЇ В©|ГҐ О”|ГЇ tО”|Г¶ ГҐ
~hö dÔ\ö
dГ”\Г¶
NP/S
dГ”\Г¶ wu
dГ”\Г¶ wu mГҐ
¯«å dÔ\ö
dГ”\Г¶
V
m\Г® ~hi dГ”\Г¶ ГҐ.
I`l
I`l
I`m
I`m
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
crush (by something big falling)
livestock
I have no cows, I have no chickens.
~hj\ГҐ.
domestic animals
domestic animals
raise livestock
breed domestic livestock
domestic animals
large grey birds
grey crane
grey crane
silver pheasant
blow (of wind)
The wind is blowing.
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
114
Southern Lisu Dictionary
I`m
Ia
Iaj
Iaj
Iaj
Iaj
Iak
Iak
Iak
Iak
Ial
Ial
Ial
Ial
Ial Wei
@
b
A
p
dГ”\Г¶
NS edge, side, angle
zÉï dÔ\ö
crab (water angle), usually p\ГҐ h
~ e\
fu dГ”\Г¶
banded krait (angle snake)
j|î dÔ\ö tæ«á å.
The edge is sharp.
j|î dÔ\ö ΔÉï
on one’s side
j|î dÔ\ö ΔÉï å j\î t|å å. He is sleeping on his side.
|å tæ\å dÔ\ö
side of knife blade
\å go m|∑ dÔ\ö
short hoe (angle-tailed hoe)
dГ”i
see also dzÉï/dÔe
dГ”i
V
chisel
s«∑ kæw|å tæ\å dÔi. don’t chisel the plank.
s«∑ kæw|å dÔi du
a chisel
dГ”i
V
flip chaff etc. out of winnowing tray
dzå dzÉï z\å dÔi fu ©∑.
Flip the broken rice fragments away.
dГ”i
V
leak out, usually dzÉï
dГ”i
AP adverb prefix, usually tΔi≥, also dÔi≥/tΔi
dГ”i
V
good (of person), also dÔÉÉï (used in songs)
tsæo dÔi
a good man
tsæo dÔi tsæo t«ö
honest people
dГ”i
V
melt, also dzÉï
å\ kæ|∑ tsæå ¯å, dÔi le å ≥o. If it gets very hot, it will melt.
dГ”i
V
dawn, also dzÉï
The dawn has broken.
m\î tæ\á dÔi lå o.
dГ”i
N
alcohol, also dzÉï/dÔÉï
alcohol, corn whisky
dÔi pæ\∑
dГ”\Г®
V
foolish, also dz\ГЇ
a fool
tsæo dÔ\î
dГ”\Г®
NS thing, type, kind, also dГ”\e/dz\ГЇ
There are many kinds.
\å mj«å dÔ\î dÔo.
dГ”\Г®
V
rub against, butt
They trod on each other.
tæ\o dÔ\î l\á xo å.
tsæ«å dÔ\î l\á xo å. They rubbed against each other.
tΔi≥ dÔ\ï dÔ\ï
lopsided
dГ”\Г®
V
be patient, usually dz\ГЇ
dÔ\î x«∑
V
belt, waistband, girdle, also dÔ\å x«∑
one belt
dÔ\î x«∑ tæ\î tΔæ«ö
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
115
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
dГ”\Г® l\Г® l\Г® so lГҐ ГҐ.
dГ”\Г®
C
tsæÉï ¯i tæ\î dÔ\î
dГ”\Г®
V
tæ\o ©\∑ dÔ\î du
mВ«e dГ”\Г®
dÔi≥
AP
sliding along slippery surface
Ial Qal Qal dГ”\Г® l\Г® l\\Г®
Iam
Iam
IaUj
Ibj
Ibk
Ibl
Ibl
a pair of shoes
attach
stapler (thing to attach paper)
roll up and attach together
adverb prefix, usually tΔi≥, also dÔi/tΔi/tΔe
dГ”\o
Ns every/any
dГ”\o dГ”\o
alone
tæ\î zo dÔ\o dÔ\o
one person alone
å lå dÔ\o å lå tæ\å dÔe. Don’t go anywhere.
ГҐ lГҐ dГ”\o ГҐ lГҐ dГ”e ГҐ. He went all around everywhere.
dГ”\o
NP part of floor supports, usually dz\o
floor joists
dГ”\o d\Г¶
dГ”\o mГҐ
flooring, raised floor, platform
dГ”\o mГҐ ts|ГЇ
floor bearers
Ibl
Ibl
X
h
for pairs (clothing), also dГ”\e
dГ”o
V
afraid, also dzo
¯«î dÔo å
hate (heart is afraid)
fu l|ГЎ dГ”o ГҐ.
He is afraid of snakes.
≥wå ¯å m\å dÔo. I’m not afraid.
dГ”o
V
have, exist, also dzo
gwГҐ ГҐ| m\o ВЇ\Г® mГҐ dГ”o ГҐ. There are two horses over there.
¯«î dÔo å
be greedy (heart have)
j|Г® ВЇГҐ |ГҐ m\o dГ”o ГҐ. He has horses.
|ГҐ m\o m\ГҐ dГ”o.
I haven’t any horses.
dГ”o
V
measure volume or quality, also dzo
j\å j«î s\∑ dÔo ¯_i å. Measure the potatoes (see how much there is).
dГ”\o
PF
evidential of reported speech, also d\o
ГҐsГҐ m\ГҐ dГ”e bГЎ ГҐ dГ”\o.
He says Asa isn’t going.
åså m\å dÔe dÔ\o. Asa says he isn’t going.
dГ”\o
VV/A properly, correctly, usually dz\o
It was right to go.
dГ”e dГ”\o ГҐ.
j|î Δ«å dÔ\o å.
He makes things well.
dГ”\o dГ”|o\ГҐ
carefully, in detail, properly, also dz\o dz|oГҐ
\
dГ”\o dГ”|o\ГҐ je.
Do it properly.
Ibk
W
x
He skated along.
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
116
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Ibl Q^l Q^l dГ”\o l\ГЎ l\ГЎ V
growing well and all the same height
of bushes
dz\ï ¯å dÔ\o l\á l\á l\e k«å å. The hemp is growing well and all the
shrubs are the same height.
Ibl Qbl Qbl dГ”\o l\o l\o V
poking up and out, of reeds/branches in clumps
på tΔæ«ö dz\ï må dÔ\o l\o l\o k«å å. The pampas reed shoots are poking
up in all directions.
tsæÉï pæ«á l\á pæ«á dÔ\o l\o l\o l\e l«ö je o.He fell over with his legs and
arms poking out in all directions.
N
dГ”\o
Ibm
N
l\å tsæo j|î dÔ«u dÔ_u a multitude of people
dГ”u
N/V cocked, ready to go off, also dzu, see ≥\o
p|e k|ГҐ dГ”u t|ГҐ
The spear trap is cocked.
tΔæ«å dÔu
crossbow trigger
j|Г® dГ”u du
the trigger mechanism (of a trap etc.)
dГ”u
V
dried out, shrivelled up, also dzu
s«∑ pæj\å dÔu le o. The leaves are all dried up.
s«∑ dÔu dzÉï
a dead tree
l«å ts\ï j|î dÔu
dried peppers
j|Г® dГ”u
a dry one
dГ”u
Ns cylindrical object , also dzu
V
put on leggings or bracelets
leggings
tsæÉï dÔu
tsæÉï dÔu dÔu å.
He is putting on leggings.
l\ГЎ dГ”u
bracelets
l\ГЎ dГ”u dГ”u ГҐ.
She is putting on bracelets.
l\e dГ”u
grave, also l\Г¶ dzu/l\e dzu
|ГҐ dГ”u
chopsticks
dГ”u
NS/C for herds, flocks, also dzu
a flock of birds
¯«å z\å tæ\î dÔu
|å m\o tæ\î dÔu
a herd of horses
å| w\á tæ\î dÔu mo å. I saw a herd of pigs.
dГ”\u
V
push with the shoulder, also dz\u
He pushed it uphill with his shoulder.
dГ”\u dГЎ je ГҐ.
j|Г® \ГҐ dГ”\u l\ГЎ xo ГҐ. They are having a shoving contest.
dГ”\u
V
bump with the end, punch, also dz\u
Ici Ick dÔ«u dÔu
Icj
Icj
Icj
Ick
Icl
Icl
@
b
A
p
sides of the abdomen, usually dz\o
sides of the abdomen, usually dz\o bjГҐ
multitudes, also j|Г® dГ”u j|Г® dГ”u/dzВ«u dzu
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
117
Southern Lisu Dictionary
må kæw\å tæ«ö dÔ\u ©\∑ å.
He bumped him with the end of a
bamboo pole.
dГ”\u
C
for rainfalls, also dz\u
A shower of rain fell.
m\∑ ~hå tæ\î dÔ\u li lå å.
Icl
dГ”\u
N
veins, sinews, tendons, also dz\u
hamstring tendon
tsæÉï dÔ\u
må kæw\å dÔ\u/m«å dÔ\u bamboo tendons - thick strips torn out of bamboo
l\ГЎ w\y dГ”\u
elbow tendons
О”\ГЇ dГ”\u
veins
Δ«∑ dÔ\u
roots of tree above ground
j|Г® dГ”\u
veins, sinews, tendons
j|Г® dГ”\u kВ«o ГҐ.
He has hard sinews. (He is very strong.)
Icl
dГ”\u
C
for stack, pile
a stack of wood
s«∑ tæ\î dÔ\u
©|å tsæÉï p|å tæ\î dÔ\u a pile of stones
Icl Aah Gcj Gcj dГ”\u p|Г® ku ku V
bent over with arthritis,
rheumatism, slipped disc, etc.
Icl Mah dГ”\u ts|ГЇ
N
waist, small of the back, also dz\ГЇ ts|ГЇ
His waist is sore.
dГ”\u ts|ГЇ nГҐ ГҐ.
Idi
dÔ«ï
C
hour, short period of time
one hour/one o’clock
tæ\î dÔ«ï
Idj
dÔÉï
V
move opposite ends alternatively, slide
out of the way, sun moves across the sky,
smoke rises, see transitive tО”|ГЇ
d\ö fu ©∑ å ¯å, dÔÉï je å. If you push it, it slides.
dÔÉï ly ly
rising, like smoke, drifting in clouds
dÔÉï ly ly dÔe å ≥o. Move along the way a snake does.
kæw\å m\∑ pæu dÔÉï ly ly k«å å.
The ash was drifting in clouds.
m\∑ tsæå dÔÉï ©∑ å. It’s past noon.
m\∑ tsæå m\å dÔÉï ~h\e.
It’s not past noon yet.
s«∑ d\ö p|∑ du |å t|î dÔÉï fu ©∑.
Move one end of a log and then
Icl
the other.
å| t|î dÔÉï k|o je.
Please slide it aside.
å| t|o m\∑ kæ\u dÔÉï å. Smoke is rising.
dÔÉï
V
mÌ tæe må |å t|î dÔÉï
|å t|î d\∑ dÔÉï lå tsÉï.
dÔÉï
N
Idj
Idj
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
stretch, lengthen, also dÔö
©\∑.
Stretch this cloth please.
Please hammer it out and make it longer.
market, usually kГҐj ts\ГЇ
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
118
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Idk
Idk
Idk
Idk
Idk
Idk
Idknm
dÔÉï
V
out of line, crossed
cross-eyed
dÔÉï dÔÉï
mjå dÔÉï
cross-eyed/wall-eyed
mjå dÔÉï pæ\å
cross-eyed/wall-eyed man
mjå dÔÉï må
cross-eyed/wall-eyed woman
mjå s\∑ dÔÉï dÔÉï l\e Eyes are crossed.
dÔÉï
N
alcohol, fermented gruel, also dzÉï/dÔi
corn gruel, corn whisky
kæ\∑ så dÔÉï
dÔÉï bj\å
rotten rice beer, badly made liquor
dÔÉï bjö
weak rice beer, not first distillation
dÔÉï do xw\å dz\å
eating and drinking, feasting
dÔÉï
NS fault, blame
It’s his fault.
j|î dÔÉï dÔo å.
dÔÉï
V
meet (of animate objects), also dzÉï
We met each other on the trail.
dzå gu wå dÔÉï l\á xo å.
dÔÉï
V
believe
be certain, also dÔÉï tΔÉï
dÔÉï t«e
dÔÉï t«e le o.
I am certain.
dÔÉï tΔÉï
be certain, also dÔÉï t«e
dÔÉï m\å tΔ_Éï.
I am not certain.
≥wå m\å dÔÉï.
I don’t believe it.
dÔÉï
N
tusks, fangs, canine teeth
elephant tusks
~hå må dÔÉï
|å m\o dÔÉï
horse’s canine teeth
|å w\á dÔÉï
boar tusks
dÔÉï\å
N
quality
h~ i tæe må s|å l|å h~ i dÔÉïå\ x∑ m\å dÔo.This house isn’t even as good
as a rest-hut
dÔÉï
V
dÔi≥ dÔ\ï dÔ\ï
dГ”\ГЇ dГ”\ГЇ l\e.
dÔ\ï dÔ\ï z\å pæj|å å
|ГҐ t|Г® dГ”\ГЇ ГҐ.
|å t|î dÔ\ï ©\∑.
dГ”\ГЇ
N/V
j|Г® dГ”\ГЇ su
j|î dÔ\ï pæ\å
dÔ\ï su tæ\î zo
Idl
Idl
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
uneven in length, lopsided, skewed, sloping
lopsided
It is very skewed/It is sloping.
It is sloping a bit.
It is a little uneven in length.
Have it so that the ends are staggered.
ruler, one with authority; rule
the ruler, the founder, the leader
(male) leader
one leader
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
119
Southern Lisu Dictionary
go le je dГ”\ГЇ m\ГҐ dГ”o. He does not have the authority to
do that.
dГ”\ГЇ
V
flood, rise (of rivers), swell, grow in size
tæ\o ©\∑ po s\∑ dÔ\ï å. The paper shotgun shell has swollen.
mo dГ”\ГЇ ГҐ
It looked less tall than it was (it grew taller as I
Idl
Idl Qdl
j|Г® bu bu dГ”\ГЇ ГҐ.
å dÔå dÔ\ï lå å.
dГ”\ГЇ
NS
|ГҐ dГ”\ГЇ
dÔ\ï ©«∑ må
w\ГҐ bГҐ dГ”\ГЇ
|ГҐ dГ”\ГЇ
dГ”\ГЇ
NS
\ГҐ dГ”\ГЇ
l\å tsæo \å dÔ\ï
dГ”\ГЇ l\y
N
Idm
dГ”\ГЇ
Idl
Idl
approached)
It raised a weal.
The river is in flood.
parrot and similar chattering birds
parrot
very small dark brown bird
mountain parrot, can learn to speak
parrot
all
all
all people
flute, whistle
V
fast, tight fitting, flush (of joints, handles
of knives, hoes, etc), close tight (of jaws)
kæ\å b\e dÔ\ï å.
He held his mouth tight shut.
n|å ~ho dÔ\ï ©∑.
Shut your mouth.
å| tæ\å w\y å\ kæ|∑ dÔ\ï_ å.This knife handle is very tight.
IZh
dГ”w|ГҐ
N
far down there, also dГ”w|ГҐ/dГ”|o/dГ”|ГҐw
dГ”w|ГҐw or dzw|ГҐ/dz|o/dz|ГҐw
far down there
dГ”w|ГҐ dГ”wГҐ
dÔw|å dÔwå j|î k|å ¯«å g\å je å.
I�m following him far down there.
IZj @_k dГ”wГҐ be
N
large clay jar, also ji wu/dzwГҐ be
IZk
dГ”wГҐ
N
down there, also dГ”wГҐ/dГ”o/dГ”wГҐw/dГ”wo
or dzwГҐ/dzo/dzГҐw
around down there
dГ”wГҐ dГ”wГҐ
I\j
dÔå
V
cold
dÔå ts|ï
cool season
dÔå ts|ï ts|ï
very cold
dÔå m\y
cool land - country with mist, deciduous forest,
no bamboo and cool climate - temperate forest
have chills
It is very cold.
water, also zÉï dÔå
dÔå ¯«î dÔå w«u å
\å kæ|∑ dÔå å.
å dÔå
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
120
Southern Lisu Dictionary
I\j
I\j
I\l Wei
I\l Q^l
dÔå
C
tæ\î dÔå ¯\î dÔå
dÔå x\o å
dÔå z\å
dÔå
N
tΔæ«å dÔå
dÔ\å x«∑
N
dГ”\ГҐ l\ГЎ
V
dГ”\ГҐ l\ГЎ b\ГҐ d\Г®
tΔi≥ dÔ\å l\á
mjå s\∑ dÔ\å l\á pæu
V
I\m Q^m dГ”\ГҐ l\ГЎ
s«∑ pæj\å dÔ\å l\á
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
for drops, written dzГЎ
one or two drops
drip
droplets
slot, groove
slot in a crossbow, to hold arrow in position
belt, girth, usually dÔ\î x«∑
naked, open-eyed
naked
naked
lГҐ ГҐ. His eyes are open
(and he is taking an interest in life).
multicoloured, variegated, striped,
usually dГ”\ГЎ l\ГЎ
variegated leaves
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
121
Southern Lisu Dictionary
t®å
see tsГҐ
tО”|e
V
clear forest for field, transplant, wean
be singleminded, dedicated
tО”|e do lГҐ ГҐ
dzГҐ gu tО”|e ГҐ.
clear a path, clear away undergrowth from a path
li tΔæå mi tΔ|e tΔ«å å clear new fields from jungle
~hå tΔ|e ~håkæ«∑ m\o gw\å
song of clearing new fields
j|î l|î z\å tΔ|e t∑ å
transplant seedlings
|å tΔ«ï tΔ|e å
be weaned from the breast
J_h J_h tО”|e tО”|e
V
on target, also tО”|Г¶ tО”|Г¶
It hit right on target.
tО”|e tО”|e ВЇi j\ГҐ o.
J_h J_j tО”|e tО”e
N
elder sister (C), also å| tΔe/|å tsÉï
J_h Q_h tО”|e l|e
N
small bell, also k|∑ l|î
kind of cricket (call sounds like small bell)
b\∑ tΔ|e l|e
J_i
tО”В«e
V
complete, of sets of things
tΔ«e le tsÉï
Make up a full set.
m\å tΔ«e Δ\ï tæ\î dz\ï dÔo å.
There is one missing to complete the set.
J_i
tО”В«e
V
put on top, carry on head
adopt a child
tΔ«e ~hö å
l\á pæ«á tΔ«e ©∑.
Put your arm on top of something.
j|î tæ\á ΔÉï tΔ«e ©∑. Stack it on top.
J_j
tО”e
N
root, beginning, basis
tæe tæ\î kæ\∑ ¯å j|î tΔe ≥o.
This saying is the basis.
s«∑ tΔe
a tree root
~hi tО”e
house foundation
w\ГҐ tО”e
mountain, also w\ГҐ ts\ГЇ/w\ГҐ dГ”\ГЇ
j|Г® tО”e
a root
j|î tΔe tæ\á/j|î tΔe j|î w|u tæ\á at the beginning, at first
J_j
tО”e
C
for mountains, only with w\ГҐ tО”e as in
w\å tΔe tæ\î tΔe
one mountain range
J_j
tО”e
NS/P elder sister (C), also tΔ|e tΔe/|å tsÉï
|ГҐ tО”e
elder sister
tО”e fu
elder sister’s husband, also tsÉï fu
J_j
tО”e
C
and for nouns and noun phrases
tО”e tО”e
and
|ГҐw\u tО”e ГҐsГҐ tО”e ГҐ mi dГ”e o. Fifth son and third son have gone to the
J
J_h
fields.
W
x
X
h
AP
tО”e
J_j
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
adverb prefix, usually tΔi≥, also tΔi/dÔi≥/dÔi
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
122
Southern Lisu Dictionary
J_j Gh
tО”e k|ГҐ
V
cause ringing in the ears
j|î Δ\å tæ\á l\e k«å å ¯å, n|å po tΔe k|å å.
If it is high pitched, it
makes your ears ring.
J_l
tО”\e
V
be too close, “squashed”, tight-fitting
They are “squashed”, please separate
j|î tΔ\e å, |å t|î ©«å fu ©\∑.
them.
|å tæ\å pj«å gu tΔ\e å. The scabbard is tight (difficult to get sword into)
J_l
J_m
J_m
J_m
J_Uh
J`h
J`h
J`h
J`h
J`h
@
b
A
p
tО”\e
VV urgent, necessary
\å kæ|∑ dÔe tΔ\e å. It is urgent for you to go; I had to go urgently.
tО”\e
V
create (by superhuman power)
mi tΔæå tΔ\e su
creator of the world
m\y tО”\e mi tО”\e
creation of the world
tО”\e
VV proper, permitted (not taboo)
bГЎ tО”\e ГҐ.
It’s O.K. to say that.
bГЎ m\ГҐ tО”\e.
It is not proper to say that, saying that is taboo.
dГ”o m\ГҐ tО”\e.
It’s taboo to have it.
mo m\ГҐ tО”\e.
It’s taboo to see that.
tО”\e
NS goiter
be tО”\e
goiter
JZ]Uj tΔ|e≥ tΔwå≥ N
anvil (C)
tО”|Г¶
V
breed from
breed animals, raise crops
j|Г® О”|ГЇ tО”|Г¶
dГ”\Г¶ О”|ГЇ В©|ГҐ О”|ГЇ tО”|Г¶ ГҐ breed livestock
s«∑ s\∑ lo s\∑ tΔ|ö å grow fruit trees
tО”|Г¶
N
consequences, sin, guilt, written ts|uj, also ts|Г¶
bear the guilt or the consequences
tО”|Г¶ mГЎ ГҐ.
tО”|Г¶
V
save, rescue (C), also tО”|u
pæu m\å dÔo tæ\á, j|î tΔ|ö ©\∑ o. When I had no money, he saved me.
j|î l|á tΔ|ö ©\∑ å.
He saved him.
j|î Δ\å mjå tΔ|ö ©\∑ å. He saved his life.
tО”|Г¶
Dem that way down there, see dÔö
that one way down there
tО”|Г¶ mГҐ
tО”|Г¶
N
a crack
cracks in the bamboo
må kæw\å tΔ|ö
l\ГЎ kwГҐ tО”|Г¶
lines on the palm
j|î tΔ|ö m\å ©\∑.
It isn’t cracked.
j|î tΔ|ö ©\∑ o.
It is cracked.
В©|ГҐ tО”|Г¶
crack in a rock
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
123
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tО”|Г¶
V
tО”|Г¶
V
n|ГҐ po tО”|Г¶ ГҐ.
J`h J`h tО”|Г¶ tО”|Г¶
V
tО”|Г¶ tО”|Г¶ ВЇi j\ГҐ o.
J`h Maj tΔ|ö tsÉï
N
hold in mouth
temporarily deafened by a loud noise
J`h
J`h
His ears are deafened.
on target, usually tО”|e tО”|e
It hit right on target.
spouse’s elder brother, spouse’s elder
sister’s husband (C)
spouse’s elder sister, spouse’s elder brother’s wife
tΔ|ö tsÉï må
J`h Mbi tО”|Г¶ tsВ«o
V
right on time, without delay
l\o do h~ å å\ d«å å, tΔ|ö ts«o le o. The bus was about to leave, I was right
on time.
tΔ«ö
NS/C melody, for songs, musical pieces, stories
The music of the Miao has
mj\åw tsÉï m\o gw\å ¯å j|î tΔ«ö m\å dÔo.
J`i
no melody.
m\o gw\å tæ\î tΔ«ö tΔæ«ö o.
He played a song on his banjo.
tΔ«ö
NS/C for roads, ribbons, lines, animal tracks
striped, with lines
tΔ«ö dÔ\á l\á
dzå gu tæ\î tΔ«ö
one road
tsæÉï z\å tæ\î tΔ«ö
one string
å dÔå tΔ«ö tæ\î tΔ«ö one river, one irrigation ditch
j|î tΔ«ö
track, lines, way
|å pæ\∑ tΔ«ö
the track a rat regularly follows
|å pu tΔ«ö
a porcupine’s path
tΔ«ö
V
repay, pay compensation, wreak vengeance
nu l|á tæ\î xw«å tΔ«ö tæ\å å ≥o. I’ll pay you back some other time.
nu l|á tΔ«ö ©\∑ å.
I will compensate you.
w\å tΔ«ö å.
He is repaying labour debts.
j|î l|á w\å dÔ\ï tΔ«ö å. I will wreak my vengence on him.
tΔ«ö
V
fragile, easily broken
tО”Г¶
V
sour, pickled
tΔö lö dzÉï
kind of tree with sour fruit
mГҐ m\y tО”Г¶
pickled bamboo shoots
mi tΔö dzÉï
kind of tree
w\o tО”Г¶
pickled vegetables
\å kæ|∑ tΔö å.
It’s very sour.
tО”Г¶
VNS flow together, meet, of rivers
take root, of transplanted plants or cuttings
climb all over, of vines
≥å må tΔö ¯«î m\å ΔÉï. The banana plants don’t want to take root.
J`i
J`i
J`i
J`j
J`j
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
124
Southern Lisu Dictionary
≥u tΔö l\á lo
cry over one another, join in one another’s weeping
zÉï tΔ_ö
place where rivers meet
å dÔå tΔ_ö l\á xo gu place where rivers meet
tО”Г¶
V
erect a fence
bö tΔö tΔö å/bjö tΔö tΔö å. erect a fence around
tО”Г¶
V
thin (of person)
tΔö lö lö
very thin, also tО”Г¶ gГҐ gГҐ
l\å tsæo \å kæ|å tæ\î l«e tΔö lö lö a man who is an thin as a lizard
j|Г® ВЇГҐ tО”Г¶ le ГҐ.
He is growing thin.
tО”Г¶
V
comprehend, understand the significance
nå n«å m\å tΔö.
He didn’t get the point/He didn’t understand the
J`j
J`j
J`j
significance.
J`j P^j Lak tΔö ná dzÉï N type of tree, leaves used as �steaming’ medicine
J`j Q`j P^j Lak tΔö lö ná dzÉï
N
type of tree like flame-tree,
bears small white flowers.
A
tΔ\ö tΔ\ö kæ\o dz\å å.
tΔ\ö tsæ|ï
N
tΔ\ö tsæ|ï di å
tО”i
tО”|Г®
V
tΔ|î m\å m∑.
tО”|Г®
V
J`m J`m tО”\Г¶ tО”\Г¶
J`m Nah
Ja
Jah
Jah
tæ\å tΔ|î l\á xo.
tО”|Г® dzГҐ
tО”|Г® dzГҐ m\ГҐ dГ”o.
Jah Afj tО”|Г® pГЊ
N
Jah K\l tО”|Г® tО”Г¦\ГҐ
Pro
j|Г® tО”|Г® tО”Г¦\ГҐ l|ГЎ k|ГҐ О”\e
Jai Q_j tΔ«î le
V
tΔi≥ tΔ«î le
tΔi≥ tΔ«î le d«å å.
|å Δ\ï tΔ«î le \å.
Jaj
tО”i
PV
Jaj
@
b
A
p
AP
tО”i
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
sound of snapping twigs, bones, etc.
He was crunching something while eating it.
acne
have acne
see also tsÉï/tΔe
remember (C), usually ts|ГЇ
I don’t remember.
be polite, stand on ceremony, refuse out
of politeness (C)
Don’t be polite, don’t stand on ceremony.
politeness, manners
He has no manners.
apron (formerly worn by Lisu), usually tО”|ГҐ pГЊ
oneself, usually ts|ГЇ tО”Г¦\ГҐ
kГЊ o. He stabbed himself to death.
scary, spooked
scared, with erect ears
It was very scary.
What scared it?
cause to do an action, usually tsÉï, also tΔe
adverb prefix, usually tΔi≥, also tΔe/dÔi≥/dÔi
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
125
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
chattering loudly
tО”i tО”\ГҐw tО”i tО”\ГҐw tО”Г¦\Г¶ ГҐ chattering loudly
tО”\Г®
V
interrogate, investigate (C)
j\î tΔ\î ¯i å ¯å, tΔ\î m∑ le o. When he investigated he discovered the
Jaj J\]bl tО”i tО”\ГҐw
Jal
truth.
Jal Gcl
Jam
JaUj
tО”\Г® k\u
A
repeatedly, also tΔ\î k\u≥
tО”\Г® k\u tО”\Г® k\u nГҐ me ГҐ. I am tired of hearing it over and over.
tΔ\î k\u ≥u tΔ\î k\u dÔe. He would cry a while, then go a while.
tΔ\î k\u ≥u tΔ\î k\u ≥u. He would cry a while and then cry some more.
tО”\Г® k\u je tО”\Г® k\u gwГҐ. He would work a while and sing a while.
tО”\Г®
V
grip tightly in hand, also ts\ГЇ
|å pæ\∑ l|á tΔ\î ¯«å. Grip the rat firmly.
tΔi≥
AP adverb prefix, also tΔi/tΔe/dÔi/dÔi≥/tΔi li
also tæi≥ before apicals, Δi≥ before x
tΔi≥ p«e le
legs flying in all directions
tΔi≥ pæ\å tæ\å
making a flip-flopping noise
tΔi≥ pæ\å l\å
damp
tΔi≥ pæ«e le
staggering
tΔi≥ pæu pæu
with many white spots
tΔi≥ d\î d\î
bald, bare
tΔi≥ tå tå
poking up, erect
w\å l|ö tΔi≥ tå tå k«å å. The peaks are poking up.
s«∑ m|∑ d\u tΔi≥ tå tå k«å å. There are stumps poking up
tΔi≥ tæå lå
dirty and unkempt, also tæi≥ tæå lå
tΔi≥ tæ\å l\å
flabby and wrinkled, also tæi≥ tæ\å l\å
tΔi≥ k|å l\á
long and branching
tΔi≥ k\å l\å
blocked up, tangled
tΔi≥ k«o k«o
stiff
tΔi≥ k∑ l∑
twisted too tight
tΔi≥ k\∑ t\∑
rough, uneven, also kæ\∑ tæ\∑/k\∑ t\∑
tΔi≥ k\∑ t\∑
rough, uneven, also k\∑ t\∑/kæ\∑ tæ\∑
tΔi≥ kæ\å l\å
spangled, with myriads
tΔi≥ kæ\∑ tæ\∑
uneven, bumpy, also k\∑ t\∑/k\∑ t\∑
tΔi≥ kæ∑ l\∑
untidy, chaotic
tΔi≥ dÔ\å l\á
all bare
tΔi≥ dÔ\ï dÔ\ï
lopsided
tΔi≥ tΔ«î le
scared, with erect ears
tΔi≥ tΔ\å x\å
squirming around/with arms and legs flailing
tΔi≥ tΔ\å x\å l|ö je o. He was squirming around so much he fell over/
He fell with arms and legs flailing.
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
126
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tΔi≥ tΔæ«å ≥\å
tΔi≥ ts|ï l\e
tΔi≥ m\o m\o
tΔi≥ n\∑ n\∑
tΔi≥ l\î l\î
tΔi≥ s\u s\u
tΔi≥ ≥\å l\á
tΔi≥ ≥\å ≥\å
tall with long neck
plump
all overturned, turned wrong way up (snails, bowls)
eyes half closed, slit-eyes
rough, ragged (of clothes)
rough, unattractive, slip-shod
scattered here and there
turned at obtuse angle when angle should be
acute; long craning neck
spread-eagled
tattered
slipping up and down
a little ill, gone to pieces a bit
tΔi≥ x«å lá
tΔi≥ x«å l\á
tΔi≥ x«o dÔ\å
tΔi≥ x\∑ l\∑ z\å
Jb
tО”o
see also tso
Jbh
tО”|o
PN from, also kwГҐ be/t|o/ts|o
ГҐ lГҐ tО”|o lГҐ \ГҐ.
Where have you come from?
|å Δ\ï tΔ|o Δ«å t|å \å.
What is it made out of?
Jbh
tО”|o
NS kindling, also ts|o
bamboo kindling
må kæw\å tΔ|o
s«∑ tΔ|o
wooden kindling
Jbh
tО”|o
V
selfish
Don’t be selfish about property.
tΔå s|ï tæ\å tΔ|o.
Jbh
tО”|o
N
clay furnace (for cooking), usually ts|o
I’m making a clay furnace.
tΔ|o tæ\î må ti å.
Jbi
tО”В«o
VV need to/ought to, usually tsВ«o
What do you need to buy?
|ГҐ О”\ГЇ wu tО”В«o \ГҐ.
|å Δ\ï|e m\å wu tΔ«o. I don’t need to buy anything.
|å Δ\ï|e nö m\å tΔ«o. I don’t need anything.
Jbi
tО”В«o
V
frighten, also tsВ«o
z\å nö z\å l|á tæ\å tΔ«o ©\∑. Don’t frighten the children.
Jbi
tО”В«o
C
for kicks (C), also tsВ«o
tæ\î tΔ«o fu ©\∑ m\å. Give him a kick.
Jbi
tО”В«o
V
on tiptoes/squatting on heels, usually tsВ«o
Sit squatting on your heels.
tΔ«o tΔ«o ¯«î t|å.
tО”В«o tО”В«o ГҐ dГ”e ГҐ.
He walked on tiptoes.
Jbi Hck tΔ«o kæu
N
socket, spring, also ts«o kæ_u
Jbi Oej tΔ«o m∑
N
source/short stalk on fruit, usually ts«o m∑
å dÔå tΔ«o m∑
the source of the river
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
127
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
tО”o
Jbj
rotate, spin (intransitive), take indirect route,
exchange labour, take turns at doing, also tso
tæe tΔo dá lå å.
He came up by an indirect route.
gwå tΔo d«å å.
It is turning round and round over there.
tΔæ«e pjå tΔo l\á
_ xo take turns at hiding (play hide-an-seek)
tО”o lo
all around, surrounding, turning round and round
tΔo ≥\o
riddle
gwå tΔo lo lo tΔ«å å. They are going round in circles over there.
l\å tsæo tΔo lo tΔ«å å. There were people all around him.
w\ГҐ tО”o l\ГЎ xo
They exchange work.
Jbj
tО”o
C
12-year cycle
Jbj
tО”o
VV be accustomed to, have done, usually tso
tæå lå tΔo å.
He has been here before.
m\ГҐ dz\ГҐ tО”o.
I haven’t even eaten it.
m\ГҐ mo tО”o.
I’ve never seen one before.
Jbj
tО”o
NP slave, usually p|ГҐ tГҐ
tО”o p|ГҐ
male slave
tО”o mГҐ
female slave
Jbj
tО”o
NP kind of tree, also tso
tΔo på dzÉï
kind of tree, children eat bark
tΔo dzÉï
kind of tree, leaf and young stalk are edible
Jbj
tО”o
NS table, also ts«o tsÉï
me tО”o
table, also m«î tΔo
Jbj Qbj tО”o lo
NS lake, also tso lo/l\o bö
zÉï tΔo lo
lake, also zÉï tso lo
Jbl
tО”\o
V
clan, tribe, also ts\o/ts\o≥/Δ\ï/tΔ|å
a clan
l\å tsæo tæ\î tΔ\o
j|î ¯å |å Δ\ï tΔ\o ≥å \å. What clan is he?
Jch
tО”|u
V
make a hole, gouge out inside, also ts|u
hollow out a rice steamer
m\ГҐ ВЇ|Г® tО”|u ГҐ
tО”|u li
boat
wå \≥ kæu tΔ|u å
dig a hole
å| w\á lu tæu tΔ|u å gouge out a pig trough
Jch
tО”|u
C
for hats, turbans, etc., also ts|u
Jc.
tО”|u
V
invert over in order to coop up, also ts|u
Put a basket over the chickens.
|ГҐ j|ГҐ |ГҐ m|e tО”|u
Jch
tО”|u
V
enclose in an overturned vessel or basket, also ts|u
kæ«å tæu kæ\u å tΔ|u å Invert basket over in order to enclose/Enclose in
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
128
Southern Lisu Dictionary
an overturned basket.
Jci
Jci
Jci
Jcj
Jcl \ai
tО”В«u
V
punch with the fist, also tsВ«u
Punch him.
tΔ«u fu ©\∑.
tО”В«u
V
have a lump in the throat
tО”В«u
V
snore, also tsВ«u
Don’t snore.
nå kæu tæ\å tΔ«u.
tО”u
V
boil, bubble, also tsu
|å l\u tΔu tΔ«å å.
The pot is boiling.
tΔ\u j«î
N
wisdom, mind (C), also ts\u j«î
live by using your mind, i.e. not by farming
tΔ\u j«î t|o dz\å å
tΔ\u j«î dÔo å.
He is wise.
tΔ\u j«î d\∑ su
an advisor
tΔ\u j«î Δ«å å m\å tΔæÉï. There’s no need to make excuses/There’s no need
to scheme.
tΔ«ï
V
close a door
Close the door.
|å kæ\∑ |å m|e tΔ|ï.
Jdh
tО”|ГЇ
V
step forward
salt lick (where animals come to lick salt)
tО”|ГЇ d\u
tsæÉï tæ\o tΔ|ï å.
He is stepping forward.
Jdh
tΔ«ï
V
move something aside, see intransitive dÔÉï
Jdh
tО”|ГЇ
V
cough
cough
tsæ\ï tΔ|ï å
\å kæ|∑ m\å tΔ|ï.
He is not coughing much.
Jdh
tО”|ГЇ
V
move away from an area
w\ГҐ dГ”\ГЇ tО”|ГЇ ГҐ.
He is moving away from the mountains.
Jdh
tО”|ГЇ
V
make a crossbow
I am assembling a crossbow
tΔæ«å tΔ|ï tΔ«å å.
Jdh
tО”|ГЇ
NP a small balance scale, also l\e kæ«o/tΔæe du
a small balance scale
tΔ|ï tsÉï
tΔ|ï tsÉï ¯å j\å pæ|î tsæe du ≥o. A balance scale is for weighing opium.
tО”|ГЇ m\ГҐ
small weights for balance scales
Jdh
tО”|ГЇ
N
sweat
liquid sweat, also tО”|ГЇ ji
tΔ|ï zÉï
He is sweating.
tΔ|ï zÉï do å.
Jdh Jdj tΔ|ï tΔÉï
N
drongo (kind of black bird)
tΔ|ï tΔÉï m|∑ kwå tΔö long-tailed drongo
Jdh Qam tО”|ГЇ l\Г®
N
hummingbird
Jdh
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
129
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tΔ«ï
V
j|î Δ\å tΔ«ï å.
tΔ«ï
V
bu dÔ\u tΔ«ï å.
tΔ«ï p∑ lå o
l\á tΔ«ï
|å t|î tΔ«ï fu ©∑.
|å m\î tΔ«ï l\î dÔo å.
Jdi
Jdi
Jdi
Jdi
Jdi
Jdi
Jdi Hel
Jdi Qk
Jdj
Jdj
Jdm Jdm
JZh
JZh @_k
JZh Bbl
X
h
pump up, run hard (of a motor) and let off steam
pull (hand over hand, as a rope), tear apart
stretch and yawn
He pulled and uprooted it.
handle
Please tear it.
We have the custom of temporary matrilocal
residence (�custom of pulling daughters’)
egg from inside a dead hen
©|å fu tΔ«ï
tΔ«ï
V
j|î ¯å zÉï jå tΔ«ï å.
tΔ«ï
V
j|î kæ∑ tΔ«ï å.
tΔ«ï
NS
tΔ«ï kå pæ\y
N
Jdi
W
x
pump, exert
Y
f
libel, tell harmful lies
He is telling harmful lies about other people.
build a nest
It is making a nest.
breast
�dry breasts price’, also |å tΔ«ï pæ\y
bride price, recognising that parents have reared a
girl since babyhood - formerly 30 rupees
breast
|å tΔ«ï
tΔ«ï
NS relative age
He is junior in the kinship system.
j|î tΔ«ï zo å.
j|î tΔ«ï w\u å.
He is senior in the kinship system.
tΔ«ï
V
narrow, usually ts«ï
tΔ«ï kæ\∑
N
appetite (C)
tΔ«ï lå
V
worth the effort
It wasn’t worth the effort of carrying it.
má m\å tΔ«ï lå.
tΔÉï
V
true, real, usually å\ ts|ï tsæÉï
tΔÉï kæ\∑
the truth, true words, a secret
z\å tΔÉï nö tΔÉï
one’s real children
tΔÉï
V
hide, cover up
kæ\u k|u å, tΔÉï m\å k|u. He is good at stealing but bad at hiding the loot.
|å m|e så tΔÉï
Hide it!
tО”\ГЇ tО”\ГЇ
A
making a sucking sound
tО”\ГЇ tО”\ГЇ tО”Г¦\ГЇ do ГҐ. He drank with a sucking sound.
tО”w|ГҐ
Dem far down there, also tsw|ГҐ
around way down there, also tsw|ГҐ dzwГҐ
tО”w|ГҐ dГ”wГҐ
tО”w|ГҐ be
N
earthenware wide-mouthed jar, also tsw|ГҐ be
tΔw|å pæ\o
N
mosquito net (C) , also ts|å pæ\o/ts|åw pæ\o
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
130
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
C
tΔw«å l\á xo tΔ«å å.
dzå pæu tæ\î tΔw«å
tsæ\å bo tæ\î tΔw«å
¯«î my å ¯å tΔw«å.
tΔw«å
JZi
scratch, scoop with one hand, also tsw«å
for scoop of a hand
They are scratching each other.
a scooped handful of white rice
a pinch of salt
If you itch, scratch.
I
sound of milled rice being winnowed
A
in a circle
VS pair word for tsæy worry, also tΔåw
tsæ|ï du tΔwo du
worries and problems
tО”wo
V
hand over, place into someone’s care
or under one’s jurisdiction (C)
≥wå nu l|á tæe tΔwo ©\∑ å. I’m handing it over to you.
tО”|ГҐ
V
cook
cooked rice
dzГҐ tО”|ГҐ
dzГҐ tО”|ГҐ dz\ГҐ ГҐ.
cook rice to eat
dz\ГЇ tО”|ГҐ
prepared hemp (cooked) for thread
w\o pæj\å j|î tΔ|å
cooked vegetables
tО”|ГҐ
NS correct price (C), usually j|î pæ\y
j|î tΔ|å å li pe je o. What’s the right price?
tО”|ГҐ
NP/VP in lines, in rows, written ts|ГЎ
in lines, rows
tО”|ГҐ tО”|ГҐ
j|Г® tО”|ГҐ tО”|ГҐ lГҐ ГҐ.
They are coming along, one behind the other.
tО”|ГҐ l\ГЎ l\ГЎ
lined up, also ts|ГЎ l\ГЎ l\ГЎ
tΔ|å tsÉï
body length, length of trunk
|å m\o j|î tΔ|å tsÉï m\å dÔo.
The horse has a short body.
tО”|ГҐ
NS clan, family (C), also ts\o/ts\o≥/tΔ\o/Δ\ï
Yang clan
j\ГҐ tО”|ГҐ
tΔ|å p∑
N
yoke, usually å| p∑/|å p∑ tΔ|å
|å kæ\å tΔ|å p∑
yoke used by Akha
|å w\á tΔ|å p∑
yoke put on pigs
tО”|ГҐ pГЊ
N
apron (formerly worn by Lisu), also tО”|Г®/ts|ГЇ pГЊ
tО”|ГҐ pГЊ pГЊ ГҐ.
She is wearing an apron.
tΔ«å tsÉï
N
stretcher made of bamboo
tО”|ГҐ lo
N
orchid
orchid flower
tО”|ГҐ lo we
tО”|ГҐ j\Г¶
N
soy sauce (C)
JZi H]al tΔw«å kæ\åj
JZ^h
tО”w|ГЎ
JZbj tО”wo
JZbj
J\h
J\h
J\h
J\h
J\h Aej
J\h Afj
J\h Maj
J\h Qbk
J\h \`m
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
131
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
VV
tΔ«å
J\i
live, stay (of people/animals), written tj«å
be in process of
I live here/I am here.
tæå tΔ«å å.
tæ\o ©\∑ bo tΔ«å å.
I am walking.
tΔ«å bo å.
He is bored.
tΔ«å ¯i.
Wait and see.
J\i
tΔ«å
N
wall (C), see k«Ì
J\i
tО”ГҐ
V
reckon, count as, consider, usually sw|ГҐ
tО”ГҐ p\Г®
suppose...
tsæÉï tΔå l\á tΔå
pay careful attention to
nu tО”ГҐ ВЇГҐ
when you consider
j|î l|á ≥wå z\å tΔå tΔæÉï å. You can count him as my son.
J\i Aj tΔ«å på
N
blaze-mark on trees, indicates reserved land
tΔ«å på m\å bj\å t|å. The trees were not blazed.
J\i Cal tΔ«å d\î
N
bare-bottom (nickname for undressed children)
tΔ«å d\î d\î
bare-bottom
J\i Hbi tΔ«å kæ«o
V
lanky
a tall lanky person
l\å tsæo tΔ«å kæ«o
|å m\o tΔ«å kæ«o
a very high horse
J\i Oam tΔ«å m\î
N
monkey, usually tΔ«å mj\ö/mj\ö
J\i O\`m tΔ«å mj\ö
V
monkey, also tΔ«å m\î/mj\ö
tΔ«å mj\ö m|∑ k|å dzÉï small tree with edible white flowers, long hairy fruit
J\j
tО”ГҐ
N
ginger (C), also tΔå≥
tО”ГҐ k|o
galangal (�wild ginger’)
tΔå tæ\î tΔæÉï
one root of ginger
tΔå tΔæÉï tæ\î tΔæÉï
ginger root
J\j Acj tО”ГҐ pu
N
grasshopper, cricket, usually tsГҐ pu
J\j Gei Dj tΔå k«∑ tå N
cyst (C)
J\j J`i tΔå tΔ«ö
N
crossbow arrow, also tså tΔ«ö
tΔå tΔ«ö kæw|å
a segment of bamboo from which arrows
will be split.
three crossbow arrows
He is whittling crossbow arrows.
tΔå tΔ«ö så tæ«∑
tΔå tΔ«ö s\o å.
J\j K`i tΔå tΔæ«ö
N
type of pheasant
J\j O\h Zbj Qbj tО”ГҐ mj|ГҐ wo lo N
swallow
J\j Rah tО”ГҐ s|ГЇ
N
goods, belongings (C), also g\u dz\u/dГ”\u
tО”ГҐ s|ГЇ tО”ГҐ mГҐ
goods, belongings
J\l
tО”\ГҐ
V
litigate, have a dispute
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
132
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tО”\ГҐ dzwГҐ su
a witness cum advocate, helper in a law suit
tО”\ГҐ l\ГЎ xo ГҐ.
sue each other, litigate against each other
J\l Aal tО”\ГҐ p\Г®
V
illustrate, take an example, suppose
J\l Caj Cajnm tО”\ГҐ di di\ГҐ
N
a tiny white robin-like bird
J\l Wl tО”\ГҐ x\ГҐ
V
arms and legs waving around
tΔi≥ tΔ\å x\å l|ö je o. He fell over, with arms and legs flailing around.
J\m
tО”\ГҐ
V
mixed in with, adulterated with, includes
Lisu ≥\o x\∑ ≥\o \å mj|å tΔ\å d«å å.
Lisu has lots of Yunnanese mixed
in with it.
tsæ\å bo \å mj|å tΔ\å d«å å.
It’s got lots of salt mixed in with it.
tΔå s|ï z«ï by tΔ\_å å. His things include blankets.
J\m Aah Gcl Qai tО”\ГҐ p|Г® k\u l|Г® N
type of bulbul
J\m Q^m tО”\ГҐ l\ГҐ
VS
blue (part C)
j|Г® tО”\ГҐ l\ГҐ
blue
J\]bj tО”ГҐw/tО”o
V
fret, worry (C), also tО”wo
tsæ|ï du tΔåw du
cares and worries
J\ch
tО”|u
V
save, rescue (C), usually tО”|Г¶
J\cl
tО”\u
NS ninth in birth order (C)
ninth son
|ГҐ tО”\u
|ГҐ tО”\u mГҐ
ninth daughter
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
133
Southern Lisu Dictionary
t®æå
tО”Г¦|e
K
K_h
see tsæå
go too deep when meaning to remove only the
V
surface
He stripped off the skin, but some of the flesh
came away too.
j|î k«u li ΔÉï tΔæ|e å.
tО”Г¦|e
V
restrain, pacify
Go and pacify those people who
bá l\á xo su |å m|e dÔe tΔæ|e ©\∑.
K_h
are quarrelling.
d\∑ l\á xo ¯å, å| m|e tΔæ|e ©\∑. When they fight, restrain them.
tΔæ«e
N
tΔæ«e
V
gwå tΔæ«e o.
j|î |å m\î tΔæ«e o.
K_i
K_i
K_i
K_i
K_i
K_i
K_i
K_i
K_i
W
x
X
h
sambar deer, also tsæ«e
run away, flee, elope, of people, see also lВ«i
He fled over there.
His daughter has run away as a bride, has
eloped. (The normal start to marriage proceedings).
tΔæ«e
V
scratch, play banjo
play banjo
tsæÉï b∑ tΔæ«e å
b\e di tΔæ«e å
insect scratches
|å j|å tΔæ«e
chicken scratches
tΔæ«e
VS dance
gwå tΔæ«e å
I’m dancing.
gwå m\å tΔæ«e
I’m not dancing.
tΔæ«e
V
scratch, as a chicken; play banjo
The hens are scratching for food.
|å j|å må tΔæ«e dz\å tΔ«å å.
tsæÉï b∑ tΔæ«e å.
He is playing a banjo.
tΔæ«e
V
break out, of sores, rashes, etc.
He broke out in scabies.
g\∑ l\∑ tΔæ«e å.
j|î ko d\ö tΔæ«e å.
He has a rash on his body.
tΔæ«e
N
stud animal
a stallion
|å m\o tΔæ«e
å| w\á tΔæ«e z\å
a small boar
tΔæ«e
V
be cleared and passable, of paths, come to
an end, or conclusion, also tsæ«e
He cut it, but it didn’t part.
d∑ m\å tΔæ«e.
dzå gu m\å tΔæ«e.
The road is overgrown and impassable.
s|∑ d∑ m\å tΔæ«e.
The case is not settled.
j|î p\e m\å tΔæ«e.
The way isn’t clear, there is no opportunity.
j|î pæ|∑ m\å tΔæ«e.
There is no end to it/It is endless.
Q_j Q_j tΔæ«e le le V
hanging by a thread, about to come apart
j|î dz\ï ts|ï tΔæ«e le le. Her waist is slim.
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
134
Southern Lisu Dictionary
K_j
å\ go w\y tΔæ«e le le k«å å. The hoe handle is about to come apart.
tО”Г¦e
V
unmarriageable, calling each other brother/sister
tО”Г¦e l\ГЎ xo ГҐ.
They are too closely related to marry (have the
same clan name, are mother’s sisters’ children, etc.)
tО”Г¦e
V
fall vertically, also tsæe
fall down off
tΔæe kæo le å
w\å s\∑ tΔæe å.
Hail is falling.
zÉï tΔæe
waterfall
K_k
tО”Г¦e
V
drop off to sleep
I’ve put him to bed, but he isn’t asleep yet.
О”|ГЇ m\ГҐ tО”Г¦e ~h\e.
K_k
tО”Г¦e
V
weigh, also tsæe
opium scales, also j\å pæ|î tΔ|ï tsÉï/l\e kæ«o
j\å pæ|î tΔæe du
j\å pæ|î tΔæe m\å k|u. He doesn’t know how to weigh opium.
K_k
tО”Г¦e
C
four gram weight, also tsæe
K_k C_i tО”Г¦e dВ«e
V
leave behind, also tО”Г¦e t|Г®
h~ i kæ\u å tΔæe d«e å. I left it at home.
|ГҐ t|Г® z\ГҐ tО”Г¦e dВ«e UГҐ. There is a little left over.
K_l
tО”Г¦\e
V
invite (usually for a feast)
g\å g\å dzÉï tΔ«å su å| m|e dÔe tΔæ\e. Go and invite the neighbours in.
K_l
tО”Г¦\e
V
gamble
They are gambling.
t\u tΔæ\e tΔ«å å.
K_l
tО”Г¦\e
V
remove part, reduce quantity
Divide it in two and remove half.
¯\î b\∑ tΔæ\e ©\∑.
|å t|î tΔæ\e fu ©∑.
Take some out and put it in something else.
K_l
tО”Г¦\e
V
release, let go, let out, escape, also tsæe
tsæÉï z\å å| m|e tΔæ\e fu. Let go the rope.
j|î å| m\î m\å tΔæ\e fu h~ e\ . He won’t let his daughter get married yet.
|ГҐ n\ГҐ |ГҐ m|e tО”Г¦\e fu. Let the dogs go.
|ГҐ m\o |ГҐ m|e tО”Г¦\e fu. Let the horses out.
K_m
tО”Г¦\e
V
knock coals off a firebrand or burning
firewood.
Knock the coals off the firebrand/wood.
|å t|o m\î dz\î tΔæ\e fu ©∑.
K_m
tО”Г¦\e
V
speak obliquely, speak in allegories, say to
K_k
one person what is really intended for another
Don’t speak obliquely.
K`i
@
b
A
p
tæ\å bá tΔæ\e.
tΔæ«ö
V
sharpen to point
Please sharpen this stick.
s«∑ k|å då |å t|î tΔæ«ö ©∑.
|å tæ\å tΔæ«ö
a dagger
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
135
Southern Lisu Dictionary
\å kæ|∑ m\å tΔæ«ö.
It’s not very pointed.
K`i
tΔæ«ö
V
brittle
The bowl is brittle.
lo k|∑ tΔæ«ö å.
s«∑ pæj\å tΔæ«ö å.
The leaves are dry.
Δ|ï m\å tΔæ«ö.
The thatch isn’t dry (still green)
dzå tΔæ«ö
non-glutinous rice
¯«î må tΔæ«ö å.
He is quick tempered, impatient.
K`i
tΔæ«ö
V
stick into, slide into to store
w\o tæ\î tæ«∑ tΔæ«ö t|å. It has a needle stuck into it.
K`i
tΔæ«ö
V
trick someone into doing something
j|î l|á tΔæ«ö do fu ©∑ o. We got him to leave by tricking him.
K`i K`i Q`j tΔæ«ö tΔæ«ö lö V deep-fry
K`i Q`m tΔæ«ö l\ö
N
an awl, needle for burning holes
≥w|å tΔæ«ö l\ö
loach
tΔæ«ö l\ö tæ\î tæ«∑
one awl
K`j
tΔæö
N
long, oblong
gwå s\∑ tΔæö tΔæö long egg-plant
l|u l|u\å m\å k«|å, tΔæö tΔæö l\e k«å å. It is isn’t round, it is oblong.
K`j
tΔæö
V
stretch out
l\á pæ«á å| t|î tΔæö ©∑. Stretch out your arm.
K`k
tΔæö
N
honeycomb (excludes the honey)
bj\å tΔæö
honeycomb
bj\å tΔæö tæ\î kæw«å one honeycomb
K`k
tΔæö
NS shell of mollusc
shell of mollusc
j|î k«u tΔæö
K`k
tΔæö
NS water-driven rice pounder
water-driven rice pounder
zÉï tΔæö
K`k A`h tΔæö p|ö
N
stalks and chaff of rice plant
K`l
tО”Г¦\Г¶
V
speak
speak
p\o xw«å tΔæ\ö å.
tΔæ\ö m\å dzÉï.
He doesn’t speak clearly.
K`l
tО”Г¦\Г¶
C
for directions, sides of an argument
that side
go tО”Г¦\Г¶
tæ\î tΔæ\ö ¯\î zo, tæ\î tΔæ\ö s\å zo.
There were two people on one
side and three people on the other.
tæe tΔæ\ö
this side
l\á jå tæ\î tΔæ\ö
the right hand direction
m\∑ tsæå do kæ\∑ tæ\î tΔæ\ö
eastwards
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
136
Southern Lisu Dictionary
K`l
K`l B^i
K`l P`l
K`m
K`m
K`m K`m
K`m Q`m
tО”Г¦\Г¶
V
shiver
He is shivering from the cold.
dÔå tΔæ\ö å.
tΔæ\ö x∑
malaria, also nå x∑/tsæu tsæu dÔå dÔå nå
dzo ГҐ tО”Г¦\Г¶ ГҐ.
He was shaking with fright.
tΔæ\ö pæ«á
N
companion, friend, usually tΔæ\o pæ«á
friends and comrades
tΔæ\ö z\å tΔæ\ö pæ«á
tsæÉï ¯i j|î tΔæ\ö pæ«á the �pair’ of the shoe
j|î tΔæ\ö pæ«á
a euphemism for placenta (�his friend’)
tО”Г¦\Г¶ n\Г¶
V
stink
It stinks.
j|Г® b\y tО”Г¦\Г¶ n\Г¶ ГҐ.
tО”Г¦\Г¶
N
millet
tΔæ\ö pæu
a type of white millet
tО”Г¦\Г¶ nГЎ
a type of brown millet
tО”Г¦\Г¶
V
blind; badly cross-eyed
j|Г® mjГҐ tО”Г¦\Г¶ ГҐ.
He is blind.
j|Г® mjГҐ m\ГҐ tО”Г¦\Г¶.
He isn’t blind.
tО”Г¦\Г¶ tО”Г¦\Г¶
A
sound of crunching (dry leaves, etc.)
tΔæ\ö tΔæ\ö kæ\o dz\å å. He was biting and eating something crunchy.
tО”Г¦\Г¶ l\Г¶
N
a type of wild berry which grows in branches
on a big bush and has large seed; also for grapes
tО”Г¦i
tО”Г¦i
N
tО”Г¦i
V
tО”Г¦i je ГҐ lo.
Kaj
tО”Г¦i
V
k|u zo tО”Г¦i
ГҐ mjГҐ tО”Г¦i dГ”o\ГҐ
Kaj
tО”Г¦i
NS
m\Г® mi tО”Г¦i
w|u tО”Г¦i
Kaj @ej tΔæi b∑
N
Kaj Pai tΔæi n«î
N
Kal
tО”Г¦\Г®
N/V
bj\ГҐ tО”Г¦\Г®
tО”Г¦\Г® by
p|u p|u tО”Г¦\Г® by ГҐ.
kæ«å tΔæ\î d\u
Ka
Kaj
Kaj
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
see tsæÉï/tΔæe
foot, leg, usually tsæÉï
reach, arrive at, usually tsæÉï, also p_e
He has arrived.
compared to, as many as, usually tsæÉï
about nine people
How many are there?
horn, usually tsæÉï
rays of sun
horn
banjo, usually tsæÉï b∑
this year, usually tsæÉï ¯«î
dung, feces; defecate, also tsæ\ï/kæ\î
beeswax (�bee feces’)
fart, pass wind audibly from the anus
He passed wind from his anus, pop! pop!
the bottom of the village
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
137
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tО”Г¦\Г® d\u
bottom, buttocks
j|Г® tО”Г¦\Г® d\u
buttocks
j|Г® tО”Г¦\Г® d\u l\Г® ГҐ
He is slow to move (�his bottom is heavy’).
tΔæ\î tæ\o å
constipated
tΔæ\î kæu
anus
tО”Г¦\Г® mВ«e mГҐ
dung beetle, usually p\ГҐ k\ГҐ mВ«e
tΔæ\î m|∑ ©\∑ du
horse’s tail-strap, crupper
tО”Г¦\Г® wu ts|ГЇ nГҐ ГҐ
have piles
~h\e tО”Г¦\Г®
stomach
~h\e tО”Г¦\Г® xВ«o ГҐ
have diarrhea
j|Г® tО”Г¦\Г® tО”Г¦\Г® ГҐ.
He is defecating.
|ГҐ w\ГЎ tО”Г¦\Г®
pig dung
tО”Г¦\Г®
V
release, turn loose, also tО”Г¦\e
tО”Г¦|o
V
make mistake, wrong, offend, also tsæ|o/tΔæå
I wrote/spelled it wrongly.
bo tО”Г¦|o le o.
tΔæ|o gu ≥\o gu
mistakes, wrongs
j|Г® l|ГЎ tО”Г¦|o le o.
I wronged/offended him.
tΔæ«o
V
shave, cut hair
He is having his hair cut.
w|u dy tΔæ«o å.
tΔæ«o
V
tie up, fasten, also tsæo
|å kæ\∑ |å m|e tΔæ«o. Lock the door.
|å n\å |å m|e tΔæ«o ©∑. Tie the dog up.
tΔæ«o
V
align, also tsæ«o
©|å bu tΔæ«o m\å k|u. I don’t know how to align chicken thigh bones (a
Kal
Kbh
Kbi
Kbi
Kbi
form of divining)
N
courting cross cousin (song word),
also |ГҐ tО”Г¦\o/l\o pj\ГҐw
tΔæ«o tΔæ«o må
female cross cousin courted, also ГҐ
| tО”Г¦\o mГҐ
tО”Г¦o
PN/C reciprocal (conjoins identical nouns), also tsæo
Lisu tΔæo Lisu d\∑ l\á xo å Lisu hit each other.
tæ\î tΔæo\å
together
tæ\î tΔæo\å j\i t|å
They all slept together.
tО”Г¦o
V
erode, also tΔæo≥/tsæo/tsæo
sГҐ s\o tО”Г¦o ГҐ.
erode into a gully
tО”Г¦o
N
reddish onion (C), also tΔæo≥/tsæo≥/kæw\å Δö
tО”Г¦o
N
person, usually tsæo, see also l\å tsæo
tО”Г¦o
V
follow behind (archaic)
j|î k|å ¯|å tΔæo je å. I’m following him.
Kbi Kbl tΔæ«o tΔæ\o
Kbj
Kbj
Kbj
Kbk
Kbk
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
138
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tО”Г¦\o
Num six (with following non-creaky tone); usually tО”Г¦\o
tО”Г¦\o mГҐ
six things
Kbl
tО”Г¦\o
VS
trust and obey
trust and obey
pj|Г¶ tО”Г¦\o ГҐ
j|î pj|ö m\å tΔæ\o å, She doesn’t trust or obey them,
j|î b«å b\å pjö tΔæ\o å. but is loyal to her father instead.
Kbl
tО”Г¦\o
V
straighten arrows
He is straightening arrows.
tΔæ«å tΔæ«ö tΔæ\o å.
Kbl
tО”Г¦\o
NS cross cousin who is courting (song word),
also tΔæ«o tΔæ\o/l\o pj\åw
|ГҐ tО”Г¦\o
male cross cousin who is courting
|å tΔæ«o må
female cross cousin courted, also tΔæ«o tΔæ\o må
Kbl B^i tΔæ\o pæ«á
N
friend, also tΔæ\ö pæ«á/kwå tΔæ\o/gwå tΔæ\o
tΔæ\o z\å tΔæ\o pæ«á
friends and neighbours
Kb: Bl tΔæ\o pæ\å
N
Kachin
Kachin country
tΔæ\o pæ\å m\y
Kbl Nah tΔæ\o tsæ|ï
V
disappointment, rivalry, bad feelings (C)
also tΔæ\u tsæ|ïå/tΔæ\u tsæ|ï
Kbl
tΔæ\o tsæ|ï xwå o.
tΔæ\o tsæ|ï w\u å.
Kbl P\aj tО”Г¦\o ВЇ_i
V
zÉï kæu tΔæ\o ¯i å.
see something being done which one can do better
and faster, see an opportunity being missed
(suggests a desire to take over oneself)
He is looking for trouble, trying to make enemies.
There are bad feelings between them.
sight (see if something is straight), also tsæ\o
He is sighting down the length of the pole to see if
it is straight.
KbUh
V
tΔæ|o≥
w\o tΔæ|o≥
KbUj
tΔæo≥
N
tΔæo≥ po lá
KbUj
tΔæo≥
V
så s\o tΔæo≥ å.
Kbm
tО”Г¦\o
Num
tО”Г¦\o zo
tΔæ\o pæ\á
Kch Qbh tО”Г¦|u l|o
N
Kci
tΔæ«u
NS
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
have a burning in the nose as when water gets
in, also tО”Г¦|ГҐ
a vegetable which produces this sensation.
reddish onion (C), also tΔæo/tsæo≥/kæw\å Δö
kind of onion
erode, also tΔæo/tsæo/tsæo
erode into a gully
six (when following classifier has a creaky tone)
six people
six bowls
MSG (T), also wВ«e tО”e (C)
mate-word for tΔ\o “clan” (C)
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
139
Southern Lisu Dictionary
j|î tΔ\o j|î tΔæ«u
the clans
Kci Raj tΔæ«u sÉï
V
without powers of speech, dumb (C)
tΔæ\ö m\å k|u Δ\ï tΔæ«u sÉï.Something which can’t speak is dumb
Kck
tО”Г¦u
N/V mate (animals)
ГҐ| w\ГЎ tО”Г¦u xwГҐ ГҐ. The pigs are mating.
|å n\å tΔæu xwå ts|ï dogs’ mating season
Kck
tО”Г¦u
V
burn, have a fever, grill, barbecue, also tsæu
be delirious
tΔæu d\∑ å
tΔæu tsæå nå å
have fever (�burning hot illness’)
tΔæu tΔæu dÔå dÔå nå å
have malaria (�burning and cold illness’)
mo tО”Г¦u ГҐ
cremate a corpse
xw\ГҐ tО”Г¦u dz\ГҐ ГҐ.
She is grilling the meat.
j|Г® ko d\Г¶ tО”Г¦u ГҐ.
He has a fever.
ГҐ mi tО”Г¦u ГҐ.
They are burning off the fields.
Kck K_i tΔæu tΔæ«e
V
have same characteristics; completely
They all died off.
ΔÉï tΔæu tΔæ«e o.
j|î b«å b\å tΔæu tΔæ«e å. He is like his father/He takes after his father.
Kcl
tО”Г¦\u
N
thorn
a thorny shrub (�white thorn’)
tΔæ\u pæu
tΔæ\u t|î ≥o pjö
a thorny type of shrub
tО”Г¦\u k|ГҐ ГҐ.
A thorn pricked me.
tО”Г¦\u dГ”o su
enemy (�person with a thorn’), also tsæ\u xwå su
tО”Г¦\u nГЎ
a thorny shrub (�black thorn’)
j|Г® tО”Г¦\u xwГҐ l\ГЎ xo ГҐ. They are at loggerheads.
j|î tΔæ\u jö å.
He is looking for trouble. (�his thorn is sprouting’)
Kcal
tО”Г¦\uj
V/N hammer, punch/fist (C), also tsæ\uj/tsæw\åj
a hammer, also tsæ\uj tsÉï/tsæw\åj tsÉï
tΔæ\uj tsÉï
Kdh
tО”Г¦|ГЇ
NS sixth daughter, usually ГҐ\ lВ«u mГҐ
|ГҐtО”Г¦|ГЇ
sixth daughter, usually ГҐ
\ lВ«u mГҐ
Kdi
tΔæ«ï
V
squeeze in the hand, pinch
Squeeze it until it pops.
tΔæ«ï b\e ©\∑.
s\∑ tΔæ«ï s\∑
pear
|å ¯\î |å tΔ«ï m\å tΔæ«ï. We don’t milk cows.
|å j|å tΔæ«ï Δ\e ©∑.
Throttle the chicken.
Kdi
tΔæ«ï
VV be in the habit of doing, do often
b∑ zÉï må pæe tΔæ«ï å. Shan women are in the habit of divorcing.
tæe bá tΔæ«ï å.
We often say this, we normally say this.
kæ\u tΔæ«ï å.
He is in the habit of stealing.
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
140
Southern Lisu Dictionary
j|î ¯å dÔe m\å tΔæ«ï. He is not in the habit of going; he doesn’t go often.
Kdi
tΔæ«ï
NS/C bunch of small fruit
≥å må tΔæ«ï tæ\î tΔæ«ï one hand of bananas
Kdi Hel tΔæ«ï kæ\∑
N
appetite
His appetite is poor.
tΔæ«ï kæ\∑ m\å xå.
Kdi Qdj Qdj tΔæ«ï ly ly V hanging in bunches (of fruit)
Kdj
tΔæÉï
V
cut with vertical strokes, vs. pæ\jå\
|å tæ\å tΔæÉï å.
He is cutting downward with a knife.
Kdj
tΔæÉï
V
welcome, written tsæy
tΔå s|ï má å tΔæÉï zu å.
Take a friend’s things and accompany
Kdj
Kdk
Kdk
Kdk
Kdk
@
b
A
p
him into the house or village.
greet and accompany
tΔæÉï zu å
tΔæÉï
NS
C
edible bulb or rhizome
for edible bulbs/rhizomes
ginger rhizome
tΔå tΔæÉï
l\å sw|å tΔæÉï
onion bulb
l«á kæw\å tΔæÉï
a wild bulb eaten by pigs
j|î tΔæÉï tæ\î tΔæÉï
one edible rhizome/bulb
tΔæÉï
N
barking deer
male barking deer
tΔæÉï p|å/pæ\å
tΔæÉï g\å fu å.
He’s hunting barking deer.
tΔæÉï my
large edible ground mushroom
tΔæÉï l\å
Temminck’s cat (�barking deer tiger’)
tsæ\å tæ«ö pæj\å tΔæÉï very small type of barking deer
tsæ\å tæ«ö tΔæÉï
very small type of barking deer
tΔæÉï
V
sweet
bj\å tæe må m\å tΔæÉï. This honey isn’t sweet.
gw\å tΔæÉï
sweet buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)
tsæ\å bo tΔæÉï å.
It has the right amount of salt.
tsæ\å tΔæÉï
sugar (�sweet salt’)
må tΔæÉï
sugarcane
zÉï tΔæÉï nå
diabetes
tΔæÉï
NP paddy rice (unhusked), usually dzå må s\∑
tΔæÉï mi
rice field
tΔæÉï
VV may as well, should
He may as well go.
dÔe tΔæÉï å.
dÔe m\å tΔæÉï.
We don’t have to go.
m\å tΔæÉï.
It doesn’t matter.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
141
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tО”Г¦\ГЇ
V
lend, borrow (be repaid in kind)
pæu m\å tΔæ\ï dz\å. I don’t borrow money.
pæu |å t|î tΔæ\ï ©\∑. Please lend me some money.
pæu m\å tΔæ\ï ©\∑.
I don’t lend money.
tО”Г¦\ГЇ
V
fill in a hole, plug up, also tО”Г¦\ГЇ
dzÉï pæ\∑ fu kæ\∑ tΔæ\ï å| t|î tΔæ\ï ©\∑. Please cork the liquor bottle.
|å pæ\∑ kæu tΔæ\ï t|å å. The rat hole is plugged up.
tО”Г¦\ГЇ
V
hang with a string or from a post
t«å bj\å tsæ«o tΔæ\ï å. He is hanging up his ancestor shelf.
x\∑ tΔæ\ï ΔÉï o.
He hanged himself.
tО”Г¦\ГЇ
V
weave cloth
weave a shoulder bag
l\ГҐ О”|ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ ГҐ
mГЊ tО”Г¦\ГЇ ГҐ
weave cloth
j\_ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ ГҐ
weave cloth
tО”Г¦\ГЇ
V
rotten, stingy, selfish, bad, also tО”Г¦\ГЇ_
liquid pus, also bi tО”Г¦\ГЇ
be tО”Г¦\ГЇ
It’s rotten.
tО”Г¦\ГЇ le o.
tsæo tΔæ\ï
selfish person
my tО”Г¦\ГЇ
mushroom, also mö/me tΔæ\ï
sad
¯«î tΔæ\ï å
¯«î må tΔæ\ï le gu. He is extremely sad.
≥w|å tΔæ\ï
kippered fish
xw\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ
rotten meat
О”|ГЇ tО”Г¦\ГЇ
an undesirable type of grass
Δ\_å dÔå ¯«î tΔæ\ï
sad-sounding (�sound cold heart rotten’)
|ГҐ no tО”Г¦\ГЇ
fermented bean cakes
tО”Г¦\ГЇ
NS person with deceased spouse or parent
person with deceased spouse, esp. widow
m\∑ tΔæ\ï
m\∑ tΔæ\ï pæ\å
widower
m\∑ tΔæ\ï må
widow
z\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ
orphan (one or both parents dead)
z\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ z\ГҐ
boy who has lost one or both parents
z\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ mГҐ
girl who has lost one or both parents
tО”Г¦\ГЇ
N
dung, refuse, usually tО”Г¦\Г®
tО”Г¦\ГЇ
C
for layers (C), also tsæ\∑/tsæ\ï
bö tsæ\ï så tΔæ\ï gw\å å. wearing three layers of shirt
j|î n|á kæw\å tæ\î tΔæ\ï the inner layer, the under layer
Kdl
Kdl
Kdl
Kdl
Kdl
Kdl
Kdl
Kdl
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
142
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
marry off, take a spouse
≥wå z\å j|î l|á tΔæ\ï tΔ|ö w_å å. I must marry my son off to her.
Kdl JZh tО”Г¦\ГЇ tО”w|ГҐ
N
a feast
tΔæ\ï tΔw|å t«á je å. carry one’s contribution to a feast, attend a feast
tО”Г¦\ГЇ tО”w|ГҐ dГ”o ГҐ.
hold a feast
tΔæ\ï tΔw|å Δ«å å.
make a feast
Kdl Kdlnm tО”Г¦\ГЇ tО”Г¦\ГЇ\ГҐ
V
oblong
Kdl M]bh tО”Г¦\ГЇ ts|ГҐw
N
provisions for a journey (C)
Kdm
tО”Г¦\ГЇ
NS/P goat
tΔæ\ï kæ\o
Year of the Goat
|ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ
goat
Kdm
tО”Г¦\ГЇ
V
suck, smoke
j\å pæ|î tΔæ\ï å.
He smokes opium.
j«î ko tΔæ\ï å.
He smokes tobacco.
|å tΔ«ï tΔæ\ï tΔ«å å.
He is breast-fed/He is suckling.
Kdm
tО”Г¦\ГЇ
V
fresh, green
¯«î tΔæ\ï
green
zÉï tΔæ\ï
cold water
Kdm
tО”Г¦\ГЇ
V
be burnt (of food cooking)
w\o pæj\å tΔæ\ï le o. The vegetables are burnt dry.
Kdm
tО”Г¦\ГЇ
V
lend, borrow (repaid in kind), usually tО”Г¦\ГЇ
Kdm
tО”Г¦\ГЇ
V
plug up, usually tО”Г¦\ГЇ
Kdm Kdm tО”Г¦\ГЇ tО”Г¦\ГЇ
VS black and blue from bruises, mottled black
nГЎ tО”Г¦\ГЇ tО”Г¦\ГЇ l\e.
He was black and blue.
KZh
tО”Г¦w|ГҐ
V
visit (C)
I’ve come here to visit.
tæå tΔæw|å lå å.
KZh
tО”Г¦w|ГҐ
C
for bunches (C)
tΔæ\ö l\ö s\∑ tæ\î tΔæw|å a bunch of grape-like berries
l\å sw|å tæ\î tΔæw|å a bunch of spring onions
KZh Eh tΔæw|å tæ|å
N
steaming rituals for sick people, placing leaves of
Kdl J`h tО”Г¦\ГЇ tО”|Г¶
artemisia in water and pouring this onto hot rocks
perform this ritual
KZj
KZj
tΔæw|å tæ|å d\∑ å
tО”Г¦wГҐ
V
poke through
w\o nГҐ kГҐ tО”Г¦wГҐ ГҐ. She is threading a needle.
tО”Г¦wГҐ
V
stick into, thread through, also tsæwå
tΔæ«å b∑ ©∑ gwå tΔæwå le o. He shot an arrow and it stuck in over
there.
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
143
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
peppery soup, also tΔæwå tæå (C)
V
cultivate around, also tsæw\å
We are going to scrape out weeds.
m\o tО”Г¦wГҐ je ГҐ.
ГҐ mi tО”Г¦wГҐ je ГҐ.
We are going to cultivate the fields
KZl
tО”Г¦w\ГҐ
V
prevent, pair word for k\ГҐ
KZl KZl tО”Г¦w\ГҐ tО”Г¦w\ГҐ V
long in the face
long-faced
pæj\ö mjå tΔæw\å tΔæw\å
KZl KZl tО”Г¦w\ГҐ tО”Г¦w\ГҐ A
making sound of crackling leaves
tΔæw\å tΔæw\å tΔæw\å tΔæw\å tæ\å dÔe. Don’t make so much noise
KZj Ej tΔæwå tæå
KZl
tО”Г¦w\ГҐ
walking on the dry leaves.
KZm Oam Zh Oam tО”Г¦w\ГҐ m\Г® w|ГҐ m\Г®
K\h
K\h
K\i
K\i
X
h
spread all over, of news
j|Г® d\o tО”Г¦w\ГҐ m\Г® w|ГҐ m\Г® le o. The news spread everywhere.
tО”Г¦w\ГҐj
C
for hits, blows
tæ\î tΔæw\åj fu ©\∑ m\å. Give him a knock.
tО”Г¦|ГҐ
V
speak quickly and loudly, gabble (C)
j|î ¯å kæ\∑ tΔæ|å å. His words are quick and loud.
j|Г® ВЇГҐ tО”Г¦\Г¶ tО”Г¦|ГҐ ГҐ. He speaks quickly and loudly.
tО”Г¦|ГҐ
N
burning sensation in the nose (T), also tΔæ|o≥
excitedly, earnestly
tО”Г¦|ГҐ tО”Г¦|ГҐ ВЇi
tО”Г¦|ГҐ tО”Г¦|ГҐ ВЇi d\e lГҐ ГҐ. He came and pleaded fervently.
tΔæ|å tΔæ|å ¯i w\å k«o ©\∑ å. He reported the matter excitedly.
tΔæ«å
N/C a cubit, from elbow to tip of middle finger
pæjö tΔæ«å/l\á tΔæ«å
a full cubit
tæ«y tΔæ«å
a short cubit (closed fist)
t«y tΔæ«å ≥w\å tΔæ«å
five short cubits
l\á tΔæ«å ≥w\å tΔæ«å five cubits
tΔæ«å
N
crossbow
shoot a crossbow
tΔæ«å b∑ å
tΔæ«å pæ\î
bowstring of crossbow, also tΔæ«å må pæ\î
tΔæ«å g\u
crossbow stock
tΔæ«å kæ\∑
slot for bowstring of crossbow
tΔæ«å dÔå
slot in a crossbow, to hold arrow in position
tΔæ«å dÔu/dzu
trigger
tΔæ«å tΔ|ï å
make a crossbow
tΔæ«å må pæ\î
bowstring of crossbow, also tΔæ«å pæ\î
tΔæ«å s|ï
small strong crossbow
tΔæ«å s|ï å
uncock a crossbow
tΔæ«å s«∑
wooden bow of crossbow
tΔæ«å ≥\o å
cock a crossbow
KZ]al
W
x
V
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
144
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tΔæ«å ~hi tså
crossbow string
må kæw\å tΔæ«å
bamboo crossbow
|å no tΔæ«å dÔ\ö
kind of bean (�angled crossbow bean’)
K\i
tΔæ«å
V
aim
K\i
tΔæ«å
V
greedy, envious
Aren’t you envious?
nu m\å tΔæ«å \å.
dz\å tΔæ«å å
be greedy to eat more
å| n\å tæe må tΔæ«å tsÉï le o. This dog is too greedy.
K\i K\i tΔæ«å tΔæ«å
VS intensifier for pæu �white’, also tsæ«å tsæ«å
pæu tΔæ«å tΔæ«å
very white, snow-white
K\i Ccl tΔæ«å d\u
N
navel
umbilical cord
tΔæ«å d\u tså
K\i I`m tΔæ«å dÔ\ö
N
flint, cigarette lighter
tΔæ«å dÔ\ö po
flintlock rifle
tΔæ«å dÔ\ö lo
flints for lighter
K\i Zdj tΔæ«å wu
N
adze, gouging tool
K\i Q^j Q^j tΔæ«å lá lá V
branching out
s«∑ l\á k|å tΔæ«å lá lá k«å å. The branches were branching out.
K\i Um tΔæ«å ≥\å
V
craning the neck to see over
tΔi≥ tΔæ«å ≥\å
craning long neck to see over
tΔæ«å ≥\å ≥\å l\e t«ö ¯i o. He craned his neck to see over.
K\k
tΔæå
V
do wrong, make a mistake, also tО”Г¦|o
mistake
tΔæå gu
tΔæå gu ≥\o gu
wrongs, mistakes
tΔæå le o.
He did wrong, he made a mistake.
su z\å m∑ l|á tæ\å tΔæå. Don’t commit adultery.
j|î l|á tΔæå le o.
I wronged him/I sinned against him.
K\l
tО”Г¦\ГҐ
V
rob (C), also tΔæ\å≥
robber
tО”Г¦\ГҐ t|ГҐw
tΔæ\å t«á je å.
He robbed something and carried it away.
tΔæ\å pæ\å tΔ«å å.
There are robbers here.
K\l
tО”Г¦\ГҐ
NS dragonfly
dragonfly, also ГҐ
\ tО”Г¦\ГҐ x\o
tВ«o tО”Г¦\ГҐ mГҐ
\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГҐ x\o
dragonfly, also tВ«o tО”Г¦\ГҐ mГҐ
K\l
tО”Г¦\ГҐ
NS olive-like tree
olive-like tree
\å tΔæ\å dzÉï
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
145
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
serious, earnest
tæ\å tΔæ\å ¯i bá m|å ©\∑ å. He instructed him very seriously (i.e.
K\l K\l tО”Г¦\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГҐ
stressing the importance of what he was teaching)
V
V
K\l O\`i tΔæ\å mj«ö
K\l Q^l tО”Г¦\ГЎ l\ГЎ
try to go first, usually tsæ\å mj«ö
poorly done, poorly made
tΔæi≥ tΔæ\á l\á
tО”Г¦\ГҐ
V
tО”Г¦\ГҐ n\e
K\m
poorly made
die violent death, be doomed
spirit of murdered man; a spirit which causes
violent deaths
tΔæ\å ΔÉï o.
He was murdered.
j|Г® tО”Г¦\ГҐ dГ”o ГҐ.
He is doomed.
j|î \å tæ\î tΔ\o tΔæ\å n\e w\u å.
Their clan is dogged by misfortune and
violent deaths (�death and violence spirit is big’)
tО”Г¦\ГҐ
VS off-white
pæu tΔæ\å tΔæ\å l\e
off-white
|ГҐ nГЎ tО”Г¦\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГҐ
crow pheasant
K\m Q^m tО”Г¦\ГҐ l\ГЎ
N
spinning wheel, sewing machine
tО”Г¦\ГҐ l\ГЎ t|o pu ГҐ.
It was spun on a spinning wheel.
tΔæ\å l\á sÉï å.
sewing by machine
K\]bj tΔæåw/tΔæo V
sterilize a sow (C)
å| w\á må tæe må tΔæåw ©∑ o.
This sow has been sterilised.
K\m
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
146
Southern Lisu Dictionary
dzГҐ
VS
je dzГҐ
dzГҐ
N
m\ГЎ dzГҐ
dzГҐ
N
dzГҐ b\e
dzå b∑ dzÉï
dzГҐ bj\ГҐ
dzГҐ p|u ГҐ
dzå pæö
dzå pæi
dzå pæu
dzå pæ«y å
dzå pæ\∑
dzå d\∑ å
dzГҐ t|Г® ГҐ
dzå k«å
dzå k|o pæu
dzГҐ dГ”\ГЎ l\ГЎ
t\o so dzГҐ
dzå dÔå
dzГҐ dГ”\ГЎ l\ГЎ
dzГҐ dГ”\u
dzГҐ tО”|ГҐ kВ«o
dzГҐ tО”|ГҐ ~hi
dzå tΔæ«ö
dzГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ
dzГҐ dz\ГҐ lГҐ.
dzå må s\∑
dzГҐ m\e
dzГҐ m\e dzГҐ bГЎ z\ГҐ
dzГҐ m\o
dzГҐ nГЎ
dzå nö
dzГҐ n\u
dzГҐ l|ГЎ
dzГҐ lo ГҐ_\
dzå ≥\å ≥|o
dzГҐ f|u
dzГҐ w\o lo w\o
Lj
Lk
Lk
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
help, also dzwå, written dÂå
help
palace, official building, written dÂå
army headquarters
rice, food
old rice
broken rice
incompletely milled rice
steam rice
large round rice storage basket, 2m diameter
empty rice grains on plant
husked rice
pile up rice
rice husks, rice chaff
thresh rice
pound/husk rice
granary, rice storehouse
kind of non-glutinous rice
kind of non-glutinous rice
kind of non-glutinous rice
cold cooked rice
variegated rice (with striped or spotted pattern)
lunch (carried to fields)
kitchen inside main house
kitchen in separate building
non-glutinous rice
rotten, spoiled rice
Come and eat!
unmilled paddy, also tsæÉï
rice which falls down when eating
left-over rice dregs
very old rice
black rice
tassel of rice plant
glutinous rice
new rice
early rice, matures quickly
burnt crust of rice on the bottom of pot
cooked rice
crops
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
147
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Lk
Lk
Lk
Lk
Lk
Lk
Lk
Ll
W
x
dzГҐ w\o lo w\o sГҐ du
the harvest, crops needing to be harvested
dzГҐ О”|ГЇ
seed rice
dzГҐ О”\ГЇ
new rice
dzå jö z\å
rice sprout
dzГҐ wГҐ ГҐ
winnow rice
dzå ©\∑ å
reap/harvest rice
tsæÉï ¯«î ¯å dzå w\o lo w\o m\å xå. This year the crops are poor.
|ГҐ m\o dzГҐ
horse food
ГҐ| w\ГЎ dzГҐ
pig food
dzГҐ
V
pass right through, also dzwГҐ, written dГ‚wГҐ
dispersed to different places along different paths
dzГҐ be dzГҐ kwГҐ
dzå pæ∑
edge of the road
dzГҐ g\o
bend in a path, crooked path
dzГҐ gu
road, trail, path
dzГҐ gu d\ГҐ mГҐ tsГҐ ГҐ. He is keeping to the major trail.
dzГҐ gu dzГҐ b\ГҐ
by the roads
dzГҐ gu tsГҐ tsГҐ
along the way
dzГҐ kwГҐ
fork in the road, branch path
dzå kwå tæ\î må dÔo å.
There is one fork in the road.
dzГҐ tО”Г¶
place where paths join
dzå x«å
place where paths separate
dzГҐ w\o
lower (shady) road
s«∑ dzÉï fu dzå je å. He shot right through the tree.
j|î tsæÉï h~ y\ k|å dzå je å. It stabbed him right through the calf.
dzГҐ
NS
ability, written dÂå
He is good with his hands.
j|Г® l\ГЎ dzГҐ dГ”o ГҐ.
Aai Qai dzå p«î l«î
N
Java sparrow
Pm Oj dzГҐ n\ГҐ mГҐ N
praying mantis
Ql Oj dzГҐ l\ГҐ mГҐ N
long-tailed type of bird (light brown)
Oelnm dzå m\∑\å
N
sparrow
dzГҐ
VS
nominaliser of extentive verbs, written dÂå
quantity
mj\ГҐ dzГҐ
dz\ГҐ
V
eat; benefit, profit
soaked, but the dye didn’t take
t«î m\å dz\å
dz\å kæ\∑
appetite (archaic)
dz\å kæ\∑ ts|ï wå.
You must restrain your appetite.
dz\å kæ\∑ m\å xå.
He is not eating well.
dz\å kæw|å
provisions
kæ\o Δ\ï dz\å kæw|å
provisions for the new year festival
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
148
Southern Lisu Dictionary
dz\å kæw|å m\å l\o.
dzГҐ dz\ГҐ lГҐ.
dz\ГҐ mi ГҐ.
j|î pæy j|î m\å dz\å
I haven’t got enough to live on/for the journey.
Come and eat.
It is tasty to eat.
He didn’t charge anything for it/He didn’t use the
price for his own benefit.
j|î å| m\î pæu tæ\î tu dz\å å.He has charged 1000 Baht for his daughter.
|å m\o tæ\î må w\u dz\å å.
He sold a horse.
ГҐ| w\ГЎ wu dz\ГҐ ГҐ.
He is bringing a pig to eat.
Ll
Ll
Ll Dbi
Ll Fbm
Ll Hck
Ll Hel
Ll Ubl
L: \bj
Lm Oj
L_j
L_m
La
Laj
Laj
@
b
A
p
dz\ГҐ
V
be kind, have mercy, also dzw\ГҐ, written dГ‚\ГҐ
be kind
¯«î dz\å
dz\ГҐ
VS
think, know, written dГ‚\ГҐ
think
d\y dz\ГҐ
dz\å ¯«î
knowledge
dz\ГҐ tВ«o
V
answer, usually d\ГҐ tВ«o
He didn’t answer.
j|Г® m\ГҐ dz\ГҐ tВ«o.
dz\ГҐ g\o
V
regret, written dГ‚\ГҐ g\o
k|ГҐ ВЇ|ГҐ ВЇГҐ j|Г® dz\ГҐ g\o ГҐ. He regretted it afterwards.
dz\å kæu
V
put a curse on, written dÂ\å kæu
dz\å kæu å dz\å ná å. put a spell on, put a curse on
dz\å kæ\∑
V
criticise, written dÂ\å kæ\∑
dz\å ≥\o
N
walking stick, crutch, written dÂ\å ≥\o
dz\ГҐ jo
V
humble, mainly used in Bible, written dГ‚\ГҐ Г‚o
dz\ГҐ jo su
humble people
dz\ГҐ mГҐ
N
pair word for å\ b\∑ friend (song language)
dze
V
chisel a shape, also dГ”i
dze du
a chisel
dz\e
V
gnaw through, also dz\e/dГ”\e, written dz\e
å| pæ\∑ dz\e d\y lå å. The mouse gnawed his way in.
dzÉï
some words written as dÔi/dz∑
dzÉï
V
slide along on the buttocks
|å d\å l\å dzÉï je å.
He is sliding along on his bottom.
dzÉï
V
careful
bi bi dzÉï dzÉï je m\å. Do it carefully and well.
dzÉï do lå
come out carefully
dzÉï dzÉï my my
carefully and in detail
Δ«å m\å dzÉï.
It isn’t well made.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
149
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Laj
Laj
Laj
Laj Qaj
Laj Tl
Lak
Lak
Lak
pester, prod
pester, prod
I feel sorry for him.
leak out, also dÔÉï
It is leaking out.
It has not leaked.
handsome, also written dz∑
loach (kind of fish)
loach (kind of fish), also ≥w|å tΔ\ö l\ö
fragments, impurities, chaff
fragments of rice, broken rice
pair word for pæ\y �price’
pay (bride) price
pair word for xå �good’, usually dÔi
good people
build , also written dz∑
dzÉï
V
melt, also dÔÉï
It is melting and coming out.
dzÉï do lå å.
m\å dzÉï le.
It has not melted.
xo tæe må dzÉï le o. This iron has melted.
dzÉï
V
dawn, also dÔÉï
The dawn is breaking.
m\i tæ\á dzÉï lå å.
dzÉï
NS/C tree, stalk, stem
bamboo stalks
må kæw\å dzÉï
s\å dzÉï
three trees
s«∑ bo dzÉï
pine tree
s«∑ dzÉï
trees
j|î dzÉï
stem, trunk
dzÉï
V
alcohol (formal), also dÔÉï/dÔi
liquor (corn or rice)
dzÉï pæ\∑
dzÉï pæu
rice beer (with rice grains in it)
dzÉï do xw\å dz\å je å. They are feasting
dzÉï
V
meet (of animate objects), also dÔÉï
dzå gu wå dzÉï l\á xo. They met on the road.
Lak
Lak
Lak
Lak
X
h
pity, feel sorry for
(by laying/piling up bricks/mud/stones)
\å m|o mo dzÉï dá je å.They built it up very high.
Lak
W
x
dzÉï
V
¯«î dzÉï å
¯«î dzÉï ¯«î l\e
¯«î må dzÉï å.
dzÉï
V
dzÉï do lå å.
m\å dzÉï le.
dzÉï
V
dzÉï li
NS
b∑ dzÉï li
dzÉï z\å
N
dzå dzÉï z\å
dzÉï
NS
pæ\y b∑ dzÉï b∑
dzÉï
VS
tsæo xå tsæo dzÉï
dzÉï
V
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
150
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
get a scare, feel squeamish, be petrified,
written dГ”i z\u
å| tæ\å tsæÉï å dzÉï z\u å. He got a fright when he cut himself with a knife.
dz\ГЇ
N
hemp, marijuana, Hemp clan
man of Hemp clan
dz\ï pæ\å
dz\ï pæö
bush of hemp
dz\ГЇ tО”|ГҐ mГЊ
cloth made of cooked hemp
dz\ï ¯«î tΔæ\ï
green hemp thread (unspun)
x\∑ dz\ï
white hemp
dz\ГЇ
N
rust
It is rusty (�Rust is eating it’).
dz\ГЇ dz\ГҐ ГҐ.
dz\ГЇ
V
ride, also written dz\∑
I didn’t ride in a truck.
l\o m\ГҐ dz\ГЇ.
|å m\o dz\ï m\å p|∑. I’m too scared to ride horses.
dz\ГЇ
V
bear with, be patient with, hold in
I can’t bear it any longer.
dz\ГЇ m\ГҐ dГҐ.
¯«î må |å t|î dz\ï ©\∑. Please be patient.
≥wå j|î l|á dz\ï m\å kæu.
I can’t bear him.
О”\_ГЎ m\ГҐ ~hГҐ ~hГҐ dz\ГЇ t|ГҐ. Hold your breath.
dz\ГЇ
N
copper, also dГ”\Г®
copper pot
dz\ГЇ be
dz\ï ΔÉï ΔÉï
brass (�yellow copper’)
dz\ГЇ О”\ГЇ О”\ГЇ
copper (�red copper’)
dz\ГЇ
V
fresh, of foods
m\å dÔu le må ¯å j|î dz\ï ≥o. The ones which aren’t stale are fresh
Lak Tcl dzÉï z\u
Lal
Lal
Lal
Lal
Lal
Lal
ones.
fresh vegetables
fresh meat
w\o pæj\å dz\ï
xw\ГҐ dz\ГЇ
dz\ГЇ
V
throw, cast as a spear
l|å pæj|å dz\ï j\å å.
He speared it.
Δ|ï tæ\î p\å dz\ï ©∑ lå. Throw me a bundle of thatch.
dz\ГЇ
V
care for
dz\ГЇ
C
for mountain ranges
one mountain range
w\å dz\ï tæ\î dz\ï
dz\ГЇ
N
types, kinds, also dГ”\Г®/dГ”\e
\å mj«å dz\ï dÔo å. There are many kinds.
dz\ГЇ
V
foolish, mentally retarded, also dГ”\Г®
not mentally retarded
m\ГҐ dz\ГЇ d\o
Lal
Lal
Lal
Lal
Lal
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
151
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Lal Aah
Lal @_k
Lal Gei
Lal Mah
Lal Mah
Lal Lal
mГҐ dz\ГЇ mГҐ t\o l\o
m\ГҐ dz\ГЇ m\ГҐ t\o l\o
dz\ГЇ p|Г®
N
dz\ГЇ p|Г® ku ku l\e
dz\ГЇ be
N
dz\ï k«∑
N
xw\å dz\ï k«∑
w\o pæi dz\ï k«∑
w\o dz\ï dz\ï k«∑
dz\ГЇ ts|ГЇ
N
dz\ГЇ ts|ГЇ nГҐ ГҐ.
dz\ГЇ ts|ГЇ
N
k«Ì tsæÉï dz\ï ts|ï
~hi tО”Г¦u dz\ГЇ ts|ГЇ
dz\ГЇ dz\ГЇ
A
dz\ГЇ dz\ГЇ pВ«e pВ«e
dz\ï dz\ï p«e p«e t«ö ¯i
cooked rice with some grains uncooked
neither foolish nor clever
the back, when stooping over
with a stooped bent back
metal rice pot
minced meat
raw mincemeat
minced mustard greens
minced turnip
waist, small of the back, hips, written dГ”\u ts|ГЇ
His lower back is sore.
horizontal battens
horizontal wall studs
horizontal batten undergirding sloping rafters
by force, by holding someone down
by force, in spite of a struggle
å. He looked at it in spite of the patient’s
struggles.
dz\ï dz\ï h~ u t«á je o. He took it away by force.
Lal Oj
Lal Obl
Lal Wei
Lam
Lam
dz\ГЇ mГҐ
N
bamboo spikes used in traps and fences
dz\ГЇ m\o
N
matchmaker, go-between for wedding
dzÉï x«∑
N
belt, girdle, also dÔå x«∑
dz\ГЇ
V
gnaw through, also dz\e/dГ”\e, written dz\e
|å pæ\∑ dz\ï d\y lå å. The mouse gnawed his way in.
dz\ГЇ
V
attend a meeting, congregate
kæu dz\ï tsæo
church
kæu dz\ï l\á xo å.
meet together, by command of the headman
dz\ГЇ lГҐ su
people at a meeting
l\å tsæo z\ï å.
People are gathered in crowds.
z\å nö z\ï z\ï k|å ¯«å tΔ«å å.
There are crowds of children playing and
milling around.
xw\å tæu pæ\å kæu dz\ï å.
The headman called a meeting.
В©\ГҐ dz\ГЇ ГҐ
summon
V
dz\ГЇ
Lam
put on a fixture, also written dz\ГЊ
especially parts of a house
put on leaf roofing
put on thatch roofing
p«e kæ\å dz\ï å
О”|ГЇ dz\ГЇ ГҐ
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
152
Southern Lisu Dictionary
dz\ГЇ
N
sap, resin
j|Г® dz\ГЇ do ГҐ.
Sap is running out.
dz\ГЇ
NS
twin, usually dÔö
m\∑ dz\ï
twin girls, usually m\∑ dÔö
dz\ГЇ
V/VV clear of speech
bГЎ dz\ГЇ ГҐ
speak clearly
tО”Г¦\Г¶ m\ГҐ dz\ГЇ.
He doesn’t speak clearly.
dz\ГЇ
N
lifetime, also written dz\∑
Qem Qem dz\ï l\∑ l\∑ V
curved, bristling with, also written dz\ГЊ l\ГЊ l\ГЊ
l\å Δe tΔæ\u dz\ï l\∑ l\∑ k«å å. The thatching grass shoots were all a-
Lam
Lam
Lam
Lam
Lam
bristle.
Lam Tl
Lam [_j
Lbj
Lbk
Lbj
Lbl
Lbl
Lbm
@
b
A
p
dz\ГЇ z\ГҐ
N
dz\ï z\å kæ\o å
dz\ГЇ О”e
NS
w|u p|ГҐ dz\ГЇ О”e
dzo
V
¯«î dzo å
m\å ¯«î dzo
fu l|ГЎ dzo ГҐ.
≥wå ¯å m\å dzo.
dzo
V
j|Г® ВЇГҐ |ГҐ m\o dzo ГҐ.
|ГҐ m\o m\ГҐ dzo.
dzo
V
j\å j«î s\∑ dzo ¯_i å.
dz\o
V/VV
dГ”e dz\o ГҐ.
Δ«å m\å dz\o.
bГЎ m\ГҐ dz\o.
dz\o dz\o xГҐ xГҐ
dz\o dz\o xГҐ xГҐ je ГҐ.
dz\o dz|o\ГҐ
dz\o
NP
dz\o d\Г¶
dz\o mГҐ
dz\o mГҐ ts|ГЇ
dz\o
N
dz\o bjГҐ
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
athlete’s foot, tropical fungus infection
itchy, pimply disease of feet �bites’
toad
toad
fear, fearsome, usually dГ”o
hate
not hate
He is afraid of snakes.
I’m not afraid.
have, exist, usually dГ”o
He has horses.
I haven’t any horses.
measure grain by volume, usually dГ”o
Measure the potatoes (see how much there is).
right, correct, also dГ”\o
It was right to go.
He didn’t make it correctly.
He didn’t say the proper thing.
correctly, well
He does it well.
carefully, in detail, properly, also dГ”\o dГ”|oГҐ
\
horizontal floor battens, also dГ”\o/dz\ГЇ ts|ГЇ
floor joists
flooring, raised floor, platform
floor bearers
side of abdomen, also dГ”\o
side of abdomen, also dГ”\o bjГҐ
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
153
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Lbm Mbhl
Lci Lck
Lcj
Lcj
Lcj
A
N
V
V
dz_o ts|oo\
dzВ«u dzu
dzu
dz_u
j|Г® dzu
dzu
properly, also dГ”o tО”\o
crowds, multitudes, also dÔ«u dÔu/dzu
cocked, ready to go off, also dÔ_u, see ≥\o
dried up, shrivelled, also dГ”_u
a dry one
Ns
V
tsæÉï dzu
tsæÉï dzu dzu å.
l\ГЎ dzu
l\ГЎ dzu dzu ГҐ.
l\e dzu
|ГҐ dzu
dzu
NS/C
¯«å z\å tæ\î dzu
å| m\o tæ\î dzu
å| w\á tæ\î dzu mo å.
dz\u
C
dz\u
N
tsæÉï dz\u
dz\u
NS
n|o dz\u
dz\u
V
Lck
Lcl
Lcl
Lcl
Lcl
dz∑/dzÌ
dz∑
dz∑
~hi dz∑
Lel
dz\∑
Lem
dz\∑
Lfm
dz\ГЊ
О”|ГЇ dz\ГЊ
Lfm Qfm Qfm dz\ГЊ l\ГЊ l\ГЊ
LZh
dzw|ГҐ
Le/Lf
Lej
Lek
V
V
V
N
V
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
He is putting on leggings.
bracelets, also l\ГЎ dГ”u
She is putting on bracelets.
grave, also l\Г¶ dzu/l\e dГ”u
chopsticks, also ГҐ
| dГ”u
for herds, flocks, groups of people, also dГ”u
a flock of birds
a herd of horses
I saw a herd of pigs.
for showers of rain, stacks, also dГ”\u
tendons, sinews, veins, also dГ”\u
hamstring tendon
wedge, also d\u
wedge
bump with the end of a pole, punch, push
with the shoulder, also dГ”\u
all usually pronounced dzÉï
handsome
build, make a life
make a life, usually h
~ i Δ«å
ride
lifetime,
sew together
make a tile of thatch grass
V
N
curved, in a curve
far down there, also dГ”w|ГҐ/dГ”|o/dГ”|ГҐw
dГ”w|ГҐw or dzw|ГҐ/dz|o/dz|ГҐw
dzw|ГҐ dzwГҐ
W
x
cylindrical object , also dГ”u
put on leggings or bracelets
leggings, also tsæÉï dÔu
far down there
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
154
Southern Lisu Dictionary
dzw|å dzwå j|î k|å ¯«å g\å je å.
I�m following him far down there.
LZj
dzwГҐ
V/VV help, help to, also je dzå, written dÂå
|ГҐ t|Г® t|Г® dzwГҐ lГҐ.
Please help me beat it.
|å t|î t«á dzwå lå.
Please help me carry it.
ГҐ| t|Г® je dzwГҐ lГҐ.
Please help me do it.
LZj @_k dzwГҐ be
N
large clay jar, also ji wu/dГ”wГҐ be
LZk
dzwГҐ
V
penetrate right through, also dzå/dÔå/dÔwå
It went right through there.
gwГҐ dzwГҐ je ГҐ.
LZk
dzwГҐ
N
down there, also dГ”wГҐ/dГ”o/dГ”wГҐw/dГ”wo
or dzo/dzГҐw
around down there
dzwГҐ dzwГҐ
LZl
dzw\ГҐ
V
be kind, have mercy, also dz\ГҐ, written dГ‚\ГҐ
be kind
¯«î dzw\å
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
155
Southern Lisu Dictionary
ts|ГҐ
V
feed animals, also tsw|ГҐ, written tВ®|ГҐ
å| w\á å| t|î ts|å ©\∑. Feed the pigs.
ts|ГҐ
V
join onto, extend, tie on, marry
tsæÉï z\å m\å ts|å l\á xo. The strings are not joined.
l\á pæ«á ts|å å
marry (�join hands’)
h~î l\á m\e ts|å tΔ«å å. He is extending the eaves of his house.
О”\ГҐ mjГҐ ts|ГҐ ГҐ
save life from sickness; extend life
ji l\á m»å ts|å tΔ«å å. He extended his field.
ts|å pæ\o
N
mosquito net, also tΔw|å pæ\o/ ts|åw pæ\o
ts|ГҐ ts\ГЇ
NP wild quince
ts|å ts\ï dzÉï
wild quince tree
ts|å ts\ï s\∑
wild quince fruit
ts|ГҐ
NP/C parent-in-law
one parent-in-law
tæ\î ts|å
ts|å m\o pæ\å
father-in-law, also ts|ГҐ je
mother-in-law
ts|ГҐ m\o mГҐ
ts|ГҐ je
father-in-law, also ts|å m\o pæ\å
parents-in-law
ts|ГҐ je ts|ГҐ m\o
ts«å
Num million, usually h~ jå Δ«å
one million, usually tæ\î h
~ jå Δ«å
tæ\î ts«å
tsГҐ
V
follow (road, tracks, etc.), along, written t®å
tsГҐ tsГҐ
along
dzГҐ gu tsГҐ tsГҐ wГҐ along the way
tsГҐ ts|ГҐ\ГҐ
straight
tsГҐ je ГҐ
go straight
xw\ГҐ tsГҐ
animal tracks
dzГҐ gu tsГҐ ГҐ
follow a path
tsГҐ
NS/C vine, rope, string of bow/banjo, written t®å
О”\ГЇ tsГҐ
vein/artery (�blood string’)
j|Г® tsГҐ
vine
tsГҐ
V
tell stories, written t®å
Kæw\åtsåså
Trickster (in Lisu stories), also xw\ГҐtsГҐsГҐ
tsГҐ p\Г®
illustrate; take as example, suppose,
≥wå tså p\î.
I’ll illustrate.
tsГҐ mj\Г¶
history, Bible story
≥wå tså p\î.
I’ll illustrate.
m|ГҐ mj\Г¶ tsГҐ k|u ГҐ. He is good at telling stories
z\å m∑ z\å å\ kæ|∑ tså l\á xo å.
The women are gossiping a lot.
Xw\ГҐtsГҐsГҐ
Trickster (in Lisu stories), also kæw\åtsåså
Mh
Mh
Mh Bbl
Mh Mam
Mh
Mi
Mj
Mj
Mj
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
156
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Mj
Mj
Mj Acj
Mj Bel
Mj J`i
Mj Dm
Ml
О”\ГЇ tsГҐ
tsГҐ
N
tsГҐ tО”|ГҐ
tsГҐ
NS
\ГҐ tsГҐ
tsГҐ pu
N
tsГҐ pu mГҐ
tså pu ¯«î tΔæ\ï må
tsГҐ pu l\o m\o
tså pæ\∑
NS
≥w|å tså pæ\∑
tså tΔ«ö
N
tså tΔ«ö kæw|å
tså tΔ«ö s\o å.
tsГҐ t\ГҐ
N
tså t\å tΔ«ï å
ts\ГҐ
V
xГҐ d\u ts\ГҐ ГҐ
|ГҐ t|Г® ts\ГҐ k|o je.
ts\ГҐ
A
ts\ГҐ ts\ГҐ l\e
ts\ГҐ ts\ГҐ l\e dГ”e ГҐ.
ts\å ©∑
Ml
ts\å ©∑ dÔe m\å.
Ml Gl Jdi ts\å k\å tΔæ«ï N
Mm Abm ts\ГҐ p\o
N
ts\å p\o tæ\î kæ«o
Mhl
ts|ГҐГҐ\
AS
\ГҐ ts|ГҐ\ГҐ
Mhm
ts|ГҐГҐ\
NS
tsГҐ ts|ГҐ\ГҐ
ВЇi k|u ts|ГҐ\ГҐ
M^h Q^m Q^m ts|ГЎ l\ГЎ l\ГЎ A
M]ah
ts|ГҐj
Num
M]ah
ts|ГҐj
C
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
geneology
Zhang clan (C)
Zhang clan
kind of small bird, white-eye
kind of small bird, white-eye
grasshopper, cricket, also tО”ГҐ pu
grasshopper, cricket
large green grasshopper
locust
kind of 10cm long fish found in small pools
kind of 10cm long fish found in small pools
crossbow arrow, usually tΔå tΔ«ö
segment of bamboo from which arrows are split
He is whittling crossbow arrows.
bamboo bird scare
operate a bird scare by pulling on string
move house to a new site in the same
village, pick up and move aside
move house
Please lift it aside.
carefully, without stopping
lightly and carefully, without stopping
He went lightly and carefully.
step or sit carefully and lightly to avoid falling
over
Walk carefully and lightly.
small brown bird, in flocks of about ten
bamboo mat, for drying grain, also t\ГҐ p\o
one bamboo mat
soon
soon
between, straight, written tВ®|ГҐГҐ\ , in
straight
between
lined up, in line, usually tО”|ГҐ l\ГЎ l\ГЎ
again (C), usually ts«åj, also t|e/ts|o
for villages (C)
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
157
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
village (C), also archaic kæ«å
Num again (C), also ts|ГҐj/t|e/ts|o
He came again
ts«åj xw«å lå o.
ts«åj tæ\î zo
an additional person
M]bh Bb: ts|åw pæ\o
N
mosquito net, also ts|å pæ\o/tΔw|å pæ\o
M`h
ts|Г¶
N
sin, guilt, also tО”|Г¶, written ts|uj
M`l
ts\Г¶
V
come true, of dreams, also ts\uj
His dream came true.
j\î mjå kæo ©∑ å ts\ö å.
Ma
tsÉï
some words written as tΔi/ts∑
Mah
ts|ГЇ
V
contagious, of sickness, also tО”|Г®
nå tæe Δ\ï ts|ï nå å. The type of disease is infectious.
Mah
ts|ГЇ
V
present someone to the spirits
j|î z\å n\e l|á ts|ï t|î ©\∑ å. He presented his son to the spirits.
Mah
ts|ГЇ
V
refrain from (observe the Lisu sabbath)
ts|ГЇ ВЇi
Lisu fortnightly day of rest
ná tsæ\ï dz\å å ¯å, dzÉï pæ\∑ ts|ï wå å. If you eat medicine, you must
M]ah Maj ts|åj tsÉï
M]ai
ts«åj
s|ГҐ n\ГЎ m\ГҐ ts|ГЇ h~ e\ .
ts|ГЇ
V
|å tæ\å å dÔå ts|ï å.
ts|ГЇ
V
tsæÉï b∑ ts|ï å.
f\u lВ«u ts|ГЇ ГҐ.
ts|ГЇ
NP
ts|ï pæ\ö dzÉï
ts|ï dzÉï
ts|ï s\∑
ts|ГЇ
N
ts|ï tΔæ«e å
ts|ï dzÉï
ts|ГЇ je xВ«o
ts|ГЇ
V
ts|ГЇ t|ГҐ.
ts|ï m\å m∑.
ts|ï m∑ le o.
ts|ГЇ О”e
ts|ГЇ О”e dГ”o ГҐ.
j|Г® ts|ГЇ О”i m\ГҐ xГҐ.
Mah
Mah
Mah
Mah
Mah
W
x
refrain from alcohol.
We don’t yet observe the Lisu Sabbath tomorrow.
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
temper iron by immersing in water
Temper the knife in water.
tune a musical instrument
Tune a banjo.
Tune a set of pipes.
wild horse chestnut, written ts|∑
a type of wild chestnut
wild horse chestnut tree
wild horse chestnuts
lac tree, lacquer, written ts|∑
get a rash from ts|ГЇ trees
lacquer tree
small lacquered woven box
remember, written tО”|Г®
Remember!
I can’t remember.
I remember.
good memory
He has a good memory.
His memory is bad.
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
158
Southern Lisu Dictionary
ts|ГЇ
V
squeeze between nails, knock with knuckles
|å g∑ n∑ ts|ï å.
Knock with knuckles (esp. on head).
|å n\å k\Ì t«Ì |å m|e ts|ï Δ\e.
Kill dog fleas between the nails.
ts|ГЇ
NS/P/C joints, house studs
wall studs
k«Ì tsæÉï ts|ï
dГ”\o mГҐ ts|ГЇ
floor joists
j|Г® ts|ГЇ be
a lumpy joint (elbow, ankle, etc.)
j|Г® ts|ГЇ l\e
having obvious joints and sections, as bamboo or
Mah
Mah
plump babies
z\å nö z\å tΔi≥ ts|ï l\e k«å å. The baby is plump.
tsæÉï ts|ï
ankle joint (knee in other dialects)
må kæw\å då tæ\î ts|ï/må kæw\å tæ«ö tæ\î ts|ï one section of bamboo
må kæw\å ts|ï
bamboo joints
l\ГЎ g\o ts|ГЇ
elbow
l\ГЎ kwГҐ ts|ГЇ
wrist
l\ГЎ ts|ГЇ
elbow/wrist
l\ГЎ ВЇi ts|ГЇ
finger joints
j|Г® ts|ГЇ
joint
Mah
Mah Afj
Mah K\l
Mah Mah
Mai
@
b
A
p
ts|ГЇ
C/NS times and seasons
tæ\î ts|ï kwå
at one time
dzå ©\∑ ts|ï
rice harvest time
О”\ГЇ mi ts|ГЇ
everything
å| tæ\á tæ\î ts|ï å\
at what time?
ГҐ mi tО”|e ts|ГЇ
time for clearing fields
dzГҐ tО”|ГҐ ts|ГЇ
time to start cooking
å| j|å pæ\å by ts|ï
cock-crow
|ГҐ j|ГҐ m|y ts|ГЇ
when the chickens set on their eggs
ts|ГЇ pГЊ
N
apron (formerly worn by Lisu), usually tО”|ГҐ pГЊ
ts|ГЇ tО”Г¦\ГҐ
Pro oneself, written tО”|Г® tО”Г¦\ГҐ
j|Г® ts|ГЇ tО”Г¦\ГҐ l|ГЎ k|ГҐ О”\e kГЊ o. He stabbed himself to death.
ts|ГЇ ts|ГЇ
V
with bared teeth and jaws closed
å| n\å s\ï tsæÉï ts|ï ts|ï l\e. The dog has bared its teeth.
ts«ï
V
be alarmed
bee-eater, roller
bj\å ts«ï må
ts«ï ts«ï
scary, frightening, alarming
ts«ï ts«ï l\e tæ\å kæu. Don’t yell and alarm people.
ts«ï l|î x\o x\o
shrill, of shouting or screaming
ts«ï l|î x\o x\o kæu å. He screamed shrilly
nu tæ\å ts«ï.
Don’t be alarmed.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
159
Southern Lisu Dictionary
ts«ï
V
exert force, thrust, written tΔ«ï
thrust with the feet
p«e ts«ï å.
Mai Um Um ts«ï ≥\å _≥\å
V
pleated; old and skinny
mj\åw tsÉï må du t|∑ ¯å ts«ï ≥\å ≥\å l\e k«å å. The skirts of Meo women
Mai
are pleated.
Maj Dbi
tsÉï
V
build a fire, stoke, singe in fire
|å t|o |å m|e tsÉï.
Build a fire.
tsÉï
V
send
tæ\o ©\∑ tsÉï fu ©∑ o. He sent a letter.
tsÉï du
messenger/angel, message
j|î l|á tsÉï dz\å å.
I sent him to get something for me to eat.
tsi
PV cause to do an action, also tО”e/tО”i
t\æå lå tsÉï å.
I made him come here.
tæå m\å lå tsÉï.
I didn’t make him come here.
tsÉï
V
render fat
xw\å tsæ∑ tsÉï å
render fat
tsÉï
V
strain
wå tsÉï t«á lå tsÉï.
Bring the sieve and strain it.
tsÉï
NS elder sister, usually tО”|e tО”e/|ГҐ tО”e
tsÉï fu
elder sister’s husband, also tΔe fu
tsÉï
N
body hair
t|u tsÉï
female pubic hair, also t|u my
m\e tsÉï
moustache, beard, whiskers
mjå tsÉï
eyelashes
h~ u\ ts_ГЇГ‰
male pubic hair, also h
~ u\ my
tsÉï
N
gall bladder, written tО”i
å| w\á tsÉï
pig’s gall bladder
tsÉï
V
be dammed up in large quantities
zÉï bö tsÉï d«å å.
The lake is dammed up.
tsÉï
V
contend for ownership, written fГЊn
tæ\å tsÉï l\á xo.
Don’t quarrel about who owns it.
tsÉï
V
spin a top.
t«o lo ≥wå tsÉï k|u å. I am good at spinning tops.
tsÉï
V
lay out bedding, cover with a blanket
ko do z«ï by tsÉï m\å l\o.
We didn’t put out enough guest bedding.
z«ï by å| m|e tsÉï ©∑ å.
Cover him with a blanket.
tsÉï t«o
N
chicken’s gizzard
W
x
Z
w
Maj
Maj
Maj
Maj
Maj
Maj
Maj
Maj
Maj
Maj
Maj
Maj
X
h
Y
f
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
160
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Mak
Mak Mak
Mal
|å j|å tsÉï t«o
tsÉï
Num
¯\î tsÉï må
tsÉï tsÉï
A
|å tsÉï tsÉï.
å| tsÉï tsÉï kÌ le o.
ts\ГЇ
V
tæ\å ts\ï l\á xo.
dz\ГҐ ts\ГЇ le o.
nu tæ\å ts\ï.
j|Г® n|ГҐ h~ o ts\ГЇ ГҐ.
ts\ГЇ
V
å| j|å l|á ts\ï ¯«å å.
Mam Q_j ts\ГЇ le
VV
kæw\å ts\ï le o.
mjö ts\ï le o.
zo ts\ГЇ le o.
w\u ts\ГЇ le o.
Mb
tso
Mbh
ts|o
PN
|å Δ\ï ts|o Δ«å \å.
ГҐ lГҐ ts|o lГҐ ГҐ\ .
Mbh
ts|o
Num
Mbh
ts|o
N
kæ\o ts|o
ts|o kæu
ts|o h~ i
må kæw\å ts|o
s«∑ ts|o z\å
Mbh
ts|o
NS
Mbh Mbh ts|o ts|o
N/V
Mbh Obh ts|o m|o
N
Mbi
tsВ«o
V
n\e tsВ«o ГҐ.
z\å nö l|á tæ\å ts«o.
Mbi
tsВ«o
C
Mam
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
chicken’s gizzard
ten (only in �20’), see also tsæÉï
twenty
very cold
Ouch! (when something is cold)
It’s freezing cold.
mean, stingy, unruly
Don’t be unruly/mean/stingy.
Ate meanly (a lot).
Don’t be mean.
He has got a mean mouth (says mean, malicious
things, is always scolding)
gripped tight in claws (non-human)
It gripped the chicken firmly in its claws.
too
It’s too bitter.
It’s too fast.
It’s too small.
It’s too big.
see also tО”o
from, also tО”|o/le/kwГҐ be
What is it made of?
Where have you come from?
again (C), usually ts«åj, also t|e/ts|åj
a clay furnace for cooking, also tО”|o
fireplace, hearth
furnace opening
kitchen (separate building)
bamboo torch
kindling
kindling, also tО”|o
water/drink (baby talk)
o’clock (T)
scare, also tО”В«o
Spirits are scaring people.
Don’t scare your children.
for kicks (C), also tО”В«o
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
161
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tsВ«o
VV need to/ought to, also tО”В«o
What do you need to buy?
|ГҐ О”\ГЇ wu tsВ«o \ГҐ.
Mbi
tsВ«o
V
on tiptoes/ squatting on heels, also tО”В«o
He is going on tiptoes.
tsВ«o tsВ«o l\e dГ”e ГҐ.
ts«o ts«o l\e tΔ«å å.
He is squatting.
Mbi Hck ts«o kæu
N
socket, spring, also tΔ«o kæ_u
Mbi Maj ts«o tsÉï
N
table (C), also me tО”o
Mbi Oej ts«o m∑
NS stalk of a fruit, source of a river, also tΔ«o m∑
j|î ts«o m∑
stalk/source/spring
Mbj
tso
V
take turns, go around, evade, usually tО”o
tΔæ«e pjå tso l\á xo å take turns at hiding (play hide-and-seek)
w\ГҐ tso l\ГЎ xo.
exchange labour, take turns
tso lo lo
going round in circles
Mbj
tso
VV have ever, be accustomed to, also tО”o
Mbj
tso
NP kind of tree with edible stalks, usually tО”o
Mbj Qbj tso lo
NS lake, also tΔo lo/l\o bö
zÉï tso lo
lake, also zÉï tΔo lo
Mbl
ts\o
N
clan, tribe (C), also ts\o≥/tΔ\o/Δ\ï/tΔ|å
j|î ¯å |å Δ\ï ts\o ≥å \å. What clan is he?
bj\å pæ\å ts\o
the Bee clan
Mbl Mbh ts\o ts|o
A
carefully
Mch
ts|u
V
invert over in order to coop up, also tО”|u
Put a basket over the chickens.
|ГҐ j|ГҐ |ГҐ m|e ts|o
Mch
ts|u
C
for turbans, also tО”|u
one turban
w|u tæ«Ì tæ\î ts|u
Mch Qaj ts|u li
N
boat, usually tО”|u li
ts|u li tæ\î pæ\å
one boat
Mci
tsВ«u
V
snore, also tО”В«u
Don’t snore.
nå kæu tæ\å ts«u.
Mci
tsВ«u
V
punch with the fist, usually tО”В«u
valve of blacksmith’s forge
m\Г® ~hi tsВ«u du
Mcj
tsu
V
boil, also tО”u
zÉï lö tsu lå å.
The warm water is boiling.
Mcj Mch Tak Hck tsu ts|u zÉï kæu
N
centre posts of a house
Mcl \ai ts\u j«î
N
wisdom, mind (C), usually tΔ\u j«î
Mcah
ts|uj
N
sin, guilt (C), pronounced tО”|Г¶/ts|Г¶
Mbi
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
162
Southern Lisu Dictionary
ts\uj
V
come true, of dreams (C), pronounced ts\Г¶
j\î mjå kæo m\å ts\uj. His dream did not come true.
Me/Mf
ts∑/tsÌ
all usually pronounced tsÉï
Meh
ts|∑
NP lac tree/lacquer/wild horse chestnut
lac tree/wild horse chestnut tree
ts|∑ dzÉï
ts|∑ tsæ∑
oil of lac tree
ts|∑ mö
shiitake mushroom
ts|∑ s\Ì
charcoal, usually tæ|å
Mel Qel Qel ts\∑ l\∑ l\∑ V
too close and crowded to get at
This bamboo clump has
må kæw\å po tæe må ts\∑ l\∑ l\∑ k«å å.
Mcal
the bamboo growing too close together.
ts\∑
C
skeins; hanks
z\ï ¯«î tΔæ\ï tæ\î ts\∑ a skein of hemp thread
tsæÉï z\å tæ\î ts\∑
a hank of rope
så l\å tæ\î ts\∑
a skein of cotton
Mem Gem ts_∑ k_∑
N
pitch made by an insect
å| tæ\å ts\∑ k\∑ Δ|î å. Cement a knife blade to the handle with pitch.
Mem Mem ts\∑ ts\∑
VS
very cold, in
dÔå ts\∑ ts\∑
very cold
Mfi
ts«Ì
V
narrow, cramped, also tΔ«ï
It is narrow.
tΔ«Ì tΔ«Ì l\e k«å å.
dzå gu ts«Ì le o.
The trail is narrow.
j|î p|∑ du tΔ«Ì å.
It is narrow at the end.
j|î |å kæ\∑ kæ\u tΔ«Ì å. The doorway opening is narrow.
Mfm
ts\ГЊ
N
game of catching stone on back of hand
MZh
tsw|ГҐ
V
feed animals, usually ts|ГҐ, written tВ®|ГҐ
MZh
tsw|ГҐ
Dem far down there, also tО”w|ГҐ
around far down there, also tО”w|ГҐ tО”wГҐ
tsw|ГҐ dzwГҐ
MZh @_k tsw|ГҐ be
N
earthenware wide-mouthed jar, also tО”w|ГҐ be
MZi
tsw«å
V
scoop/scratch with one hand, also tΔw«å
C
for pinches
a pinch of salt
tsæ\å bo tæ\î tsw«å
tsæ\å bo å| t|î tsw«å t«á lå.
Please bring a pinch of salt.
MZl [aj tsw\ГҐ О”i
N
ability to make words or actions count (C)
j|Г® tsw\ГҐ О”i w\u ГҐ.
He really makes his words/actions count.
MZm
tsw_ГҐ\
C
for necklaces
nå kæ«o tæ\î tsw\å
one necklace
Mem
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
163
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Nh
Ni
Ni Ni
Nj
Nj
Nj
Nk
Nj [di
Nk Pk
Nl
Nl
W
x
X
h
Y
f
tsæ|å
V
block light, block view, shield from light/wind
≥wå ¯i m\å mo, ≥wå l|á tæ\å tsæ|å. I can’t see, don’t block my view.
f\u l«u j|î tsæ|å du
mouthpiece of gourd reed-organ
tsæ«å
V
scrub, grate, plane, written t®æ«å
Grate the yam.
tæ«o jå tsæ«å ©∑.
tsæ«å tsÉï
grater, plane
tsæ«å tsæ«å pæj\å
type of fig leaf used as sandpaper
s«∑ kæw|å tsæ«å du wood plane
x\o tæ«o ti tsæ«å tsæ\ï å. She’s scrubbing the chopping block.
tsæ«å tsæ«å
VS intensifier for pæu �white’, also tΔæ«å tΔæ«å
pæu tsæ«å tsæ«å
very white, snow-white
tsæå
NS pieces of cloth
pö tsæå
patch
mÌ tsæå
piece of cloth
tsæå
V
short of, lacking, written t®æå
VV have no reason to
pæu så b\å tsæå ~h\e. I’m still short of three baht.
tsæå
V
slap, written t®æå
tsæå
V
hot
Very hot.
tsæå pæ\u pæ\u l\e.
tsæå ts|ï
hot season
m\∑ tsæå
sun, weather
m\∑ tsæå tsæå å.
The sun/weather is hot.
zÉï tsæå
hot water
tsæå Δ«ï
V
well-balanced, graceful, tidy, clean,
diligent, careful, dextrous, circumspect
m\å tsæå Δ«ï å må m«e kæo le tΔæ«ï å. Clumsy people fall over often.
tsæå Δ«ï å ¯å m\å m«e kæo le. Graceful people don’t fall over.
tsæå nå
N
meteor (evil spirit, pair word for n\e), also p«∑ f\u
tsæå nå p|î p|î må sunbird (small variety)
tsæå nå p|î p|î z\å
sunbird (very small variety)
tsæ\å
V/VV hurry, be busy, urgent, also tsæ\å
tsæ\å tsæ\å
quickly, also ¯«î tsæ\å/tsæÉï tsæ\å
tsæ\åe\ t«∑ do lå å. He came running out in a hurry.
nu tæ\å tsæ\å h~ e\ m\å. Don’t be in a hurry.
≥wå dÔe tsæ\å å.
It’s urgent for me to go.
tsæ\å
NP tea (C)
teakettle
tsæ\å kæw|å
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
164
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Nl Bah
Nl A\j
Nl @^j
Nl @bj
Nl E`i
Nl Ebh
tsæ\å zÉï
tsæ\å j«e
tsæ\å j«e mi
tsæ\å pæ|î
N
tsæ\å pjå
N
Zbl tsæ\å bá w\o
tsæ\å bo
N
tsæ\å tæ«ö
N
tsæ\å tæ«ö tΔæÉï
tsæ\å tæ«ö pæj\å tΔæÉï
tsæ\å tæ«ö tΔæÉï
tsæ\å tæ|o
N
tsæ\å k\o
Nl Gbm
Nl Kdk tsæ\å tΔæÉï
Nl O\`i tsæ\å mj«ö
Nl Rcah tsæ\å s|uj
Nl [aj
Nm
Nm @bj
N]aj
N]bl
N]bl
@
b
A
p
tea (liquid)
tealeaves
tea field
tile of thatch (C), also tsæ\åw pæ|î
soap (B)
N
wild vegetable, sometimes cultivated
salt, also tsæ\å bo
large leaf, also tsæ\å tæ|o
type of small bird
very small type of barking deer
very small type of barking deer
large leaf, also tsæ\å tæ«ö (used for wrapping,
grows near streams)
N
anise-like shrub (C),bears fragrant berries
N
V
N
sugar (�sweet salt’)
try to go first, try to win, also tΔæ\å mj«ö
animal with only one testicle (C)
å| m\o tsæ\å s|uj
å| w\á tsæ\å s|uj
tsæ\å Δi
N
tsæ\å Δi tæ\å tΔ|o.
tsæ\å
V
dÔe m\å tsæ\å.
tsæ\å tsæ\å l\e dÔe å.
å| t|î dÔe tsæ\å å.
tsæ\å bo
N
tsæåj
V
which look like black pepper)
stallion with one testicle
boar with one testicle
selfishness (C), also tsæ\å Δe
Don’t be selfish.
urgent, usually tsæ\å
It’s not urgent for me to go.
He went right away, urgently.
It’s urgent for me to go.
salt, see tsæ\å bo
chant riddles at funerals, ask riddles, or
answer riddles (C)
tsæåj m|î
riddle
tsæåj m|î tsæåj je å chant riddles
tsæåj m|î tsæåj m\å k|u. I’m not good at riddles.
tsæ\åw
V
quarrel and fight, also tsæw\å
tsæ\åw l\á xo n|åw l\á xo å. quarrelling and fighting with each other
tsæ\åw
C
parties of people, models/fashions
a new model, a new party
j|î Δ\ï tæ\î tsæ\åw
tæ\î tsæ\åw tæ\á ΔÉï tæ\î tsæ\åw one new model after another
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
165
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
V
s|ï d∑ m\å tsæ«e.
j|î p|∑ m\å tsæ«e.
tsæ«e
V
j|î tsæÉï z\å tsæ«e o.
d∑ m\å tsæ«e.
j|î pæ\e m\å tsæ«e.
tsæ«e
N
tsæ«e pæu
tsæ«e d\å må
tsæe
NS
å\ tsæe
tsæe
V
w\å s\∑ tsæe fu lå å.
tsæe
V
tsæe
C
tsæÉï
tsæ|ï
V
p|u f\u m\å tsæ|ï
nu tæ\å tsæ|ï.
tsæ|ï
N
N]bl Bah tsæ\åw pæ|î
N_i
tsæ«e
N_i
N_i
N_j
N_k
N_k
N_k
Na
Nah
Nah
tile of thatch (C), also tsæ\å pæ|î
come to an end or conclusion, usually tО”В«e
The case isn’t settled.
It is endless.
snap, come apart, cleared, usually tО”В«e
The thread snapped.
He cut it, but it didn’t part.
The way isn’t clear.
sambar deer, also tΔæ«e
white sambhar deer
large sambhar deer
fourth son, usually å\ s|ï pæ\å
fourth son
fall vertically, also tО”Г¦e
Hail was falling.
weigh, also tО”Г¦e
four gram weight, also tО”Г¦e
some words written as tΔæi/tsæ∑
worry, bear a grudge, begrudge
I don’t begrudge it.
Don’t worry.
short section in basket weaving, allowing a
round body on a square base
tsæ|ï tsæ\ï
VS
real
real silver
pæu tsæ|ï tsæ\ï
tsæ|ï tsæ\ï ko d\ö
oneself (�real body’), also ts|ï tΔ\å
nu tsæ|ï tsæ\ï ko d\ö you yourself
å\ tsæ|ï tsæ\ï
really
tsæ|ï z\å
N
young animal or bird
tsæ|ïå\
VS -ish, of colours
å| t|î pæu pæu tsæ|ïå\
whitish
|å t|î ¯«î tΔæ\_ï tsæ|ï\å greenish
|å t|î Δ\ï Δ\ï tsæ|ï\å
reddish
tsæ«ï
V
be caught between
j|î l\á ¯i s«∑ kæu å tsæ«ï d«å å. His finger is caught in a hole in the
Nah Nal
Nah Tl
Nahn:
Nai
wood.
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
166
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Nai
Nai Nai
Naj
@
b
A
p
tsæ«ï
NS seventh in birth order (C), also g\ГЎ/tГҐ
å\ tsæ«ï pæ\å
seventh son, also ГҐ
| g\ГЎ
seventh daughter, also ГҐ
\ tsæ«ï m|î/|åtå
å\ tsæ«ï må
tsæ«ï tsæ«ï
Vs
intensifier for black, dark
very black, very dark
ná tsæ«ï tsæ«ï
tsæÉï
N
foot, leg, written tО”Г¦i
tsæÉï b\á
steps
tsæÉï b\á ¯|î å
cut steps
tsæÉï b\y
hock, back of heel
tsæÉï dÔu
leggings
tsæÉï pjå
instep
tsæÉï pæ\å må
big toe, also tsæÉï må
tsæÉï pæ\å m|∑ du
heel
tsæÉï pæ«á
foot, leg
tsæÉï pæj|å lá
place where feet push foot rice pounder
tsæÉï d\á
�spur’ on chicken’s leg
tsæÉï du
footprint, footstep
tsæÉï t«ö å
sound in leg
tsæÉï t|î å
operate foot-pounder
tsæÉï t|î tΔ«å å.
She is foot-pounding.
tsæÉï t|∑
webbed foot, insect web
b\e tsæ\ï tsæÉï t|∑
caterpillar web
å\ g\å må tsæÉï t|∑
spider web
tsæÉï tæ\e å
stumble, stub one’s toes
m\å tsæÉï tæ\e
not stumble
tsæÉï tæ\o
a step forward, a stride
tsæÉï tæ\o tΔ|ï å.
He took a step forward.
tsæÉï g\o å
crippled, lame, club-footed
tsæÉï g\o å må ¯å, tsæÉï t«ö le å. The lame one is becoming sound in leg.
tsæÉï kwå
sole
tsæÉï dÔ\u/dz\u
leg tendon
tsæÉï dÔu/dzu
legging
tsæÉï ts|ï
ankle, knee, hip (�leg joint’)
tsæÉï ts|ï g\∑ å
kneel
tsæÉï må
big toes, also tsæÉï pæ\å må
tsæÉï mjå
gaps between toes
tsæÉï nå kå
knee (�leg socket’), also tsæÉï ts|ï
tsæÉï ¯i
shoes; toes
tsæÉï ¯i k|∑ t|∑
little toe
tsæÉï ¯i k|∑ t|∑ z\å little toe
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
167
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tsæÉï s|o
tsæÉï s|o l\á s|o
tsæÉï x«∑
tsæÉï x«∑ x«∑ tΔ«å.
tsæÉï w\y
tsæÉï w\y må s\∑
tsæÉï ΔÉï ¯«å
tsæÉï Δ\ï
tsæÉï
NS
m\î mi tsæÉï
w|u tsæÉï
tsæÉï
NP
tsæÉï d\u
tsæÉï d\u Δ_\å
m\o gw\å tæe må j|î
Naj
Naj
tsæÉï d\u tæ\î d\u
tsæÉï kæu
tsæÉï m\∑
Naj
tsæÉï
V
tsæÉï je å lo.
kwå tsæÉï
~hi kwå tsæÉï
Naj
tsæÉï
PN
k|u zo tsæÉï
k|u zo m\å tsæÉï
s|ï m\å tsæÉï bi å
å mjå tsæÉï dÔo\å
Naj @ej tsæÉï b∑
N
tsæÉï b∑ pæö
tsæÉï b∑ tæ\î p\å
tsæÉï b∑ Δi kå
Naj Nal tsæÉï tsæ\ï
N
Naj P\ai tsæÉï ¯«î
N
tsæÉï ¯«î tæ\î kæ\o
Naj Tl
tsæÉï z\å
N
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
lame
crippled with withered limbs
puttees (as worn by Akha and Karen women)
She is putting on her puttees.
calf, leg, below knee
calf
water bird (�long-legged bird’)
toenail, claw
horn, written tО”Г¦i
rays of sun
horn
mortar
rice treadmill, large foot-operated mortar
rhythm (�rice-pounder sound’)
tsæÉï d\u Δ\å nå n«å xå å.This song has a nice
rhythm.
one rice pounder
small mortar
pestle
reach, arrive at, also p_e, written tО”Г¦i
He has arrived.
to
to the house
compared to, as many as, also tО”Г¦i
as many as nine people
more than nine people
more beautiful than ..
How many are there?
banjo, also tΔæi b∑
banjo sound box
one banjo
banjo stem
clothes (baby talk), see mi tsæÉï/bö tsæ\ï
this year, written tΔæi n«î
this one year
cord, string, thread, rope, also tsæÉï z\å_
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
168
Southern Lisu Dictionary
j|î mjö tsæÉï å.
≥wå mjö tæ\å tsæÉï.
tsæÉï
Num
tsæÉï t|î
tsæÉï zo tΔ«å å.
tsæÉï
NS
å\ tsæÉï
tsæÉï
C
s\ï tsæÉï tæ\î tsæÉï
j|î w\o to tæ\î tsæÉï
å| tæ\å tæ\î tsæÉï
tsæ\ï
N
Nak
Nak
Nak
Nal
Nal
Nal
Nal
Nal
Nal
Nal
Nal
say a person’s name when a respectful
kin-term is required
He called him names (using a nickname to one’s face)
Don’t call me by name.
ten, also tsÉï in �20’
eleven
There are ten people here.
eighth son, usually p«å
eighth son, usually ГҐ
\ p«å pæ\å
for knives, axes, hoes, bones, etc
one tooth
one bone
one knife
paper streamers offered at certain ceremonies
such as bridge building and rest house building
tsæ\ï Δ«å å
perform streamer ceremonies
tsæ\ï
V
wash
bö tΔæ\ï mi tsæÉï tsæ\ï å. She’s washing clothes.
tsæ\ï
N
feces, usually tО”Г¦\Г®
tsæ\ï
NS section of fruit
Nak tsæ\ï tsæÉï
N
tooth, usually s\ï tΔæÉï
I’ve got toothache.
tsæ\ï tsæÉï nå å.
Nai B\h tsæ\ï tsæ«ï pæj|å N
front-to-back roof joists,
also tsæ«ï tsæ\ï pæj|å
tsæ\ï tsæ«ï pæj|å bj\å je å. I’m going to hew roof joists.
[aj tsæ\ï Δi
V
diligent, meticulous (C)
j|î ¯å tsæ\ï Δi å.
He is meticulous.
[dj Tl tsæ\ï ΔÉï z\å N
a small grain-eating bird, flies in flocks;
females yellowish, males reddish-brown, the size
of a sparrow
tsæ\ï
V
j|î l\á pæ«á tæ\å tsæ\ï
tΔæ«å b\y my tsæ\ï å.
tsæ_ï\
NS
ná tsæ_ï\
l|á tsæ_\ï
Δ\å tsæ_\ï
Nam
Nam
@
b
V
tsæÉï
Nak
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
pinch, nip, splice a loop in a rope
Don’t pinch his arm.
He is splicing a loop on his cross-bow string.
medicine
medicine
medicine to make one young
medicine to bring the dead alive
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
169
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Nam \_h
V
kindness, merit from kindness, obligation,
also Âen tΔæ\î≥ (C)
I won’t forget your
nu tsæ\ï j|e dÔo å må ≥wå m\å m«e di.
tsæ_\ï j|e
kindness.
j|î tsæ\ï j|e m\å dÔo. He is not grateful.
tsæ\ï j|e xwå l\á xo wå å. People should be kind to one another and so
gain merit from each other.
tsæ\ï j|e xwå wå.
I must seek merit by being kind.
tsæ\ï må
N
tsæ\ï må l|á
tsæ\ï må l|á må
tsæ\ï z\å tsæ\ï må
tsæ\ï z\å l«á z\å
tsæ|o
V
tО”Г¦|o gu
tsæ«o gu ≥\o gu
tsæ«o
V
tsæ«o
V
tsæ«o
NS
m|∑ tsæ«o
å\ tsæ«o
tsæo
V
så s\o tsæo å.
tsæo
PN/C
tsæo
N
tsæo
N
tsæo bo
tsæo b\o lo z\å
tsæo bjå
tsæo p|å k|å
tsæo p|å z\å
tsæo pæj\ö w\å pæj\ö
tsæo kæ\u
tsæo dÔö
tsæo dÔö pæ\å
tsæo dÔö må
tsæo dz\å l\å må
tsæo m\o
tsæo m∑
Nam Oj
Nbh
Nbi
Nbi
Nbi
Nbj
Nbj
Nbj
Nbk
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
daughter-in-law
new bride
new bride
daughters-in-law
descendants
sin against, do wrong, usually tΔæ|o/tΔæå
errors, mistakes
errors, mistakes
shave, cut hair, also tΔæ«o
tie up, fasten, also tΔæ«o
axe, also tΔæ«o
sickle (�tail axe’)
axe
erode, also tΔæo/tΔæo≥/tsæo≥
erode into a gully
reciprocal, usually tО”Г¦o
onion (C), also tsæo≥/tΔæo≥/kæw\å Δö
person, people, also tΔæo/l\å tsæo
rich people
mythical midgets, live in an underground world
bad people
mute people
males
ancestors (those who have become people)
thieves
middle-aged married people
married man
married woman
mythical cannabalistic nymph
old people, elders
stupid people
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
170
Southern Lisu Dictionary
NbPh
NbUj
NbUj
Nbl
tsæo lö z\å
men in prime of life
tsæo l\ö
barren, childless person
tsæo l\ö pæ\å
childless man
tsæo l\ö må
barren woman
tsæo s|å tsæo g\∑ l\∑ the poor and needy
tsæo z\å w\å z\å
people
tsæo h~ å
soul stuff
tsæo h~å b\å le å.
His soul is thin (weak, sickly, in danger, etc.).
tsæo h~ å kæu å.
He is calling his soul (for sickness/weakness).
tsæo h~ i
evil people
tsæo w|u
crazy people
tsæo w\u
adult people
tsæo x«o pæ\å
tempter
tsæo ΔÉï
dead people
tsæo ij\å l\á
dwarf
l\å tsæo
people
tsæ|on
V
have a burning in the nose, (C) also tО”Г¦|on
tsæo≥
N
onion (C), also tsæo/tΔæo≥/kæw\å Δö
tsæo≥
V
erode, also tΔæo/tΔæo≥/tsæo
så s\o tsæo≥ å.
erode into a gully
tsæ\o
PN and, with (conjoins identical nouns), usually tО”Г¦\o
x\∑ pæ\å tsæ\o x\∑ pæ\å d\∑ l\á xo å. Chinese are fighting with Chinese.
j|î w\å tsæ\o j|î w\å gwå dÔö l\á xo å. They were discussing with one
another.
tsæ\o
V
six (before non-creaky tone), usually tО”Г¦\o
tsæ\o
V
straighten arrows, usually tО”Г¦\o
tsæ\o pæ\å
N
Kachin, usually tΔæ\o pæ\å
tsæ\o
V
six (before creaky tone), usually tО”Г¦\o
tsæu
V
burn, bake, also tО”Г¦u
burnt, rotten paper
tæ\o ©\∑ tsæu tΔæ\ï
tsæu tsæu dÔå dÔå nå malaria
¯«î må tsæu å
annoyed, impatient
|å w\á tsæu å
burn bristles off a pig
Ncl P]bh tsæ\u n|åw
V
have indigestion
After I’d eaten I had indigestion.
dzå dz\å ©∑ tsæ\u n|åw å.
Ncal
tsæ\uj
V/N hammer, punch/fist (C), usually tΔæ\uj/tsæw\åj
a hammer, also tΔæ\uj tsÉï/tsæw\åj tsÉï
tsæ\uj tsÉï
Nbl
Nbl
Nbl Bl
Nbm
Nck
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
171
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tsæ∑/tsæÌ
all usually pronounced tsæÉï
tsæ«∑
V
decide, usually d∑ (�cut’)
bá tsæ«∑ å.
make verbal decision
d\y dÔ\å tsæ«∑ å.
make a mental decision
Nej
tsæ∑
V
support, mention in good sense
tsæ∑ ©\∑ å.
He supported it from below.
Nej Gej tsæ∑ k∑
V
flatter
nu ≥wå l|á tsæ∑ k∑ å må l\e ≥o. You are only flattering me.
Nek
tsæ∑
NS/V oil, fat
sesame oil
n|ö tsæ∑
l\å t|î so tsæ∑
peanut oil
xw\å tsæ∑
oil, fat
å| w\á å\ kæ|∑ tsæ∑ å. The pigs are very fat.
Nek
tsæ∑
V
scoop out from hot liquid
Nel
tsæ\∑
N
nasal mucus
cough up mucus
tsæ\∑ tΔ|ï å
tsæ\∑ n|å kæw|å
phlegm
tsæ\∑ n|å kæw|å tΔæw«å fu ©∑. Clear the phlegm from your throat.
tsæ\∑ x∑ nå
have a cold
n|å kæu tsæ\∑ ΔÉï\å
small piece of mucus
tsæ\∑ å| m|e h~ ∑
« ©∑. Blow your nose.
j|î tsæ\∑ do å.
His nose is running.
Nel
tsæ\∑
V
cut with scissors or shears
scissors, traps involving scissor movement
tsæ\∑ tá
å| pæ\∑ å| tsæ\∑ tá
rat trap
Nel
tsæ\∑
C
for layers, also tΔæ\ï/tsæ\ï
Nel
tsæ\∑
V
cut out with scissors or shears
She is cutting out cloth.
mÌ tsæ\∑ tΔ«å å.
Nem
tsæ_∑
N
age, time one has lived
tsæ\∑ z\å l«á z\å
descendants
j|î tsæ\∑ zo å.
He is young.
j|î tsæ\∑ m\o å.
He is old.
tæ\î tsæ\∑
one lifetime
tæ\î tsæ\∑ tæ\î t|åj
a long lifetime
Nem
tsæ\∑
N
lead
po s\∑ Δ«å du tsæ\∑ m\å dÔo. I haven’t any lead for making bullets.
Nem
tsæ_∑
V
be active, not lazy
Ne/Nf
Nei
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
172
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Nem
Nem C_l
Nfi
NZh
NZh
NZh Eh
NZh Rah
tsæ_∑
C
d\y dz\å tsæ∑ å
s«∑ we tsæ«Ì å
tsæ\∑ d\e
V
tsæ\∑ d\e su
tsæ«Ì
V
tsæÉï z\å tΔæ«e o.
s«∑ we tsæ«Ì å
tsæw|å
V
tsæw|å
C
tsæw|å tæ|å
N
tsæw|å s|ï
V
for flowers
think and decide
pick flowers
understand
a show-off
pluck flowers/leaves) break/part (of thread)
The thread has broken.
pluck a flower
visit (C), also tО”Г¦w|ГҐ
for bunches, also tО”Г¦w|ГҐ
steaming ritual, also tΔæw|å tæ|å
naughty, meddling, quick and fidgety,
also tО”Г¦w|ГҐ s|ГЇ
poke through, thread through, also tО”Г¦wГҐ
tsæwå le o. He shot an arrow, it stuck in over there
a peppery soup, also tΔæwå tæå (C)
dig out roots with hoe
tsæwå
V
tΔæ«å b∑ ©∑ gwå
NZj Ej tsæwå tæå
N
NZl
tsæw\å
V
dig out roots from field
~hå mi tsæw\å å
NZl
tsæw\å
V
quarrel, also tΔæw\å/ tsæ\åw
tæ\å tsæw\å tæ\å n|åw l\á xo. Don’t quarrel and fight.
NZ]al tsæw\åj
V/N punch, hammer, fist (C) , also tΔæ\uj/tsæ\uj
tæ\å tsæw\åj l\á xo. Don’t punch each other.
NZj
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
173
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Oi
m|ГҐ
V
teach, show
male teacher/pastor
m|å pæ\å
m|å g\∑ pö g\∑
Song of Teaching
m|ГҐ mГҐ
female teacher/pastor
m|ГҐ mj\Г¶
traditional story, genealogy
m|å fu ©∑
give a command
tæ\o ©\∑ m|å su
teacher
z\å m|å nö pö
Song of Teaching Children
|å t|î t«á lå m|å ©\∑ m\å.
Please bring it and show it to me.
m|ГҐ
NP land of the dead
basket for grave
m|å kæ«å
m|å kæ\∑
gate of the land of dead
m|å kæ\∑ ≥|å
spread open gate of the land of dead
m|å dÔå
road to land of dead
m|å dÔå m|å m\o gw\å
song teaching the road to land of dead
m|å dÔ\ï pæ\å
ruler of the land of dead
m|ГҐ dГ”\ГЇ mГҐ
wife of ruler of the land of dead
m|ГҐ mi
land of the dead
m|ГҐ mi m\y
land of the dead
m|ГҐ m\y m|ГҐ mi
land of the dead
@\l m|ГҐ bj\ГҐ
N
small kinds of bee, see bj\ГҐ
bee which makes small hive on branch
m|ГҐ bj\ГҐ mГҐ
m|ГҐ bj\ГҐ dГ”\ГЎ l\ГЎ
small striped bee
m|ГҐ bj\ГҐ О”\ГЇ О”\ГЇ
small red bee
Gi
m|å k«å
N
guava (T)
guava fruit
m|å k«å s\∑
Oh
m|ГҐ m|ГҐ
N
rice (baby talk), also m\å m«å, usually dzå
Oj m|ГҐ mГҐ
N
mother (C), usually m«å må
Obj m|ГҐ mo
N
mango (T), also m|ГҐ mo
Q_Uh m|å l|e≥
N
cancer (T), see hw\ГҐ l\ГҐ
have cancer
m|å l«e≥ nå
Qm
m|ГҐ l\ГҐ
C
a group of mother and children
ВЇ\Г® m|ГҐ l\ГҐ
a mother and one of her children
≥w\å m|å l\å
a mother and four of her children
P\ch: Lak m|å ¯»u dzÉï
N
kapok tree (T)
Rbm Lak m|å s\o dzÉï N
type of asoka tree, Saraca declimata,
deer eat fallen pods (T)
m«å
V
massage, rub
W
x
X
h
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Oh
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
174
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Oi Oj
Oj
m«å må
N
mother (C), also m«åå, å må, m|å må
m«å må
major word, basic word in a couplet
j|î m«å må m\å ≥å, j|î t|å tæ\o. This isn’t the main word, it’s the pair.
mГҐ
NS female
må k|o t|o m\∑ k|o t|o like mother, like daughter (�if the mother is crested,
mГҐ t|Г®
¯«å må t|î z\å
mГҐ tsВ«o
mГҐ mГҐ
li su mГҐ
|ГҐ m\Г® mГҐ
|ГҐ m\Г® lВ«e
|ГҐ m\o mГҐ
\ГҐlВ«e mГҐ
ГҐsГҐ mГҐ
|ГҐ j|ГҐ mГҐ
Oj
mГҐ
NS
tsæÉï pæ\å må
¯«î må
l\ГЎ mГҐ
В©|ГҐ mГҐ
Oj Bal må pæ\î
N
Oj Gj mГҐ kГҐ
V
tО”Г¦o w\u mГҐ kГҐ
x\∑ må kå
Oj Gj mГҐ kГҐ
NS
tæ\î hj~å må kå
tæ\î hj~¸å må kå
Oj Gbj Qbk Cah mГҐ ko lo d|Г®
Oj Ql
mГҐ l\ГҐ
N
OjqQai Rbj mål«î so N
Oj Qaj Qaj mГҐ li li
N
Oj Rel må s\∑
NS
kæ\∑ så må s\∑
dzå må s\∑
tsæÉï w\y må s\∑
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
so is the daughter’)
lone woman
lone female bird
consonant
mother (babytalk), see m«å må
Lisu woman
first daughter, also ГҐ
\ t|ГҐ m\Г®/|ГҐnГҐ
second daughter, usually ГҐ
\ lВ«e mГҐ,
also \ГҐt|ГҐ m\Г®/|ГҐnГҐ
mare
second daughter, also |ГҐm\Г® lВ«e/\ГҐlВ«e m|Г®/|ГҐВЇi
third daughter, also ГҐ
| sГҐ mГҐ/|ГҐsГҐ m|Г®/|ГҐtО”ГҐ
hen
large one; nominaliser
big toe
heart
thumb
big rock
bow of a crossbow, also tΔæ«å må pæ\î
big, fat, roly-poly (derogatory)
huge people
big fat Chinese person
whole, complete (�fat female’)
all of 100 baht
the whole night
N
type of bulbul
elder brother’s wife, also må l\å
Catholicism, also z\omГҐ so
mule, also le le/l«o tsÉï/tæ\o lå m\o
unmilled grain, part of a whole
unmilled corn
unmilled rice
calf muscle
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
175
Southern Lisu Dictionary
j|î må s\∑
m~ГҐ
N
m~å d\∑ å.
mГҐ
NP
mГҐ b\ГҐ
mГҐ be
må pæö
må pæj|å
må pæj|å må b\∑
mГҐ dГҐ
må tæ«u
må d«á tΔ|o
mГҐ d\_y
mГҐ go
må kæ\å l«å
må kæ|o (tå)
må kæ\∑
må kæw\å
må kæw\å då
må kæw\å d\å må
må kæw\å tæö
må kæw\å ts|ï
må kæw\å mjå s\∑
må kæw\å ná
må kæw\å Δ«å
må kæw\å ΔÉï
mГҐ ts\ГҐ tО”|o
mГҐ dГ”\u
må tΔæÉï
mГҐ m\y
mГҐ n\e
mГҐ lo
mГҐ s\u
mГҐ h~ ГЎ
В«
mГҐ
V
dzГҐ mГҐ lГҐ ГҐ.
kæ\∑ så må lå å.
mГҐ
C
pæu å må
Oj’
Ok
Ok
Ok
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
its components, its unmilled or assembled form
gong, also må≥
He is beating the gong.
bamboo
kind of thin bamboo
growth on outside of bamboo (see be tΔ\e �goitre’)
large bamboo basket for storing harvest
bamboo board
unevenly broken pieces of bamboo
kind of long bamboo
bamboo tube for carrying water
bamboo torch, also mГҐ ts\ГҐ tО”|o
sheath on outside of bamboo
bamboo jewsharp
sticky rice cooked inside a bamboo tube (T)
bamboo off-cuts for cups, etc.
lengthwise half of bamboo for roof tile
bamboo
cut length of whole bamboo
kind of large bamboo
cut length of part of bamboo
bamboo joint
minor branch of bamboo
kind of dark bamboo
lump on outside of bamboo
kind of yellow bamboo
bamboo torch, also må d«á tΔ|o
bamboo fibre
sugarcane (�sweet bamboo’)
bamboo shoots
bamboo strip (for tying)
kind of light bamboo
kind of bamboo with hard yellow wood
bamboo rat
become hard and ripen (of grain)
The rice is filling out.
The corn is filling out.
general classifier/relativiser
white ones
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
176
Southern Lisu Dictionary
k|o kГЊ mГҐ
go ВЇ\Г® w\ГҐ mГҐ
ВЇ\Г® mГҐ
ВЇ\Г® w\ГҐ mГҐ
lå n«å må
j|Г® d\ГҐ mГҐ
\ГҐ me dГ”e ГҐ mГҐ
|ГҐ m\o mГҐ ВЇ\Г® mГҐ
å| m\o pæu å må
\ГҐ mГҐ
\ГҐ mГҐ |e
Ok P\ci mГҐ ВЇВ«u
N
Ol
m\ГҐ
m\ГҐ bГЎ
the past
those two people
two things
two people
the future
a big one
the one that went yesterday
two mares
the horse which is white
who?
whoever/no one
gourd flute (C), usually f\u lВ«u
negative, not, also m
\
also sometimes as negative imperative
instead of tæ\å
including (in a positive sentence);
neither (in a negative sentence)
|å tæ\å m\å bá, \å g«o m\å bá, å| tsæ«o m\å bá, |å Δ|ï gu m\å då.
There was plenty of everything, including knives,
hoes and axes.
å tæ\å m\å bá, \å g«o m\å bá, å| tsæ«o m\å bá, |å Δ\ï |e m\å dÔo.
He had no knife, hoe or axe.
m\ГҐ dГҐ m\ГҐ s\ГҐ N
impossibilities, also m\å då m\å tsæ\å
su m\å då m\å s\å tæ\å nö. Don’t desire things others cannot give.
m\ГҐ dВ»y
still
Ol
m\ГҐ
V
plough
They are ploughing paddy fields.
de mi m\å tΔ«å å.
Ol
m\ГҐ
PF
imperative marker
Ol Ej Rel m\å tæå s\∑ N
battery (Shan)
Ol Gbk Ph Oel Bah Lak N
large tree (NT) with green sour fruit pickled by
m\ГҐ k_o\ n|ГҐ m
\ pæ|î dzÉï Northern Thai and made into pepper paste
Ol Oi
m\å m«å
N
rice (baby talk), also m|ГҐ m|ГҐ, usually dzГҐ
Ol Ol
m\ГҐ m\ГҐ
V
certain, true
I can’t say for certain.
m\ГҐ m\ГҐ ВЇi bГЎ m\ГҐ nГҐ.
m\å m\å ¯i dÔe å ≥o.I’m going for certain.
m\å m\å ¯i ≥o.
It’s for sure.
Ol P]bl m\ГҐ n\ГҐw
N
lime (T)
Ol Pah m\ГҐ n|Г®
N
rice steamer, also m\ГҐ_ n|Г® or m\ГҐ_ ВЇ|Г®
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
177
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Ol
Ol
Ol
Ol
Om
Om
N
m\å s|å pæ|o s\ï tæ\î s\ï
Rm _h Lak m\å s\å |e dzÉï
Zh Rel m\å w|å s\∑ N
Vi A\`j m\å ~h«å pj_ö N
Zbi m\ГҐ wВ«o
A
Ej Rai m\å tæå s«ï
N
Mm
m\ГҐ ts\ГҐ
N
W
x
X
h
Ol Rh Bbh m\å s|å pæ|o
papaya
one papaya fruit
N
kind of tree with large leaves
orange
common vine with hooked thorns
quietly (�not disputatious’)
flashlight, also m\å tæå s«ï
down-payment, reservation,
also m\å ts«å
≥wå ¯å m\å ts\å k_∑ t|î ©\∑ o. I have made a down-payment.
Om Nj [di m\å tsæå Δ«ï N
prostitute, slovenly person
m\å tsæå Δ«ï må
prostitute, slovenly woman
Om P\ah m\ГҐ ВЇ|Г®
N
rice steamer, also m\ГҐ n|Г® or m\ГҐ ВЇ|Г®
Om Rh Lak m\å s|å dzÉï N
fruit-bearing riverine tree (T)
Om Rh _i Lak m\å s|å «e dzÉï
N
large berry-bearing tree (T)
Ohl
mȌ
PF
polite imperative marker
tæ\å dÔe ~h\e m»å.
Don’t go yet, please.
O]al Rbm Lak m\åi s\o dzÉï
N
teak (T), also m\ГЎ s\ГҐ dzО©
O]Uj
må≥
N
gong, also m~ГҐ
O^h
m|ГЎ
N
soot (on pots), see |ГҐ t|o m\Г®_ О”\ГЎ
dzГҐ m|ГЎ
a black mould which grows on rice
ГҐ| l\u m|ГЎ
soot on a pot
O^h
m|ГЎ
NS godparent (for naming ceremony)
ГҐ\ b\ГҐ m|ГЎ
godfather
ГҐ mГҐ m|ГЎ
godmother
O^h
m|ГЎ
V
song pair word for d\e
O^h Tal m|ГЎ z\ГЇ
N
brown kinds of fly
O^i
m«á
N
pair word for zÉï �longevity’
z∑ Δ_Éï m«á Δ_Éï tsÉï. May he have long life.
O^i
m«á
V
give to or do for someone else
song of building bridge for relatives
g\o ku m«á ku m\o gw\å
O^i
m«á
C
back basket load
cross-strip holding rafters
l\å m«á
O^i Lak m«á dzÉï
N
rhododendron, azalea
tree for making banjo (not found in Thailand)
so m«á dzÉï
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
178
Southern Lisu Dictionary
m«á
V
stupid, not alert, daydreaming
stupid person
tsæo m«á
m«á lå we
kind of flower
O^j
mГЎ
V
overlap
tæ\î pæj|å tæ\á ΔÉï tæ\î pæj|å má d«å å. One card is overlapping the other.
má l\á xo d«å å.
They are piled one on top of the other.
O^k
mГЎ
V
carry on the back, bear
They’re carrying corn.
kæ\∑ så má å.
tО”|Г¶ mГЎ ГҐ.
He bears the guilt.
O^k
mГЎ
V
put on lid, put in pocket, duplicate
O^l
m\ГЎ
V
tasteless
It is tasteless.
m\á m\á le k«å å.
O^l Rl Lakm\á s\å dzÉï N
teak (T), also m\ГҐi s\o dzО©
O^m
m_ГЎ
\
N
horizontal twill on twine in basketwork
j|î m\á j|î p|o≥
the horizontal twills and the vertical spokes
O^m
m\ГЎ
N
soldier
m\á pæ\å
soldier
m\ГЎ dГ”u
group of soldiers, army unit
m\á sΩ pæ\å
officer
m\á xw|å pæ\å
high officer
m\ГЎ je su
those who are soldiers
x\∑ m\á
Kuomintang (�Chinese soldier’)
O^m
m\ГЎ
NS/C pair word for dГ”u crowds
j|Г® dГ”u j|Г® m\ГЎ
crowds
l\å tsæo tæ\î m\á
a crowd of people
O_h
m|e
V
tether in a pasture, also m|Г®
|ГҐ m\o gwГҐ m|e t|ГҐ. Tether the horse to graze over there.
O_h
m|e
NS girls’ birth order names, usually må,
also m|Г®/m\Г®
second daughter of Bee clan, usually bj\ГҐlВ«e mГҐ
bj\ГҐlВ«e m|e
m|e m|e z\ГҐ
girlie, little girl
l\o m|e
last daughter, also m\∑ de
ГҐ\ lВ«e m|e
second daughter, usually ГҐ
\ lВ«e mГҐ
ГҐ| sГҐ m|e
third daughter, usually ГҐsГҐ mГҐ
O_h
m|e
C
metre (T), also m\e
O_h Rh m|e s|ГҐ
PN (T)for, on behalf of, also bö ©∑
≥wå m|e s|å tæ\î kæ«o wu t«á lå ©\∑.Buy me one piece of cloth/clothing.
O^i
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
179
Southern Lisu Dictionary
nu ≥wå m|e s|å å| t|î dÔe ©\∑. Please go instead of me.
O_h
m|e
A
quickly, also |ГҐ m|e, |ГҐ m|e m|e, |ГҐ m|Г®
Go quickly.
m|e m|e dГ”e.
O_i
mВ«e
V
push apart with two hands,
scoop out and spread
dung beetle
p\ГҐ k\ГҐ mВ«e/tО”Г¦\Г® mВ«e mГҐ
nu mВ«e ВЇi
You rummage around and see if you can find it.
~h«á l\á m«e
mole
O_i
mВ«e
V
turn inside out/fold over/roll
roll up and attach
mВ«e dГ”\Г®
mВ«e lГҐ
unroll
l\ГЎ mВ«e
lengthwise thatch batten
l\ГЎ mВ«e m\o gw\ГҐ
style of song with reversed word order
l\á m«e ≥\o
riddle language, partly reversed word order
O_i Hbk m«e kæo
V
fall down
He fell over.
m«e kæo le o.
O_i O_i [dj m«e m«e ΔÉï N
back on one’s track, backward
m«e m«e ΔÉï j\_î dÔe o. They retraced their steps.
O_j
m_e
V
smear on
smear medicine on
ná tsæ\ï me å
O_j/O_k me/me
NS -day
ВЇ|Г® me
today
ГҐ\ me
yesterday
\å me ΔÉï me
a couple of days ago
ΔÉï me
day before yesterday
О”|Г® me
three days ago
O_j C_j me de
V
forget and leave behind, also mi le
h~ i kæ\u å me de o. I forgot it at home.
O_j Nk Hcl me tsæå kæ\u
N
hole in ground
O_k
me
V
spend a whole day
It doesn’t need a whole day.
tæ\î ¯i m\å me.
tæ\î ¯i n\å me å.
He spent the whole day resting.
O_k
me
V/NS late in the day
It’s getting late (nearly nightfall).
me lГҐ ГҐ.
så kæu s_å me
at night
O_k I`k me dÔö
N
small nighthawk
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
180
Southern Lisu Dictionary
O_k J`j Lak me tΔö dzÉï
N
banyan-like tree with edible flowers
me tΔö tæo
O_k Jbj me tО”o
N
O_k Kd: me tО”Г¦\ГЇ
N
b\ö n|ö pæ«y me tΔæ\ï
b\y h~ ГЎ
\ my me tО”Г¦\ГЇ
me tΔæ\ï tæ\î pæ\á
|ГҐ j|ГҐ me tО”Г¦\ГЇ
O_k Lak me dzÉï
N
bud of this plant
table (Portuguese), also m«î tΔo, ts«o tsÉï (C)
tree mushroom, usually my tΔæ\ï, also mö tΔæ\ï
kind of tree mushroom
kind of tree mushroom
one tree mushroom
yellow tree mushroom
a lily-like shrub with edible stalks, roots, buds
and fruits
me tæo
the bud of this plant
me w|u p|ГҐ
variety of this shrub (�frog me’)
me w|u dy
variety of this shrub (�head me’)
O_k
me
NS what/everything (archaic), see mi
everything (archaic), see Δ\ï mi tsæ|ï
Δ\ï me tsæ|ï
O_k Pj Ue: Hc: me n_å \≥ kæ\u N
hollow in the ground
O_k Rck Re: me su s\ГЊ N
type of wild fruit
O_l
m\e
N/C adherent dirt, dregs
a bit of left-over dirt
tæ\î m\e
dÔi pæ\∑ j|î m\e j|î bá
left-over liquor dregs
dzГҐ m\e dzГҐ bГЎ z\ГҐ
left-over rice dregs
w|u m\e
dandruff, hair dirt
w|o m\e
sandgrouse, quail, also w|u m\e
one piece of dirt
j|î m\e tæ\î m\e
j|î m\e n\∑ le gu.
There is something adhering all over it.
|ГҐ t|o m\e О”\ГҐ
soot
O_l
m\e
V
rub
coconut (�head rub oil fruit’)
w|u m\e tsæ∑ s\Ì
O_l Cbk m\e do
N
horse’s bucking
|å m\o tæe må m\e do m\å kæwå. This horse doesn’t buck.
m\e do kwГҐ
additional roof braces
O_l Maj m\e tsÉï
N
beard, moustache, feeler, also m\∑ tsÉï
also m\∑ tsÉï
beard hair
m\e tsÉï my
h~ ГЎ
« m\e tsÉï
sun lizard
j|î m\e tsÉï jö å.
He has a beard.
O_l Vak m\e ~he
N
wind, also m\Г® h~ i
O_l [aj m\e О”i
N
noodles (C)
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
181
Southern Lisu Dictionary
O_m
O_m
O_m
O_m Lam
m\e\_
V
nå n«å m\å m\e
m\e
V
l\ГЎ m\e
m\e
C
m\e dz\ГЇ
N
understand, hear clearly, also m\Г®_
I didn’t hear you too well and so didn’t understand.
wave to attract attention
wave arms
meter (T), also m|e
sparks, lightning,
also m\_î dÔ\î/m\î dÔ\e/m\∑ bj\ö/mj\ö bj\ö
m\e dz\ГЇ j\e ГҐ.
Lightning is flashing.
ГҐ| t|o m\e dz\ГЇ
fire sparks
O_m P_m m\_e n_\e
N
small bell, also k|∑ l|î
O`h
m|Г¶
V
shake out
Shake out the blanket.
z«ï b_y |å t|î m|ö fu ©∑.
Δ|ï |å t|î m|ö fu ©∑. Shake out the thatch.
O`h
m|Г¶
N
son-in-law, usually m|y
O`k
mö
V
suck (inside the mouth)
tæ\å gw\å dz\å tæe mö tæ|å.
Don’t chew it, suck it like this.
O`k Kd: mö tΔæ\ï
N
mushrooms, toadstools, also me/my tО”Г¦\ГЇ
b\ö n|ö pæ«y mö tΔæ\ï type of mushroom
b\Г¶ h~ГЎ
¸ my mö tΔæ\ï type of mushroom
|å j|å mö tΔæ\ï
chicken mushrooms
O`l
m\Г¶
V
foam up, boil up
j|Г® f|y m\Г¶ do lГҐ ГҐ. It is foaming out.
O`l
m\Г¶
VS
warm
warm
lö m\ö m\ö
Oah
m|Г®
NS/V riddle, puzzle (C), also bГЎ h~ ГЎ
| ≥\o
tsæåj m|î
riddle
tsæåj m|î tsæåj m\å k|u.
I’m not good at chanting riddles.
Oah
m|Г®
V
pasture on end of a rope, also m|e
a long rope for tethering horses in a pasture
|ГҐ m\o m|Г® du
|ГҐ m\o m|Г® kГЊ t|ГҐ ГҐ. The horses are tethered in a pasture.
Oah
m|Г®
NS girls’ birth order names, usually må,
also m|e/m\Г®
second daughter of Bee clan, , usually bj\ГҐlВ«e mГҐ
bj\ГҐlВ«e m|Г®
\ГҐlВ«e m|Г®
second daughter, usually ГҐ
\ lВ«e mГҐ
|ГҐsГҐ m|Г®
third daughter, usually ГҐsГҐ mГҐ
Oah
m|Г®
NS fate, destiny, luck (especially in type of children)
j|Г® m|Г®
fate, destiny
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
182
Southern Lisu Dictionary
nu m|î kæ\u å.
You are doomed.
j|î m|î tæ\î m\å dÔo å. He is fortunate.
j|Г® m|Г® m\ГҐ xГҐ.
He is ill-fated (there is likelihood that one
of his children will be a werewolf).
m|Г®
C
for births
z\å nö så m|î dÔo å. He has three children; they have had three births
Oah
in the family.
Oah Qam
C
m|Г® l\Г®
sГҐ m|Г® l\Г®
one great grandparent and two great
grandchildren
N
N
V
Oah [aj m|Г® О”i
Oai Jbj m«î tΔo
Oah
m|Г®
Oaj
group of great grandparent(s) and
great grandchildren
younger sister’s husband (C)
table (Portuguese), also me tΔo, ts«o tsÉï (C)
deep (of sleep)
sleep deeply
j\î m∑ m|îå
mi
N
land
b∑ dÔå mi
old fields, still worked
b∑ Δ\ï mi
virgin land
de mi
irrigated flat field
tå ≥\å mi
a perpetually shaded spot
kæ\∑ så mi
corn field
tΔæÉï mi
rice field
mi b\ГҐ
side hill slope, a hill slope viewed from the side
mi dГ”\Г¶
scorpion
mi tΔæå
earth, ground
mi nГЎ
the earth (song language)
mi w\o mi
well-shaded spot, sun seldom shines
MisÉï
Lord of the Land (spirit)
MisÉï må
Sky Goddess
MisÉï må z\å m∑ fu dz\å å. �Sky Godess is sent to her wedding’:
roaring in the sky due to upper cloud turbulence
forest
a sandy patch
worked-out land
a three-bushel-of-seed field (rare)
hill field, also h
~ ГҐ mi
Oaj
Oaj
@
b
A
p
li tΔæå mi
lo x\∑ tΔö mi
s\ГҐ d\e mi
sГҐ lo mi
ГҐ mi
mi
V
cooked/ready to harvest
mi le o.
It’s cooked.
mi le ГҐ ВЇГҐ dz\ГҐ mi ГҐ.
If it’s cooked, it’s tasty.
mi
NS pair for x\∑ fragments
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
183
Southern Lisu Dictionary
nl Oaj
Oaj Cbl
Oaj Naj
Oaj Q_j
Oak
Oak
Oak Fbl
Oak Gch
Oal E^l
Oal E^l
Oal Oak
Oal
Oal Vak
W
x
X
h
Y
f
j|î x\∑ j|î mi
dzå x\∑ dzå mi
mÌ x\∑ mÌ mi
\ГҐ mi
PNF
mi d\o
N
mi tsæÉï
N
mi dГ”\ГЇ
mi tsæÉï tæ\î kæ«o
mi le
V
m\ГҐ mi le.
mi
V
d\o mi ГҐ.
kæ\∑ mi å n|å n\u å
dz\ГҐ m\ГҐ mi.
dz\ГҐ mi ГҐ.
mi tsæ|ï
NS
\ГҐ mi
О”\ГЇ mi ts|ГЇ
mi g\o
N
mi g\o l\e ГҐ.
mi g\o mi l\e.
mi k|u
N
mi k|u s|u ГҐ.
m\î tæ\á
N
m\î tæ\á ΔÉï
|å m\î tæ\á ΔÉï
m\î tæ\á
N
m\î tæ\á dzÉï lå å.
m\Г® mi
N
m\Г®
NS
|ГҐ m\Г®
|ГҐ m\Г® mГҐ
|ГҐ m\Г® du
|ГҐ m\Г® lВ«e
\ГҐt|ГҐ m\Г®
m\Г® ~hi
N
m\Г® ~hi dГ”\_Г¶ ГҐ.
m\Г® ~hi lo h~ГҐ
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
fragments
crumbs of food
fragments of cloth
but, although, also x|∑ or \å x|∑
reputation, fame, see mjö d\o
pants, also mi tΔæÉï/m∑ tΔæÉï/mi tΔæi
crotch of pants
one pair of pants
forget, also me de, opposite m∑
I didn’t forget.
tasty, delicious
It’s tasty to drink.
eloquent (song language)
It’s not tasty.
It’s tasty to eat.
what, everything, also me
what (song language), pair of ГҐ
| О”\ГЇ
everything, also О”\ГЇ me ts|ГЇ/tО”|e
a round trip in one day, also mi/me g\o
I went and came back the same day.
I went but wasn’t able to come back that day.
low clouds, mist (versus mu k|u �high clouds’)
The mist is thickening/The clouds are thickening.
in front of, ahead, also m\y tæ\á or m\∑ tæ\á
ahead, in front, also ГҐ
| m\î tæ\á ΔÉï
ahead, in front, usually m\î tæ\á ΔÉï
dawn
The dawn is breaking.
sun (song language), also m\∑ tsæå
daughter, see also m|e/m|Г®
daughter (song language)
first daughter, also ГҐ
\ t|a m\Г®/|ГҐnГҐ
first daughter of same-sex sibling, also m\∑ du
second daughter, usually ГҐ
\ lВ«e mГҐ
first daughter, usually ГҐ
| m\Г® mГҐ
wind, also m\e h~ i, m\e h~ e
The wind is blowing.
a tempest, a strong wind
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
184
Southern Lisu Dictionary
j|Г® m\Г® ~hi pj_Г¶ ГҐ.
He is letting the wind cool him down.
j|î m\î ~hi tΔ«ï å.
He is having convulsions.
j|Г® m\Г® ~hi w\u ГҐ.
His is a loud-mouth.
Oam
m\Г®
N
reputation (for witchcraft)
j|Г® m\Г® m\ГҐ xГҐ.
He is bewitched/He is a witch.
j|Г® m\Г® xГҐ ГҐ.
He is not bewitched.
Oam
m_\Г®
V
clear, open, face to face (C)
openly, face to face
m\_Г® m\_Г®
m\_î m\_î ¯i b\á ©\∑. Say it openly.
m\Г®_ m\Г®_ ВЇi mo l\ГЎ xo ГҐ.
They saw each other face to face.
|å t|î tΔæ\_ö m\_î ©\∑./|å t|î bá m\_î ©\∑. Tell him to his face.
Oam Lam m_\Г® dz\Г®
N
sparks, live coals, also m\e dГ”\_Г® or m\_Г® dГ”\e
|ГҐ t|o m\i dz\Г®_
fire sparks
Oam Rh Oj m\Г® s|ГҐ mГҐ N
cockroach, also b\∑/b\e/m\Ì s|å må
Oam [^m m_\Г® О”\ГЎ
N
soot
|ГҐ t|o m\i О”\ГЎ
fire sparks
Obh
m|o
V
aim, point at
He can’t aim properly.
po m|o m\ГҐ k|u.
Obh
m|o
V
show, reveal, also m|ГҐ (T)
|å t|î m|o g\∑.
Please show me.
Obh
m|o
PN intensifier for preceding noun
tæe må tæ\á ΔÉï m|o ~h|î, tæ\î dz\ï j_e å h~e¸ . And beyond this, he
went and did something more.
m|o
N/V
m|o tæ\î s\∑
m|o j|Г® t|Г®
m|o j|Г® k|ГҐj
m|o j|î kæw\å
dzГҐ m|o ГҐ
Obh
m|o
N
tö m|o\å
\ГҐ m|o mo
\å m|o mo k«å å.
Obh @dl m|o b\y
N
|ГҐ ВЇ\Г® m|o b\y
Obh Obh m|o m|o
A
Obh Obj m|o mo
N
Obh
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
millstone, to mill
one millstone
lower millstone
handle of millstone
upper millstone
mill rice with a millstone
height, see mo
equally high, also tö mo
extremely high
It is extremely high
hump
cow’s hump
by accident
mango (T), usually m|ГҐ mo
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
185
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Obi
Obi
Obi
Obi
m|o mo dzÉï
mango tree
mВ«o
N
tattoo
He has a tattoo.
m«o tæ«o k∑ t|å.
Dk Mam mВ«o tГҐ ts\ГЇ V
very unfortunate
\å kæ|∑ m\å m«o tå ts\_ï.
He is not so unfortunate.
Lak m«o dzÉï
N
thin tree with small leaves
Mam mВ«o ts\ГЇ
N
a cover term for unknown grains,
including wheat, barley, oats, etc.;
formerly referred to edible Job’s tears
Obi Ofi m«o m«∑
N
village priest, usually m«Ì m«Ì pæ\å
Obi Yci Obi Del m«o f«u m«o t\∑
V
greedy, rapacious
Obj
mo
V
high/tall, also m|o
bo mo
mo tá Δ_Éï
ГҐ li tО”Г¦i mo \ГҐ.
ГҐ mo tО”Г¦i dГ”o \ГҐ.
\å kæ|∑ m\å m_o.
å\ kæ|∑ mo å.
tö mo
tæe mo
\ГҐ m|o mo
ГҐ mo mo
\å m|o mo k«å å.
Obk
mo
V
ВЇi m\ГҐ mo.
å\ me tæ\á mo å.
Obk
mo
V
w\ГҐ mo dz\ГҐ su
w\ГҐ mo ГҐ
Obk
mo
N
mo t«ö
ΔÉï mo
Obk Dbj mo to
N
Obk Pbk mo no
N
mo no tæ\î kæ«o
Obl
m\o
V
tО”Г¦o m\o
tΔæo m\o pæ\å
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
thanks
the high side
How tall/high is it?
How tall/high is it?
It is very low.
It is very high.
equally high, also tö m|o\å
this high
extremely high
very high
It is extremely high
see
I can’t see (too dark).
I saw him yesterday.
be employed, hire oneself out
hired hands
work for wages
corpse
wrappings of a corpse (white cloth)
corpse of a person
car (E), usually l\o
bag, sack, also mu nu
one sack
old (animate)
an old person
an old man
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
186
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Obl
tО”Г¦o m\o mГҐ
m_o lГҐ ГҐ.
m\o
NS
dz\ГЇ m\o
ts|ГҐ m\o mГҐ
w|y pæ\å m\o
w|y m_ГҐ m\o
|ГҐ p|ГҐ m\o
ГҐ| z\ГҐ m\o
Obl
m\o
NS/P
tæ\o lå m\o
m\o kæ\o
|ГҐ m\o
Obl FZl m\o gw\ГҐ
N
m\o gw\å pæö
m\o gw\å tæ\î tΔ«ö
m\o gw\ГҐ gwГҐ ГҐ.
Obl O_l Lak m\o m\e dzÉï
Obl Pbl m\o n\o
A
m\o n\o m\o n\o tО”Г¦\Г¶
Obm
m\o
N/V
m\o b∑
m\o b∑ x«å
m\o pö
m\o n|ГЎ ГҐ.
m\o w|u pæu
ГҐ mi m\o je ГҐ.
Obm
m\o
V
m\o m\o le
n|ГҐ po m\o m\o
l|∑ k|∑ m\o ©∑.
tΔi≥ m\o m\o
Obm
m\o
N
j|Г® m\o mГҐ
Obm Qbj m\o lo
N
tæ\î m\o lo
m\o lo så kæwå
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
an old woman
He is growing old.
polite suffix for kinship terms
with senior people who are not true kin
matchmaker
wife’s/husband’s mother
uncle
aunt
grandfather
older son
horse, written m\u
donkey (�rabbit horse’), also le le/må li li/l«o tsÉï
Year of the Horse
horse
songs, written m\u gw\ГҐ
a song-cup - two tortoise shells joined by a string;
boys sing into one end and girls the other
one song
They’re singing songs.
N
tree with cork-like bark
gossip and complain
l\ГЎ xo ГҐ. They are gossiping.
weeds, to weed
a type of grass-seed
pull grass-seeds (out of clothes)
low bush
The weeds are high; it is overgrown.
common weed (with dandelion-like seeds)
He is weeding the fields.
turn over (hollow hemispherical object)
all overturned, as a collection of bowls, snails
ears folded over, shut
Turn the bowl upside down.
all overturned, turned wrong way up
senior wife
first wife (of man with multiple wives)
noon/afternoon
noon
day and night
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
187
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
Obm Tbj m\o zo
junior wife
m\o zo mГҐ
second wife (first wife is alive)
Obm Obm m\o m\o
V
curved, convex
m\o m\o l\e
convex
n|å kæu m\o m\o l\e. His nose is short and convex.
ГҐ| w\ГЎ kГҐ ku m\o m\o l\e
pig with a convex back
Obm Obm m\o m\o
A
over frontwards, opposite t«á kwå
m\o m\o ΔÉï kw|å d\y je å.
He tipped over frontwards.
m\o m\o ΔÉï j\_î t|å tΔ«å å.
He is lying on his stomach.
Ocj Pcj mu nu
N
bag, sack, usually mo no
Ocj
mu
PV
adverbialiser suffix after reduplicated
spatial, taste or negative extent verbs, etc.
spicy
insufficiently salty
flat
vertical
with staring eyes
bitter
wide (C)
naked, also dГ”\ГҐ l\ГЎ b\ГҐ d\Г®
sloping
sour
sweet
round
painful in tooth when touched
not directly facing
low, short
bjГҐ bjГҐ mu
bj\ГҐ bj\ГҐ mu
di di mu
tГҐ tГҐ mu
tæ\o tæ\o mu
kæw\å kæw\å mu
kæw\å≥ kæw\å≥ mu
dГ”\ГҐ l\ГЎ mu
dГ”\ГЇ dГ”\ГЇ mu
tО”Г¶ tО”Г¶ mu
mu k|u dz\ГЇ
l|u l|u mu
s|ГЇ s|ГЇ mu
x|∑ x|∑ mu
~Г¶ ~Г¶ mu
Ocl Fcl m\u g\u
N
m\u g\u bj\ГҐ
m\u g\u p«ö å.
Ock Gch mu k|u
N
thunder, also m\∑ g\u
thunder bee: attacks, no honey, high hive
It is thundering.
high cloud, also m∑ k|u
(versus mi k|u �low clouds’)
mu k|u dz\ГЇ
Ocl Hcl m\u kæ\u
N
|å t|o m\u kæ\u Δ|ï o.
Odh
m|y
N
m|y d\ГҐ mГҐ
m|y lВ«e
m|y l|á pæ\å
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
fog
smoke, tobacco, also m
\ kæ\u/\≥ kæ\u
The fire is smoking.
son-in-law, also m|Г¶
first daughter’s husband
second daughter’s husband
bridegroom
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
188
Southern Lisu Dictionary
m|y tsæ|á må
bride
Odh
m|y
V
set on eggs
The hen is setting on its eggs
|å j|å må j|î fu m|y tΔ«å å.
Odh Qdm m|y l\y
V
bushy, woody, leafy, fluffy; hair on end
m|y l\y l\y
hair standing on end
m|y m|y l\y l\y
hair standing on end
|ГҐ n\ГҐ m|y l\y
bushy dog
Odj
my
N
fur, feathers, body hair
my tО”Г¦\ГЇ
cornsilk
xw\ГҐ my
fur, wool
j|î my jö å.
He is hairy (he has the morals of an animal).
|ГҐ j|ГҐ my
chicken feathers
Odj
my
V
blow
b\y my
lungs
f\u lВ«u my ГҐ.
He is blowing a gourd reed-organ.
|ГҐ t|o |ГҐ t|Г® my.
Please blow the fire.
Odj
my
V
suitable, fitting (has achieved required status)
dzå ©\∑ m\å my.
The rice is too short to reap yet.
nu z\å bá m\å my. I’m not good enough to be called your
son.
j|Г® l|ГЎ ВЇi my ГҐ.
I respect her.
j|Г® ВЇГҐ tО”Г¦o bo bГЎ my ГҐ.
He is weathy enough to be called rich.
j|Г® l|Г® z\ГҐ dz\ГҐ m\ГҐ my.Seedlings are not ready to eat.
j|î ≥wå l|á mo m\å my.
He looks down on me.
Odk
my
V
grow together after grafting
Odk Kdl my tО”Г¦\ГЇ
N
mushroom, also me tΔæ\ï or mö tΔæ\ï
Odk Odk Tl my my z\ГҐ V
weak, tired or swollen
Odl
@
b
A
p
my my z\ГҐ kГЊ le o
m\y
N
tæ\î m\y tæ\î Δi
dÔå m\y lö m\y
m\y tæ\á k«o tæ\á
m\y tΔ\e mi tΔ\e tæ\á
m\y dy
m\y kw\å pæ\å
m\y kæ\∑
m\y m\ГҐ xГҐ
m\y m|ГЊ
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
from not sleeping or losing a fight
slightly swollen (of eyes)
land, country
the whole land, the whole world
cool and hot country
the whole land, the whole world
when the world was made
earthquake
the ruler of the land
national border
poor land, poor country
flood
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
189
Southern Lisu Dictionary
m\y s|å l∑ g\u
dry uninhabitable areas
m\y
N
weather, also m\y w\u
conditions in a given year
m\y kæ\o
|å ¯«î kæ\o ¯å m\y kæ\o m\å xå. Last year the weather was bad.
m\y m\ГҐ bГҐ.
The weather is not clear.
m\y w\u ly ly l\e p«ö o.
There are clouds and thunder without rain.
m\y
N
era, period
the present
tæe m\y
go m\y
the past
Odl
Odl
N
m\y tæ\á dzÉï lå å.
m\y tæ\á ΔÉï dÔe.
m\y tæ\á ΔÉï wå dzå
in front, ahead, dawn, also m\î tæ\á
Odl E^l m\y tæ\á
The dawn is breaking.
Go in front.
kwГҐ dГ”o ГҐ. There is a fork in the trail up ahead/
One day there will be a fork in the trail.
s|å g∑ m\y tæ\á ΔÉï wå
in the future
N
the heavens, the air, also m\y w\o, see m\y kwГҐ
m\y w\u wå ¯«å bjö tΔ«å å. In the air there were birds flying.
m\y
NS plant shoot
mГҐ m\y
bamboo shoots
j|Г® m\y do ГҐ.
The shoots are coming up.
m|∑
N
tail
back of apron
pæ\î m|∑
gu m|∑
south
tΔ|ï tΔ|ï m|∑ k|å
racket-tailed drongo
må kæw\å m|∑ d\u bamboo stump
m|∑ d\u
stump (�tail-stump’)
tsæÉï kå m|∑ d\u
post of rice pounder
l\å m|∑ d\u
leopard
m|∑ k|å
long-tailed
mj\ö m|∑ k|å
long-tailed monkey (macaque)
\å go m|∑ dÔ\e
short-handled hoe
m«o tsÉï m|∑ k|å
long-tailed oats
m|∑ tsæ«o
small sickle, usually ГҐ
\ tsæ«o
valley downriver
lo m|∑
s«∑ m|∑ d\u
tree-stump
j|î m|∑
downriver
å« b\e m|∑
squirrel tail
|å pæ\y m|∑
cooking melon
\å go m|∑ s\e
short-handled hoe
Odl Zcl m\y w\u
Odm
Oeh
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
190
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Oeh
Oeh
|å m\o m|∑
|å m\o m|∑ w\o
m|∑
C
dÔi pæ\∑ tæ\î m|∑
j\å pæ|î tæ\î m|∑
m|∑
C
horse tail
horse tail vegetable
for ten measures
ten bottles of whiskey
ten �joy’ of opium (16 kg.)
for sticks of firewood which have had contact
with fire
s«∑ l\á m|∑ tæ\î m|∑ t«á lå. Bring one stick from the fire.
Oei Oem m«∑ m\∑
N
female who is being courted
Oej
m∑
V
find, get
g\å m\å m∑.
I wasn’t in time. (�chase not get’)
xwå m\å m∑.
I couldn’t find it.
Oej
m∑
V
remind, remember, opposite mi/me
Oej
m∑
V
giddy
m\å w|u m∑.
I’m not giddy.
w|u m∑ å.
I’m giddy.
Oej [dj m∑ ΔÉï
V
be a long time
m∑ m\å ΔÉï/m\å m∑ ΔÉï
Not long now.
m∑ z\å m\å dÔo.
It hasn’t been long/It wasn’t long.
å li m∑ ΔÉï dÔo \å. How long has it been?
å m∑ ΔÉï dÔo \å.
How long has it been?
å m∑
now/how long a time?
å m∑ s\å
now
Oej
m∑
VS
asleep
j\î m∑
fall asleep
m\å j\i m∑
not fall asleep
Oek
m∑
V
make a continuous noise
It makes a noise.
j|î Δ\å m∑ å.
|å ¯\î må m∑ å
cow lows
|å j|å må m∑ å
hen clucks
Oek
m∑
V
foolish, stupid, dumb
a fool
tΔæo m∑
m∑ le o.
He’s become foolish.
m∑ ≥\o
sign-language, deaf and dumb language
m∑ ≥\o l|y å
use/translate sign language
Oek
@
b
A
p
V
m∑
dzГҐ my
å| pæ\y m∑
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
barren (animals), self-sown (plants)
self-sown rice
self-sown pumpkin (also a type of squash)
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
191
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Oek
Oej Kaj
Oej Kdj
Oej Naj
Oek Gch
Oek
Oel
Oel
Oel
Oel
X
h
is the daughter).
last daughter, also l\o m|e
daughter of same-sex sibling, also ГҐ
| m\Г® du
bride price
twin girls, also m\∑ dz\ï, m\∑ dÔ\e
one set of twin girls
eldest daughter, also ГҐ
| m\Г® mГҐ
allow daughter to get married
daughter, also ГҐ
| m\Г® (song language)
mothers and daughters
m\∑ de
m\∑ du
m\∑ pæ\y
m\∑ dÔö
m\∑ dÔö tæ\î dÔö
m\∑ w\u
m\∑ w\u m\∑ fu å
z\å m\∑
j|î må j|î m\∑
m\∑
N
pæi m|∑ m\∑
pæi l\á m\∑
l\á Δå m\∑
Oel
W
x
|å ¯\î må m∑
barren cow
å| j|å må m∑
barren hen
m∑
C
for harvests
tæ\î kæ\o ¯\î m∑ ©\∑ dz\å då å. We are able to reap two harvests a year
m∑ tsæÉï
N
pants, usually mi tsæÉï
m∑ tsæÉï
N
pants, usually mi tsæÉï
m∑ tsæÉï
N
pants, usually mi tsæÉï
m∑ k|u
N
high cloud, also mu k|u
It is cloudy.
m∑ k|u s|u å.
m∑
NS wife
wife
z\å m∑
z\å m∑ z\å
woman
m\∑
V
disappear
m\∑
N
a type of large edible wild tuber
wild taro, dark brown skin, red inside
m\∑ tΔæ«å
m\∑ tsæÉï t|∑
sweet potato
|å ≥\å_ m\∑
yam (�buffalo taro’)
å| w\á t|î m\∑
kind of taro (�wild pig taro’)
m\∑
C
group of (husband and his) wives
a husband and his two wives
så m\∑
j|î w\å ¯\î m\∑ dÔe å.
The husband and his wife are going.
j|î z\å m\∑ ¯\î m\∑ dÔo å. He has two wives.
m\∑
NS daughter, also m\∑, see also m|e/m|î/m\î
må k|o t|o m\∑ k|o t|o Like mother, like daughter (�if mother is crested, so
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
ornamental edge on a garment
stripe down front edge of Lisu woman’s jacket
stripe on sleeves of Lisu woman’s jacket
stripe along mouth of shoulder bag
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
192
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Oel
m\∑
NS pestle
tsæÉï m\∑
pestle
l\á tΔæö m\∑
large pestle (not used by Lisu in Thailand)
m\∑
NS in name for a kind of bee
bj\å m\∑
very small black stingless bee, no honey
m\∑
Num ten thousand (T)
ten thousand baht
b«åj pæj\å tæ\î m\∑
@\`m m\∑ bj\ö
N
lightning, also mj\Г¶ bj\Г¶/m\e dz\ГЇ
m\∑ bj\ö j\e å
lightning flashes
Afj m\∑ pÌ
N
jaw, chin
E^l m\∑ tæ\á
N
in front, before, usually m\î tæ\á
Fcl m\∑ g\u
N
thunder, also m\u g\u
It is thundering.
m\∑ g\u p«ö å.
GZk m\∑ kwå
N
the sky, also m\u kwГҐ/m\y w\u/m\y w\o
Hcl \m kæ\u
N
tobacco, smoke, also m\u kæ\u /\≥ kæ\u
|å t|o m\∑ kæ\u Δ|ï å. The fire is smoking.
Kcj m\∑ tΔæu
N
sword
Kdl m\∑ tΔæ\ï
N
widow, see also z\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ orphan
m\∑ tΔæ\ï pæ\å
widower
m\∑ tΔæ\ï må
widow
Nk m\∑ tsæå
NS juice, liquid also n\ tsæå
juice, liquid
j|î m\∑ tsæå
j|Г® pВ«e m\ГҐ dГ”o,
It has no solids,
j|î m\∑ tsæå l\e dÔo å.
it is all liquid.
Nk m\∑ tsæå
N
the sun, weather
m\∑ tsæå do kæ\∑ the east (where the sun comes out), also b∑ do
m\∑ tsæå go kæ\∑ the west (where the sun sets)
m\∑ tsæå tsæå å.
It is hot.
m\∑ tsæå m\å bå.
The weather is not clear.
Nl m\∑ tsæ\å
A
most, superlative marker; the end
of a row, the last one, also m\å tsæ\å
m\∑ tsæ\å pæ\y å må the most valuable
m\∑ tsæ\å l_ö le å
the very last one
m\∑ tsæ\å x_å å må the best
m\∑ tsæ\å w\u å tæ\î w\å
the greatest person, biggest person
m\∑ tsæ\å w\u å må the biggest, the greatest
Maj m\∑ tsÉï
N
beard, moustache, animal feeler, also m\e tsÉï
Oel
Oel
Oel
Oel
Oel
Oel
Oel
Oel
Oel
Oel
Oel
Oel
Oel
Oel
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
193
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
N
Oel Oj \m mГҐ
Oel Vk m\∑ ~hå
tiger (babytalk for l\ГҐ mГҐ)
rain
It is raining.
m\∑ ~hå li å.
m\∑ ~hå m\å dÔo.
There has been no rain.
Oel Veh m\∑ ~h|∑
N
saliva, spittle, also m\∑ ©|∑
He is dribbling.
m\∑ h~ ∑
| do ГҐ.
m\∑ ~h|∑ t|î fu ©∑ å. He spat.
Oel Ych m\∑ f|u
N
taxes (C)
tax collector
m\∑ f|u go su
Oel eh m\∑ ©|∑
N
saliva, spittle, also m\∑ h~ ∑
|
Oem Hem m\∑ kæ\∑
N
evening, also m\∑ kæ\∑, \≥ kæ\∑
m\∑ kæ\∑ ts|ï å.
It’s dusk.
m\∑ kæ\∑ s«ï we
shrub with pink and white flowers opening at dusk
s|å n\á m\∑ kæ\∑
tomorrow evening
å\ me m\∑ kæ\∑
last evening
Ofh
m|ГЊ
N
flood
flood
m\y m|ГЊ
Ofi Ofi m«Ì m«Ì
N
traditional village priest, also m«o m«Ì
traditional village priest
m«Ì m«Ì pæ\å
m«Ì m«Ì må
wife of traditional village priest
Ofi Maj m«Ì tsÉï
N
wheat (C)
Ofj
mГЊ
N
cloth
p|o s\ГҐ mГЊ
black or blue cotton cloth
b\e tsæ\ï_ z\å mÌ
silk, also b\y mГЊ
b\y mГЊ
silk, also b\e tsæ\ï z\å mÌ
dz\ГЇ mГЊ
hemp cloth
dz\ГЇ tО”|ГҐ mГЊ
boiled hemp cloth
m\ГҐ x\o mГЊ
unfading cloth, cloth with fast colours
mÌ tsæå
rags, pieces of cloth
n|∑ mÌ
homespun dyed cloth
ГҐ l\o_ mВ«e mГЊ
velvet (�mole cloth’)
Ofl Pfi m\Ì n«Ì
N
mouth, snout (external), contrast n|ГҐ h~ o
m\Ì n«Ì m\Ì n«Ì
opening and closing the mouth
m\Ì n«Ì m\Ì n«Ì dz\å eat with mouth opening and closing
Ofl Rh Oj m\ГЊ s|ГҐ mГҐ N
cockroach, also b\e/b\∑/m\i s|å må
Ofm
m\ГЊ
V
hungry
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
194
Southern Lisu Dictionary
O\h
O\h
O\h
O\i
O\j
mj|ГҐ
N
gw\ГҐ mj|ГҐ p|Г¶
dzÉï x«∑ mj|å
mj|ГҐ tО”Г¶
nå kæ«o mj|å lá
l\ГЎ О”|ГҐ mj|ГҐ
w|u tæ«Ì mj|å
mj|ГҐ
NP
mj|ГҐ mГҐ
mj|ГҐ l\ГЎ mГҐ
mj|ГҐ le mГҐ bj\ГҐ
mj|ГҐ z\ГЇ
mj|ГҐ
N
\ГҐ mj|ГҐ
\ГҐ mj|ГҐ\ГҐ
\ГҐ mj|ГҐ mjГҐ
tö mj|å\å
mj«å
NS
\å mj«å
mjГҐ
N
pæj\ö mjå
mjГҐ bi
mjГҐ bi do ГҐ.
mjå b«∑ b«∑
mjå p|∑
mjГҐ pjГҐ je ГҐ
mjå pæu
mjå pæu Δ|ï å
mjå tæ«á
≥wå ¯å mjå tæ«á.
mjГҐ kГҐ m_y
mjå k«u dÔÉï
mjå dÔÉï
mjГҐ tО”Г¦\Г¶ ГҐ
mjå tΔæ\ö mjå kæ\u
mjГҐ tО”Г¦\Г® l\ГЎ z\ГҐ
mjГҐ dz\u tВ«o ГҐ
mjå dz_Éï
bo lo mjГҐ dz_ГЇГ‰
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
fringes, strings hanging off
bundle of buckwheat chaff
strings hanging from belt
silver decorations
dangling part of earring
shoulder bag decorations
strings hanging from turban
kinds of small fly or bee
kind of blood-sucking fly
kind of small fly
small stingless honey bee
kind of blood-sucking fly
quantity, see mj\å/mjå/mj«å
really a lot
a lot
extremely many
equally many, also tö mjå
a lot, see mj\ГҐ/mj|ГҐ/mjГҐ
a lot
eye
face, also pæ\î mjå
tears
Tears are coming out.
wide open staring eyes
inner edge of the eyelids
fear (lit. eyes hiding)
white of eye
glance from corner of eyes in anger or spite
sharp-sighted, having good eyesight
I have good eyesight.
eyebrows
eyelids
cross-eyes, squint-eyed, cross-eyed
be blind
be blind
a speck of matter from the eye/
not even the tiniest little bit
do something out of spite or envy
minute, very small, almost invisible
minute ant
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
195
Southern Lisu Dictionary
zÉï p|y mjå dz_Éï
mjå tsÉï
mjå tsæ«ï
mjå tsæ«ï je å.
m\å mjå tsæ«ï.
mjå ¯«î må
mjГҐ nГЎ
mjГҐ nГЎ ГҐ
j|Г® mjГҐ nГЎ ГҐ.
mjå s\∑
mjå s\∑ w\å d\y å
mjå ≥|o
mjå ≥\o
minute gnat
eyelash
close the eyes, wink
He closed/blinked his eyes.
He didn’t close / blink his eyes.
eyeball (�eye heart’)
iris (�eye black’)
greedy, envious
He is greedy or envious.
eye, eyes; nodes, points where branches emerge
catch the eye of, be attractive to, catch attention of
blink slowly with both eyes
have blurred vision, have split vision (as when a
thing is looked at for too long)
sleepless
fontanelle, also w|u b\e ¯«î/w|u b\∑ kæw|å
mjГҐ fВ«u ГҐ
w|u mjГҐ
O\j Gbj mjГҐ ko
V
sympathise with
O\j
mjГҐ
V
light a lamp or fire
må tå sÉï mjå t|å. Turn on the flashlight.
l|á w\å |å t|î mjå ©\∑. Please light a lamp.
|å t|o |å t|î mjå ©\∑. Please light a fire.
O\j
mjГҐ
V
fish (with hook and line)
≥w|å mjå då
fishing rod
≥w|å mjå du
fish hook
≥w|å mjå tΔ«å å.
I am fishing.
mjГҐ
NS
tsæÉï mjå
j|Г® mjГҐ
j|Г® mjГҐ kwГҐ
mjГҐ
N
w\ГҐ tО”|ГҐ j|Г® mjГҐ
mjГҐ
N
mjГҐ dzГҐ
tæe mjå dÔo å.
ГҐ li mjГҐ dГ”o \ГҐ.
ГҐ mjГҐ
ГҐ mjГҐ tО”Г¦i dГ”o \ГҐ.
ГҐ mjГҐ mjГҐ
\ГҐ mj|ГҐ mjГҐ
O\j
O\j
O\j
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
gaps between digits, body parts, in basketwork
gaps between the toes
gaps
in the gaps
supporting battens
battens on which shelf rests
quantity, see mj\å/mj|å/mj«å
quantity
There are this many.
How many are there?
How many?
How many are there?
very many
extremely many
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
196
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tö mjå
tæe mjå
O\j
mjГҐ
NS
j\Г® mjГҐ
j\î mjå kæo å
O\j Fj Tl mjГҐ gГҐ z\ГҐ N
O\j Qck mjГҐ lu
N
O\l
mj\ГҐ
V
mj\ГҐ ВЇi
mj\ГҐ lГҐ ГҐ
\å kæ|∑ m\å mj\å.
O\l
mj\ГҐ
N
mj\ГҐ w|u dy
O\l
mj\ГҐ
N
mj\ГҐ dГҐ
mj\å tæ\u
mj\ГҐ mГҐ
mj\ГҐ w|u d\u
O\m
mj\ГҐ
N
mj\å x\∑
j|Г® mj\ГҐ gu le o.
O\m Ach Lak mj\å p|u dzÉï N
equally many, also tö mj|åå\
this many
dream
a dream
to dream (�cross’) a dream
kiddies, small children
lamp, also lj|ГҐ w\ГҐ/l|ГЎ w\ГҐ (T)
many, see also mjå/mj|å/mj«å
more than
increasing in number
There aren’t very many.
a large slug
a type of slug (�slug head’)
iron arrowhead
arrow
quiver
arrow (song language), also tså ts«ö
arrow with blunt point
luck, fortune
luck
His luck has finished. (he has nothing but bad luck)
a small thorny tree bearing edible small
bitter green fruit
mj\ГҐ
V
worn out, torn into parts
mj_\ГҐ le o.
It disappeared
mj_\ГҐ p\Г® je o.
It disappeared and got lost
mj_\ГҐ mj\ГҐ
perished, disintegrating easily
mj\\å mj\\å l\e k«å å. It is perished.
pæu mj\\å mj\\å
mainly white with bits of black
O\m Q^m Q^m mj_ГҐ l\ГЎ l\ГЎ V
perforated, full of small holes
j|î kæu mj\å l\á l\á k«å å. It is full of holes.
O\]bm Maj mj_\åw tsÉï N
the Meo
O\`i
mj«ö
V
pass going the same way, go first
He passed him and so went first.
j|î x«å tΔæi å mj«ö je å.
tsæ\å mj«ö
go fast and pass
O\m
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
197
Southern Lisu Dictionary
mjö
NS/V a name, to name
j|î mjö
a name
mjö d\o
fame, reputation
j|î mjö d\o m\å xå. He has a bad reputation.
j|î t|á så lå pæi mjö ©\∑ Name him Salaphi.
j|î mjö n|o å
naming ceremony
j|î mjö å li bá å\ . What’s his name?
O\`j
mjö
V
fast
p\o xw|å tæ\å tΔæ\ö mjö.
Don’t speak fast.
dzå gu Δ\ö mjö å. He walks fast.
O\`k
mjö
C
nap
tæ\î mjö j\î m∑ le å. sleep a nap
O\`l
mj\Г¶
NS story
tsГҐ mj\Г¶
a recent story
m|ГҐ mj\Г¶
traditional story, genealogy
O\`l
mj\Г¶
N
agricultural work, work
duty
mj\ö bj\ö kæ\∑
mj\Г¶ j_e l|o j_e ГҐ
farm and herd
mj\Г¶ j_e ГҐ
work in the fields
l\ГЎ mj\Г¶ j\Г¶ ГҐ
do handicraft work
O\`m
mj\Г¶
NS/P monkey
tΔ«å mj\ö
monkey
mj\ö pæu
hanuman monkey (�white’)
mj\Г¶ dВ«u d\u
baboon
mj\ö tæ\o tΔ«ö
leaf monkey
mj\ö kæ\o
Year of the Monkey
mj\ö m|∑ k|å
snub-nosed macaque (�tail stick’)
mj\Г¶ s|ГҐ t|o
slow loris (�shy’)
mj\Г¶ w\ГҐ l\ГҐ
gibbon (�bat’)
mj\ö ΔÉï
yellow macaque
©|å tΔ«å mj\_ö/©|å mj_\ö short-tailed macaque (�rock monkey’)
O\`m Lk Lcj Tl mj\Г¶ dzГҐ dzu z\ГҐ N type of swift, appears for a few
O\`j
days at harvest time
N
O\`m @\`m mj\Г¶ bj\Г¶
lightning, also m\∑ bj\ö/m\e dz\ï
mj\Г¶ bj\Г¶ j\e ГҐ
O\`m O\`m mj\Г¶ mj\Г¶ VS
pæu tΔæ«å mj\ö mj\ö
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
lightning flashes
dazzling
dazzling white
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
198
Southern Lisu Dictionary
n|ГҐ
V
lure animals with bait or decoys
n|å s\∑ w\o
kind of vegetable which pigs like
n|ГҐ zu ГҐ
catch by setting out bait or decoys
ná tsæ\ï n|å s\e_ ©\∑ å. He poisoned it with poisoned bait.
≥w|å n|å b\∑ di
earthworm (�fish lure worm’)
|å dÔÉï n|å je å.
They are trapping parrots.
n|ГҐ
V
castrate (vulgar), see l|∑/d_∑/Δ|î/s|å
l|å s\∑ n|å fu ©∑ å. He is castrating it.
|ГҐ m\o n|ГҐ p|ГҐ
gelding
n|ГҐ
N
cerise cockscomb-like shrub, small edible
Ph
Ph
Ph
seeds (smaller than mustard seed) used in making
cakes, leaves also eaten
fruit of this shrub
n|å s\∑ w\o
Ph
n|ГҐ
NP ear
n|ГҐ b\o/n|ГҐ b\o n|ГҐ n\o deaf from birth
j|Г® m\ГҐ n|ГҐ b\o/j|Г® n|ГҐ m\ГҐ b\o. He is not deaf.
n|ГҐ po
ear
n|ГҐ po b\o
become deaf with age
n|å po pæj\å m\∑
external ear
n|å po kæu
earhole, ear canal
n|ГҐ to lo
dangling ears
n|å k«∑ l∑ z\å
folds and curly ridges of outer ear
n|ГҐ me ГҐ.
I’m tired of hearing it.
n|ГҐ lo
base of external ear
n|ГҐ w\o
spinach (�ear vegetable’)
n|ГҐ w\u
lesion on ear after ear-piercing
j|Г® n|ГҐ xo
connecting tube from blacksmith bellows to coals
Ph
n|å k«u dzÉï
NP lips
n|å kæ\o
harelip
n|å k«u dzÉï
lip (�lip skin’)
Ph Am Oj n|ГҐ p_\ГҐ mГҐ N
snail, also b\∑ n\∑
Ph HZl n|å kæw\å
N
medium-size storage basket (20cm diameter)
Ph J\i n|å tΔ«å
NS small wild cucumber with soft bristles
\å pu n|å tΔ«å
this cucumber
Ph Oal Dbm Qbm n|ГҐ m\Г® t_o l\o N
reddish edible tree mushroom
Ph Oel Acj n|ГҐ \m p_u N
sweet melon
Ph Pcl n|ГҐ n\u
VS pair word for kæ\∑ mi eloquent
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
199
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
sour and spicy flavour (NT)
j|Г® n|ГҐ \n tО”|Г® dГ”o ГҐ. This is delicious.
n|ГҐ n|ГҐ\ГҐ
A
seemingly, potentially
dz\å mi n|å n|å\å l\e Δ«å t|å x|∑, It seemed as though she was cooking
dz\ГҐ m\ГҐ mi.
something delicious, but it wasn’t.
Δ\á dÔo n|å n|å\å le k«å x|∑, He seems very strong,
О”\ГЎ m\ГҐ dГ”o.
but he isn’t.
n|ГҐ ~ho
N
mouth (inside), compare m\Ì n«Ì
n|ГҐ ~ho mj\ГҐ ГҐ.
He talks too much, says too much.
n|ГҐ ~ho nГҐ ГҐ.
He has a sore mouth.
n|å h~ o ¯«î my å.
He talks too much (has an itchy mouth).
n|ГҐ ~hjВёГҐ
N
next year, also n|ГЎ ~h\ГЎ or n|ГЎ ~hj\ГҐ
n|å\å k«å
PF
final particle expressing doubt
Ph Pel Jah n|ГҐ \n tО”|Г®
Ph Phm
Ph Vbj
Ph V\m
Phm Gi
Pi
PF
n«å
questioning validity of what was said, or surprise
Are you saying there aren’t any? (I know better)/
Are you sure there aren’t any/There aren’t any?
m\å dÔo n«å.
nГҐ
V
cute, loveable (of child)
¯«î nå
cute, loveable
nГҐ
VV possible, may, stronger than dГҐ
j_e m\ГҐ nГҐ.
It’s impossible.
dГ”e m\ГҐ n_ГҐ.
I can’t possibly go.
nГҐ t|ГҐ
must, usually nå k«å
nå k«å
must, also nГҐ t|ГҐ
dÔe m\å n_å k«å.
must not go
nГҐ
N
nose/upper face
nГҐ be
tip of nose, bridge of nose, trunk of elephant
~hГҐ mГҐ n_ГҐ be
trunk of elephant
≥w|å n_å be
gill of fish
nГҐ g\ГҐ
forehead
nå g\å tæ\î mj_ö wå face-to-face
nå g\å m\å w_å t«ö ¯i. I didn’t get to see him face-to-face.
j|î nå g\å d\î d\î l\e k«å å. He is balding at the front
nГҐ g\o
crooked nose
nГҐ k\Г¶
hooked nose
n_å kæ«o
silver earring-necklace (hangs from both ears)
nå kæ«o mj|å s\u
threaded necklace
nå kæu
nose
nå kæu dzÉï
nasal cavity, posterior orifice of nasal cavity
Pj
Pj
Pj
W
x
final particle which indicates that the speaker is
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
200
Southern Lisu Dictionary
nГҐ
NS
|ГҐnГҐ
Pj Gj
nГҐ kГҐ
N
tsæÉï nå kå
w\o nГҐ kГҐ
|å ≥\å_ nå kå
\ГҐ go nГҐ kГҐ
å\ tsæ«o nå kå
Pj Pi
nå n«å
V
nå n«å m\å k|u.
nå n«å xå å.
j|î m\å nå n«å.
Pj Qaj nГҐ li
N
Pj P\aj nГҐ ВЇi
V
Pk
nГҐ
V
b\y my nГҐ
pæi nå
kæ\o nå
tΔæu tsæå nå
tΔæ«ï nå
tsæå nå
tsæ\ï x∑ nå
m|å l|e≥ nå
m\e ~he nГҐ
nå b\y m_å s\∑
nГҐ pГҐ
j|Г® nГҐ pГҐ di ГҐ.
nå pæ\∑ di å
nå pæ\∑ pæ\∑ å.
nå pæj\å
nå pæj\å dÔo å.
nå pæj\å n|o å.
nГҐ d\Г¶
nГҐ d\o dГҐ ГҐ
nГҐ tО”Г¦\u
nГҐ tО”Г¦\u di ГҐ.
nå x∑
~h\e xВ«o nГҐ
j|Г® nГҐ
Pj
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
eldest daughter, usually ГҐ| m\Г® mГҐ, also \ГҐt|ГҐ m\Г®
eldest daughter
socket
knee
eye of a needle
buffalo’s nasal septum
hoe-head socket
ax-head socket
listen, hear, obey, understand
He doesn’t understand.
It is good to listen to.
He doesn’t obey.
clock (T)
ask
sore, sick, ill
have tuberculosis or other lung disease
sting
have a sharp pain
have fever
have a stroke, also m\e h
~ i nГҐ
meteor (�sick sun’), kind of evil spirit, see p«∑ f\u
cold, flu
cancer (T), see also hw\ГҐ l\ГҐ
have a stroke (�wind disease’), also tΔæ«ï nå
glands in the groin
wound, a sore
He has a sore.
measles
He has measles.
sickness, disease, esp. fever
He has a disease
She is having a baby (�disease is squeezing out’).
epidemic
be sick in bed
large boil, abscess
He has a boil.
have malaria, also tΔæö x∑ nå
diarrhea
illness
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
201
Southern Lisu Dictionary
j|Г® nГҐ pГҐ
nå tsæÉï
N
tsæÉï w\y nå tsæÉï
nГҐ В©\ГҐ
PF
Pk Naj
Pk gl
wound, sore
shin
shin of the leg
final, indicates that hearer should already
know, or has asked a silly question
Of course there is none/You know there’s none.
m\ГҐ dГ”o nГҐ В©\ГҐ.
Pnl
nГҐ \ГҐ
Pro
Pk Pe: D]bj nГҐ n\ t_ГҐw N
Pj P\aj nå ¯_Éî
V
j|Г® l|ГЎ dГ”e nГҐ ВЇ_i.
Pl
n\ГҐ
V
tæå n\å å.
n\å ©∑ o.
w\u x∑ n\å å.
Pl
n\ГҐ
C
tæ\î n\å
tæe tæ\î n\å
n\å tæ\î ¯i
n\ГҐ ВЇ\Г® ВЇi
n\ГҐ ~hj\ГҐ ВЇi
Pl
n\ГҐ
NS
|ГҐ n\ГҐ
Pl
n\ГҐ
PN
PNF
you (pl), also nu w\ГҐ
vulture, also n\ГҐ t_ГҐw
ask
Go and ask him.
stop, rest
I’m stopping here overnight
It stopped.
I’m tired, so I’m stopping for a rest.
week
one week
this week
Monday
Tuesday
Sunday
dog, also kæ\∑
dog
secondary topic or contrastive marker, also ВЇГҐ
secondary consequence marker (�if’, �when’)
N
vulture, also nГҐ \n t_ГҐw
N
watch (T)
N
hat
wear one hat
n\å ~h«o tæ\î ts|u ~h«o
n|ГҐm
NS water (T)
toilet, see also nö ΔÉï ~hi
h|o≥ n|åm
t«å≥ n|åm
water tank
nГҐj
PN topic change mark (in lists which contrast)
go tæ\î w\å nåj m\å s|Ì, That person doesn’t know,
\åb|e nåj m\å tΔ«å,
the eldest son isn’t here,
å\ l«e nåj dzå gu m\å s|Ì,the second son doesn’t know,
ГҐsГҐ nГҐj О”\ГЎ m\ГҐ dГ”o, the third son has no strength,
ГҐ li j_e m\ГҐ nГҐ.
nothing can be done.
Pl D]bm n\ГҐ t_\ГҐw/t_\Гё
Pl Qah Gj n\ГҐ l|Г® kГҐ
Pl Vbi n\ГҐ ~hВ«o
P]Oh
P]ak
|
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
202
Southern Lisu Dictionary
n|ГҐw/n|Гё
VS mate-word for tsæ\åw quarrel (Chinese)
tæ\å tsæ\åw tæ\å n|åw l\á xo. Don’t quarrel and fight.
P]bh
n|ГҐw/n|Гё
N
way up there, also n|o/nw|ГҐ
He’s way up there.
n|åw wå tΔ«å å.
n|ГҐw nГҐw
around way up there
P]bk
nГҐw/nГё
N
up there, also nwГҐ
He’s up there.
nåw wå tΔ«å å.
n|ГҐw nГҐw
around way up there
P^h
n|ГЎ
V
deep
The trail is overgrown.
dzГҐ gu n|ГЎ ГҐ.
m\o n|ГЎ ГҐ.
The weeds are thick and tall.
ГҐ dГ”_ГҐ ГҐ li n|ГЎ dГ”o ГҐ\ . How deep is the water?
\å n|á tsæÉï dÔo \å.
How deep is it?
\ГҐ n|ГЎ n|ГЎ dГ”o.
Very deep.
P^h
n|ГЎ
Pro contraction of nu l|ГЎ
P^h
n|ГЎ
N
underneath, below, less than
under the house
h~ i n|á kæwå
j|î n|á kæwå z_o å tæ\î må må the one smaller/younger than this
P^h
n|ГЎ
NS after, behind, also ВЇ|ГҐ
after, behind, also k|ГҐ ВЇ|ГҐ
k|ГҐ n|ГЎ
P^h V^m n|ГЎ h~ ГЎ
\
N
next year, also n|ГЎ h~ j\ГҐ, usually n|ГҐ h~ j~ГҐВё
P^h V\m n|ГЎ ~hjВёГҐ
N
next year, also n|ГЎ ~h\ГЎ, usually n|ГҐ h~ j\ГҐ
P^hm
n|ГЎГЎ
\
N
inside
j|î kæ\u n|áá
\
inside a hole
P^i
n«á
VV ought, supposed to, should, also n«å
what should be built/made
Δ«å n«á Δ\ï
j|î Δ«å n«á må ~hi
the house that he ought to build
j|î Δ«å n«á å lo.
He ought to build it.
P^i
n«á
PF
future (with some doubt), also t\o
j|î s|Ì n«á
He will know (probably)
P^i
n«á
NP pair for dÔ\ö z\å �animal’
animal
dÔ\ö z\å n«á z\å
n«á dÔ\ö
animal
P^j
nГЎ
V
stalk prey
å\ ¯«å tsÉï å| pæ\∑ ná tΔ«å å. The cat is stalking mice.
P]bh
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
203
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
nГЎ
P^j
black, growing thickly, growing thickly,
pair word for kæ\u steal
kæ\u ¯i ná ¯i
tæ\å kæ\u tæ\å ná.
dzГҐ nГЎ
tΔö ná dzÉï
mi nГЎ
n_á d\∑ d\∑
ná tsæ«ï
n_á tsæ«ï tsæ«ï
ná zÉï
l\ГҐ nГЎ
s«∑ ná mi
≥w|å ná
h~ ГЎ
В« nГЎ
h~ j\ГҐ nГЎ
x∑ ná
w\e nГЎ
j|Г® nГЎ
j|Г® nГЎ nГЎ
j|î ¯«î må ná å.
ГҐ| nГЎ
|ГҐ nГЎ tО”Г¦\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГҐ
P^j Nam ná tsæ_ï\
N
P^k
nГЎ
PF
P^l
n\ГЎ
\
PF
P^m
n\ГЎ
N
s«∑ dz_ïÉ j|î n\á
xw\ГҐ (j|Г®) n\ГЎ
P^m
n\ГЎ
N/C
tæe k|∑ m\å n\á
tæ\î n\á
n\á ku må zÉï
n\ГЎ n\ГЎ ГҐ dГ”e ГҐ.
ВЇ|Г® n\ГЎ
P_h
n|e
V
j\ГҐ n|e
P_h @^m n|e b\ГЎ
N
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
secretly, under-cover
Don’t steal.
black rice
small mimosa tree (�sour black tree’)
the earth
charcoal coloured, dark grey, bruised, dirty
dark (no daylight)
dark (no daylight)
a great river, the Salween (Black River)
black panther
thick forest
kind of black fish
giant squirrel
anoa, black antelope
head lice
water leech, also zÉï dÔå w\e
blackness
a black one
He is cruel and hard.
crow
large black bird, Chinese dahuaqiao
medicine
strong assent (yes, I do!)
request for assent, also nГЎ\ГЎ/nГЎ\ГҐ
meat, as opposed to fat, bone, skin, etc.
the timber of a tree
lean meat
early morning
Not very early in the morning.
one morning
morning star (Venus)
We are going early in the morning.
this morning
cut notches, also n|Г®/ВЇ|Г®
shuttle of loom
other, also n|Г¶ b\ГЎ
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
204
Southern Lisu Dictionary
P_i
PF
nВ«e
ne
N
ne j\ГҐ ГҐ
ne kæ|u
P_j
ne
NS
tsæÉï ne
P_j [dh ne О”|ГЇ
N
ne О”|ГЇ ГҐ dГ”e ГҐ.
P_k Fcl ne g\u
N
ne g\u tsГҐ
P_k P_l ne n\e
NS
s\∑ ne n\e
|å tæ\å s\∑ n\e
P_l
n\e
V
m_ГҐ n\e n\e ГҐ
P_l
n\e
N
n\e b\∑
n\e pæ\å
n\e te ГҐ
n\e gu ГҐ
n\e gwГҐ ГҐ
n\e tsæå nå
n\e tsВ«o ГҐ.
n\e ВЇ|Г® ГҐ.
n\e l|u ГҐ
n\e z\ГҐ s_ГЇГ‰ z\ГҐ
n\e w\_y ГҐ
n\e |å no dzÉï
x\o pæ\∑ n\e
P_j
question with uncertain answer, usually ¯«î,
also n«î
frost, usually ВЇi, also ni
Frost is forming.
ice, also w\å kæ|u
shoes, usually ВЇi, also ni
shoes
outside, usually s|o, also nö Δ|î/sw|å
I’m going to the toilet.
ribs, usually ¯i g\u, also ni/nö g\u
creeper, vine, also ¯i/ni/nö
gums of teeth, in
gums
blade of knife
strip (of bamboo)
strip off bamboo strips
spirit, ghost, ancestor, also n\Г®
ancestor spirit, lives on right side of ancestor shelf
shaman
offer sacrifices to, also ti
take pigs and chickens to offer to forest spirts
sing the spirit out of a man
a meteorite spirit
The ghosts are spooking people.
The spirits are squeezing him.
singing in a trace, not normal language (�bark’)
all kinds of spirits
offer joss-sticks to spirits as a down-payment
small bean-like shrub bearing inedible beans
type of spirit which defiles a house and requires
the x\o pæ\∑ so ceremony of purification
a type of spirit - lives in precincts of tree shrine
xwå s«∑ n\e
P_l Mei n\e ts«∑
N
P_l Mei Tl n\e ts«∑ z\å N
å| w\á n\e ts«∑ z\å
l\å tsæo n\e ts«∑ z\å
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
kind of small bird, also l\å ts«∑
dwarf, also ¯\î ts«∑ z\å
a runt of a pig, a dwarf pig
a human dwarf
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
205
Southern Lisu Dictionary
n\e
V
penetrate the skin or surface of
k|ГҐ m\ГҐ n\e
He stabbed, but it didn’t go in.
k|å n\e å ©∑ m\å dzå le.
He stabbed and the knife penetrated the
P_m
skin, but did not go right through.
He hacked at it with the knife but didn’t penetrate
the skin.
|å tæ\å tΔæÉï m\å n\e
n|Г¶
N
sesame
type of sesame candy
n|Г¶ pjГҐ pjГҐ
n|ö pæu
type of sesame, white
n|Г¶ nГЎ
type of sesame, black
n|Г¶ x|o
type of sesame, usual for oil or seasoning
n|Г¶ О”|ГЇ ГҐ.
He is sowing sesame broadcast.
P`h
n|Г¶
N
mud, soil, dirt
small clay pot
n|Г¶ be
n|ö pö
small pile of excavated dirt
n|ö pö m\å mo.
I didn’t see any small heaps of dirt.
n|ö dz\ï pæ\å
swamp
n|Г¶ ~h\Г¶
soil
P`h
n|Г¶
NP/NS termite, also n|y
termite (�dig with snout – termite’)
b\y n|Г¶
n|Г¶ py
termite hill, also n|y py/b\y n|y py
P`h
n|Г¶
V
cut into tree/beehive to get something edible out
bj\ГҐ n|Г¶ dz\ГҐ ГҐ.
Break open a beehive and eat.
P`h
n|Г¶
Dem that way up there, see nö
that one way up there
n|ö tæ\î må må
n|ö nö
way up there, also nw|ГҐ nwГҐ/n|o no
P`h @^m n|Г¶ b\ГЎ
N
other, also n|e b\ГЎ
n|ö b\á tæ\î Δ\ï
another kind
n|ö b\á l\å tsæo
strangers, non-clansmen
n|ö b\á n|ö dzÉï
all other kinds
P`h B`i n|ö pæ«ö
N
stinging nettles
P`h Lal UZh n|ö dz\ï ≥w|å
N
serpent head fish
P`h V`l n|Г¶ ~h\Г¶
N
soil, also n_Г¶ n_Г¶
P`j
nö
V
damp, green (of leaves), not completely dry
s«ï pæj\å nö nö l\e k«å å dry leaves which still have some moisture in them
n|ö h~ ö\ n_ö n_ö le k«å å damp soil, not completely dry
P`j
nö
C
for litter, children of one mother
å| w\á tæ\î nö
one litter of pigs
P`h
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
206
Southern Lisu Dictionary
P`j
tæ\î nö z\å
z\å nö
z\å nö z\å
nö
of the same mother
child
boy
N
C
ears (of grains)
for green shoots,
kæ\∑ så nö
tassel on top of corn stalk
dzå j|î nö tæ\î nö do å. The rice plant sent out an ear
~h«e tΔæÉï nö
pampas grass-like reed used for brooms
w|u nö
green tip of a plant
j|î nö ¯\î nö do å. The grass, reeds, etc has sent out two green shoots
P`j [`h nö Δ|ö
N
outdoors, also s|o/nö Δ|ï/ne Δ|ï
P`j [dh nö Δ|ï
N
outdoors, also s|o/nö Δ|ö/ne Δ|ï/nö Δ|ï
nö Δ|ï dÔe å.
He is going outside/He is going to the toilet.
nö Δ|ï m|å\å
outside
nö Δ|ï ~hi
toilet (polite form)
nö Δ|ï ~hi m\å dÔe ~h\e. not defecating (polite form)
P`k
nö
NS in ancient times, also nö
\å nö
in ancient times, also å\ nö
\å nö tæ\á
in ancient times
\å nö nö tæ\á
in very ancient times
P`k
nö
Dem that up there, see n|Г¶
that one up there
nö tæ\î må må
|å nö må
that one up there (previously mentioned)
P`k
nö
V
want, like, also ny
I don’t want it, I don’t want to have it.
nö n«î m\å ΔÉï.
≥wå m\å nö.
I don’t want any/I don’t like it.
j|î t|á m\å nö.
I don’t like him.
P`k Fcl nö g\u
N
ribs, usually ВЇi g\u, also ne/ni g\u
P`l
n\Г¶
V
send out new shoots/branches/buds, of trees
and plants, also n_Г¶
s«ï m|∑ d\u j|î l\á p«y n\ö lå å. The stump is sending out branches.
j|Г® l|ГЎ n\Г¶ lГҐ ГҐ.
New shoots are shooting.
P`l
n\Г¶
V
sniff, smell, also n\y
smell bad
tО”Г¦\Г¶ n\Г¶ ГҐ
nu n\Г¶ ВЇi.
You smell and see.
Pah
n|Г®
V
few, usually ВЇ|Г®
Make it less.
n|Г® le ts_e.
l\å tsæo tΔ«å n|î å.
There are few people living there.
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
207
Southern Lisu Dictionary
n|Г®
V
kæ\o Δ«ö n|î å.
Pah
Pah
Pah
Pah P^j
Pah
Pai
Pai
tsæÉï tæ\o n|î å.
n|Г®
n|Г® me
n|Г® n\ГЎ
n|Г® ВЇi
n|î m\∑ kæ\∑
n|Г®
n|î pj\_å ©∑ o.
n|î Δ\_e ©∑ o.
n|Г® nГЎ
n|Г®
m\ГҐ n|Г®
n«î
tsæÉï n«î
s|å n«î
Δ|ï n«î
Δ_Éï n«î
\å n«î
n«î
cut notches, usually n|e
cut notches into ritual bridge, to counteract bad
influences
cut steps
NP
today, usually ВЇ|Г®
today
this morning
today
this evening
V
squash, crush, usually ВЇ|Г®
I squashed it flat.
I squashed it to death.
N
NS
N
NS
Asian tapir, also mate-word for elephant
rice steamer, usually ВЇ|Г®
rice steamer, also m\ГҐ n|Г®, usually m\ГҐ/m\ГҐ ВЇ|Г®
year ordinal, usually ¯«î
this year
some future year
three years ago
year before last
last year
PF
question with uncertain answer, usually ¯«î,
also n«î
nu m\å dÔe n«î.
Pai
n«î
N
n«î må
Paj
ni
N
ni j\ГҐ ГҐ.
Paj
ni
NS
tsæÉï ni
Pak Fc: ni g\u
N
ni g\u tæ\î tsæÉï
ni g\u tsГҐ
ni g\u tæ\î tså
Pal
n\Г®
N
Pal Mak n\î tsÉï
N
Pal Mei n\î ts«∑
N
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
Are you going? (I don’t think so or care)
heart, usually ¯«î
heart, usually ¯«î må
frost, usually ВЇi, also ne
Frost is forming.
shoes, usually ВЇi, also ne
shoes
ribs, also ¯i/ne/nö g\u
one rib
creeper, vine, also ¯i/ne/nö
one creeper
spirits, ghosts, usually n\e
button (C), usually ¯\î tsÉï or ¯\u tsÉï
kind of bird, also l\î ts«∑
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
208
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Pal Nam
Pbh
Pbh
Pbh
Pbh
Pbh
Pbh
n\î tsæ\ï
N
j|î n\î tsæ\ï z_o å.
n|o
V
n|o
n|o pæ\å
n|o
n|o n|o
n|o
nå pæj\å n|o å
j|î myö n|o å
n|o
n|o d\u
n|o dz\u
n|o dz\u |ГҐ m|e
Hcl n|o kæ\u
N
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
Bean clan, see ГҐ| no, also means Nu in China
man of the Bean clan/Nu man
N
way up there, also nw|ГҐ/n|ГҐw
around way up there
V
squeeze out (transitive)
give birth
give a name (one week after birth)
NP
О”\Г¶.
N
nВ«o
PF
j|Г® m\ГҐ s|ГЊ nВ«o
Pbj
no
N
no p\Г¶
no tæ\u
no tΔö tæ\u
no sГҐ l\ГҐ
Pbk P\ai no ¯«î
N
Pbl
n\o
V
Pbl Gbl n\o k\o
V
z\å nö z\å n\o k\o å.
Pbm
n\o
VS
n|ГҐ b\o n|ГҐ n\o
A
p
He is still young/He is still a child.
insert into a socket, fit a handle (tight fit so
that point doesn’t stick out the other end)
gwГҐ n|o t|ГҐ ГҐ.
It is stuck in over there.
w\o n|ГҐ k|ГҐ n|o t|ГҐ o. It is threaded through the eye of the needle.
j|î nå pæj\å n|o å.
She is pregnant (polite form)
j|î nå pæj\å n|o lå å. She is giving birth.
j|Г® w\o gwГҐ n|o t|ГҐ o. She stuck her needle in over there.
|å tΔæ«o w\y n|o m\å dÔ\_ï. The axe handle isn’t fast fitting.
Pbi
@
b
age, lifetime, usually ВЇ\Г®_ ts|ГЇ
wedge, also n|u
wedge for pestle of foot-mortar
a wedge
Put a wedge in it.
tall, closely woven carrying basket for grain,
also n|u kæ\u
evidential of inference
I infer that he does not know.
bean, nut, pulse in ГҐ| no
bean
bean pod
tamarind (�bean sour pod’)
cotton pod
two years hence, written no n«î
perch on branch (of bird)
be a nuisance, pester
The children are being a nuisance.
mate-word for b\o deaf
deaf
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
209
Southern Lisu Dictionary
A
eating quickly, greedily
n\o n\o dz\å m»å.
Eat up quickly.
¯«î må n\o n\o tæ\å je . Don’t be greedy.
n|u dГ”\u
N
a wedge, also n|o dГ”\u
Knock a wedge in.
n|u dÔ\u tæ\á ©∑.
nВ«u
V
soft, also n\u in negative
n«u le k«å å.
It is completely soft.
n\u nВ«u\ГҐ
very soft
nu
Pro you
Where are you going?
nu ГҐ lГҐ dГ”e \ГҐ.
nu w\ГҐ
you (pl.), also nГҐ ГҐ
\
you two
nu w\ГҐ ВЇ\Г® w\ГҐ
nu
N
heel/fist/blunt edge
stamp on it, with the heel (�heel the heel’)
tsæÉï d«u nu t|î å.
l\ГЎ pВ«y nu
a punch with the fist
l\á kæu tsæ«u nu
a blow with the elbow
å| tæ\å nu
blunt back edge of a knife
ГҐ| tsВ«o nu
the back of an axe
n\u
V
soft, pliant (in negative and compounds)
kæ\∑ så n\u
sweet corn
tæe k|∑ m\å n\u.
It’s not too soft.
dzГҐ n\u
glutinous rice
dzГҐ n\u pГҐ pГҐ
glutinous rice cakes (for New Year)
m\ГҐ n\u.
It’s not soft.
n\u
V
low, of price
j|î pæ\y n\u å.
The price is low.
j|î pæ\y n\u le å.
The price is falling.
n\u
ProS we (exclusive)
≥wå n\u
we (exclusive)
ГҐ n\u
we (exclusive), in baby talk and song language
n|y
N
mint
n|y
NP/NS termite, also n|Г¶
termite (�dig with snout – termite’)
b\y n|y
n|y py
termite hill, also n|Г¶ py/b\y n|y py
nВ«y
V
massage, rub in; work leather
n«y x«å le gu.
He worked it into shreds.
n«y x\∑ le gu.
He rubbed it into pieces.
n«y å ¯å n«u le k«å å. If you work it, it will get soft.
Pbm Pbm n\o n\o
Pch Icl
Pci
Pck
Pck
Pcl
Pcl
Pcl
Pdh
Pdh
Pdi
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
210
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
ny
ny n«î
Pdl
n\y
Peh
n|∑
j\å t|e n|∑ å
Peh Bdj n|∑ pæy
Pdk
love (Christian word)
V
V
Pei
Pek
Pel
Pel
Pel Nk
Pem
@
b
A
p
smell (transitive), also tО”Г¦\Г¶ n\Г¶
dye, paint, smear on
dye with lumps of blue vegetable dye
N
Peh Fcl Mj n|∑ g\u tså N
Peh Oj
want, like, usually nö
small plant, size of hemp, used for making
carrying basket head straps; leaf/bark irritate skin
kind of rattan, used for making carrying basket
head straps
n|∑ må
N
kind of bee
j\å t|e n|∑ å
dye with lumps of blue vegetable dye
n«∑
NS/NP vast amounts, in the phrases
dÔÉï n«∑
vast herds
n«∑ dÔÉï
vast herds
j|î pæ«y j|î n«∑
vast herds
n∑
V
hazy, muddy
The weather is hazy.
m\y n∑ å.
å dÔ_å n∑ n∑ le k«å å.The water is muddy.
n\∑
V
close, near
tæe dÔe å tæe n\∑ je o. As we travel we get closer.
m\å ©\∑, n\∑ å.
It �s not far, it’s near.
n\∑ lå å.
They are getting close.
n\∑
N
close relatives
marry
n\∑ tæ\u å_
n\∑ tæ\u m\å då
too closely related to marry
n\∑ tæ\u l\á
_ xo ГҐ.
They are marrying close relations.
n\∑ Δ\ö m\o gw\å
courting song
n\∑ Δ\ö su
travelling suitors, itinerant suitors
n\∑ z\å
close relatives
n\∑ z\å xwå z\å/Δ\ï z\å xwå z\å relatives (close/distant)
n\∑ tsæå
NS soup, liquid for eating, also ¯\î tsæå
soup, liquid for eating
j|î n\∑ tsæå
n\∑
V
sticky, stick to, half-closed and tending to adhere
n\∑ lå n\∑ lå
sticky
n\∑ le gu.
It’s all sticky.
l|å p|å tsæ\ï n\∑ d«å å. There is mud sticking to it.
tΔi≥ n\∑ n\∑
eyes half closed, slit-eyes
mj_å s\ï tΔi≥ n\∑ n\∑ k«å å. His eyes are half-closed; he has slit-eyes.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
211
Southern Lisu Dictionary
n\∑
C
for coatings; mate-word for t«ö layers
ts|∑ ¯\î t«ö n\∑ m_e t|å å.
He put on two coats of shellac.
¯«î må ¯\î t«ö så n\∑ dÔo å. He can never make up his mind (�his
Pem
heart has two layers and three coatings).
A
with a snatching movement.
n\∑ n\∑ ju m»å
Snatch it up!
Pem Qk Pem Qk n\∑ lå n\∑ lå Vslow, of eating
n\∑ lå n\∑ lå tæ\å dz\å. Don’t dawdle over your eating.
PeUl
n\∑≥
Num one (T) in
the first, the best
tæ\î n\∑≥
Pfi
n«Ì
NS mouth, snout (external), contrast n|ГҐ h~ o
m\Ì n«Ì
mouth, snout
PZh
nw|ГҐ
N
way up there, also n|o/n|ГҐw
around way up there
nw|ГҐ nwГҐ
PZk
nwГҐ
N
up there
up there (previously mentioned)
|ГҐ nwГҐ
Pem Pem n\∑ n\∑
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
212
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
ВЇ|ГҐ
bГЎ ВЇ|ГҐ le o.
P\h
k|ГҐ ВЇ|ГҐ
k|ГҐ ВЇ|ГҐ
P\h P\j ВЇ|ГҐ ВЇГҐ
P\h
P\i
P\i
P\i
P\i
@
b
A
p
I’ve had enough of telling him.
NS
N
V
C
tæ\î ¯«å m\å tsæÉï
\å ¯«å tsÉï
¯«å
V
¯«å
N
d\o ¯«å z\å
¯«å b\å ly
¯«å bá k|u
¯«å pæu dÔ\ï
¯«å pæu l«á
¯«å k\u p«î må
¯«å k|o t|o
¯«å kæ∑
¯«å kæw\å m_å
¯«å dÔ\á l\u
¯«å dz\ö
¯«å
¯«å tΔ\á l\á
¯«å ts\ï z\å
¯«å m\e n|e
¯«å m\∑ pæ\u dz\ï
¯«å n\e pæ\å
¯«å l\å må
¯«å sÉï l∑
¯«å z\å
¯«å z\å h~ á
В« z\ГҐ
¯«å fu
¯«å w|o t|o
s«∑ pæj\å ¯«å
w\å ¯«å
¯«å
VS
k«å ¯«å
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
have had a fill of
G
k
after, behind, also n|ГЎ
after, behind, also k|ГҐ n|ГЎ
father’s sister, mother’s brother’s wife,
also |ГҐ ВЇГҐ/\ГҐ ВЇi/ВЇ|Г® ВЇГҐ
massage, pinch, grab in hand or front paw
for circumference that the hand can close around
circumference more than hand can close around
cat
wait, also h~ å| ¯«å
bird
peacock
pelican (’bird cheek crop’)
common mynah (�bird speak skilful’)
hornbill
coppersmith barbet
a type of bulbul, also k\u p«î må/p|î k\o l«e
bird crest/red-whiskered bulbul, also p|Г® k\o l\e
bird’s nest
Siamese fireback pheasant
magpie robin
silver pheasant, also used metaphorically for a very
clever person
sparrow (�spotted bird’)
type of ground-feeding brown bird
common mynah
hornbill
small bright green fruit-eating bird
shrike (�tiger bird’)
small dark yellow singing bird
birds
birds and rodents
bird egg
bulbul, also p|Г® k\o lВ«e
tailor bird
migratory small bird of snow mountains
play
play
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
213
Southern Lisu Dictionary
PN topic or contrastive marker, also n\ГҐ
PNF consequence marker (�if’, �when’)
j|î ¯å åså l|á d\∑ å. As for him, he hit Asa.
åså l|á ¯å j|î d\∑ å. As for Asa, he hit him.
ГҐsГҐ ВЇГҐ m\ГҐ dГ”e.
Asa didn’t go (but someone else did).
nu dÔe å ¯å mo å ≥o. If/when you go, you will see it.
P\j
ВЇГҐ
NS father’s sister/mother’s brother’s wife,
also \ГҐ ВЇi/ВЇ|Г® ВЇГҐ
|ГҐ ВЇГҐ
father’s sister, mother’s brother’s wife
ВЇ|ГҐ ВЇГҐ
father’s sister, mother’s brother’s wife
P\j @j ВЇГҐ bГҐ
N
glass, also k|ГЎo\
P\j @j ¯å bå lo k|∑
drinking glass
P\m Aei ¯\å p«î
N
slingshot
P\m Q^m ВЇ\ГҐ l\ГЎ
V
pester, be a verbal nuisance
ВЇ\ГҐ l\ГЎ l\ГЎ
soft and sticky; offensive nonsence
¯\å l\á l\á tæ\å tΔæ\ö. Don’t talk offensive nonsense.
P\`h
ВЇ|Г¶
V
short (length or time)
¯|ö ¯|ö le k«å å.
It is very short.
b\ГҐ ВЇ|Г¶
kind of edible grub
P\`i
¯«ö
V
grasp with pinching action between fore and
ВЇГҐ
P\j
middle fingers, with chopsticks, tongs, etc.
må ¯«ö
tongs
w\u pæj\å å| m|e ¯«ö dz\å. Eat some vegetables with your chopsticks.
j|î ¯«ö du
crab claw
V
¯«ö
¯«ö ts\_ï le o.
ВЇ|Г®
ВЇ|Г®
ВЇ|Г® me
ВЇ|Г® n\ГЎ
ВЇ|Г® ВЇi
¯|î m\∑ kæ\∑
ВЇ|Г®
P\`i
P\ah
P\ah
P\ah
stingy, also l\o ¯«ö, ts\ï
He is too stingy.
V
NP
few, also n|Г®, written n|Г®
today, also n|Г®
today
this morning
today
this evening
V
squash, crush flat, press, print, place on top,
hold down, also n|Г®/n|e, written n|Г®
tæ\o ©\∑ ¯|î du
¯|î pj\_å ©∑ o.
¯|î Δ\_á ©∑ o.
j|î tæ\á ΔÉï wå ¯|î t|å.
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
printing press, paperweight
It was squashed flat.
It was crushed to death.
Put it on top, to hold it down.
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
214
Southern Lisu Dictionary
P\ah
P\ah
P\ah
P\ah
P\ai
P\ai
P\ai
@
b
A
p
j\ГҐ ВЇ|Г®
shuttle of loom, also j\ГҐ n|e/n|Г®
Dh ВЇ|Г® t|ГҐ
V
sit down, also ¯«î n|å
Those who are sitting.
¯|î t|å tΔ«å su
P\j ВЇ|Г® ВЇГҐ
N
mother of cross-cousin, also ВЇ|ГҐ ВЇГҐ/|ГҐ ВЇГҐ
Uk Q^l ¯|î ≥å l\á A
scattered, also tΔe ≥\å l\á
¯|î ≥å l\á dÔe å.
They scattered.
ВЇ|Г®
NS rice steamer, also n|Г®, written n|Г®
rice steamer, also m\ГҐ n|Г®/m\ГҐ n|Г®/m\ГҐ ВЇ|Г®
m\ГҐ ВЇ|Г®
¯«î
PF
question with uncertainty, also n«î
And what about Asa?
åså ¯«î
å li k_∑ le ¯«î.
Whatever could have happened?
¯«î
NS year ordinal, also n«î, written n«î
year after year after next
pæ\á ¯«î
tsæÉï ¯«î (tæ\î kæ\\o)
this year
no ¯«î
year after next
s|å ¯«î
some future year
ΔÉï ¯«î (tæ\î kæ\o)
year before last
Δ|ï Δ|ï ¯«î
three years ago
\å ¯«î
long ago (less than ГҐ
\ nö)
\å ¯«î tsæÉï kæ\o
ten years ago
\å ¯«î (tæ\î kæ\o)
last year
¯«î
N
heart, also ¯«î må/n«î//n«î må, written n«î
¯«î b\∑
heartbroken
¯«î pæ«o
dirty, disgusting
¯«î pæu
happy
¯«î t«ö
honest
¯«î tæ\o
keepsake
¯«î tæ\o k«∑ l«∑ l\á xo å exchange keepsakes
¯«î tæ\o\ l\á kæwå l\á xo å
send keepsakes to each other
¯«î tæ\o Δ\á tæ\o
all kinds of keepsakes
¯«î k|o tæ\y_
open-hearted, discuss at personal level, share ideas
¯«î k|o tæ\y_ l\á xo å. They are sharing ideas.
¯«î kÌ
agree
¯«î kæw\å ΔÉï
satisfied
¯«î kæw\å m\å ΔÉï
not satisfied
¯«î dÔå
be very sick, longing
¯«î dÔ_o
hate, be hateful, also ¯«î dzo
¯«î dÔo l\á xo å.
They hate each other.
m\å ¯«î dÔo.
They don’t hate.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
215
Southern Lisu Dictionary
¯«î dÔw\å
¯«î tΔæ\ï
m\å ¯«î tΔæ\ï.
n«î dz_Éï
tæ\å n«y dz_Éï.
¯«î dzÉï ¯«î l\e
¯«î dzw\å
j|î w\å ¯å ¯«î dzw\å
¯«î tsæ\å
¯«î tsæu
¯«î må
¯«î må bjå
like, pity, also ¯«î dzw\å, ¯«î dz\å
be sad
He’s not sad.
pester physically by pushing or prodding
Stop pestering me.
feel bad and uncomfortable, bothered
like, pity, also ¯«î dÔw\å, ¯«î dz\å
They like each other.
mjГҐ ko ГҐ.
fast, also tsæÉï tsæ\å
very angry, annoyed
heart, core, pip, hard nut
have lost interest in life, be reprobate, feel
broken-hearted.
¯«î må t«ö
honest
¯«î må tæ«á
have good memory, smart
¯«î må g\o
dishonest
¯«î må k|å
hurt feelings
¯«î må tæ\å k|å.
Don’t hurt his feelings.
ВЇi mГҐ dz_ГҐ
disheartened
¯«î må dz_Éï
have bad feelings about
nu ¯«î må dz_Éï \å.
Haven’t you got any bad feelings about it?
¯«î må dzw\å
like, pity, also ¯«î må dÔw\å, ¯«î må dz\å
¯«î må tsæ\ï
sad
¯«î må tsæu
very angry, annoyed
¯«î må mj\å
undecided, doubt, be confused
¯«î må nå l\á xo å feel sympathy for each other
¯«î må ná
selfish, cruel and hard
¯«î må n\u
pliable, easily persuaded
¯«î må ¯|ö
impatient
¯«î må lö
feel encouraged, keen, enthusiastic
¯«î må l\_ö
encourage in a course of action, inspire to do
something, persuade to do
¯«î må l|∑
change one’s mind, convert
¯«î må z_o
discourage
¯«î må zu
decide
¯«î må ≥|o
think constantly of
¯«î må ≥_o d«å
attached to, have in mind
¯«î må ~h∑
bad tempered, angry
¯«î må ~h∑ tsæ\å
quick to anger
¯«î må x«o
pleased
¯«î må fu
stubborn
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
216
Southern Lisu Dictionary
¯«î Δ\ï
sulk
¯«î må w\å ¯i
strong-willed
¯«î må w|u dy k∑ å pay attention to in order to remember/do
¯«î må w\u å
¯«î må Δ_Éï å
¯«î må ju å
¯«î my
¯«î nå
¯«î nö
¯«î n\u
ji ¯å ¯«î n\u å.
¯«î l\o mjå m\å l\o
¯«î s|å
¯«î så
¯«î ΔÉï å
dÔe ¯«î ΔÉï å
¯«î Δ\_ï å
¯«î ~h|å
¯«î ~h∑
¯«î x«o
¯«î w\u
¯«î ©∑ å
w|u b\e ¯«î
P\ai
¯«î
NS
g\o ¯«î
dz\å ¯«î
nö ¯«î
s|Ì ¯«î
s|Ì ¯«î dz\å ¯«î
~h∑ ¯«î
P\ai Kdm ¯«î tΔæ\ï
V
¯«î tΔæ\ï ¯«î k\u
j|î ¯«î tΔæ\ï
P\aj
ВЇi
NP
ВЇi mГҐ
ВЇi z\ГҐ
ВЇi z\ГҐ ВЇi mГҐ
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
wholeheartedly (�put the head of the heart in’)
fearless (bad connotation)
patient
decide
itchy
covet
love (sexual or family), also ¯«î ny
willing, easily persuaded
She is willing.
He has plenty, but he wants more.
unhappy
happy
want to
want to go
sulk
greedy
angry
agree
fearless, brave, trustworthy
be repulsed by, be nauseated by
baby’s fontanelle, see w|u b\∑ kæw|å/w|u mjå
abstract nominaliser (from �heart’), written n«î
evil intentions
wisdom
love, also ny ¯«î
knowledge
knowledge
evil
green
unhealthy-looking (skin)
a green one
younger sibling, younger sibling’s spouse
younger sister, younger brother’s wife
younger brother, younger sister’s husband
younger siblings
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
217
Southern Lisu Dictionary
NS
C
ВЇi
P\aj
for fingers and toes
for fingers, also a fingerspan from thumb
tip to tip of index finger
toes
tsæÉï ¯i
l\ГЎ ВЇi
finger, or first/pointer finger
l\á ¯i tæ\î ¯i
one finger, or one fingerspan
l\á ¯i k«Ì
ring; third finger/ring finger
l\á ¯i k|∑ t|∑
little finger, pinky
P\aj
ВЇi
NS shoes, also ni/ne
tsæÉï ¯i
shoes
P\aj
ВЇi
N
ice, frost, also ni/ne
ВЇi j\ГҐ ГҐ
frost comes down
P\aj
ВЇi
V
look at, try to
pæj\ö ¯i du mirror (�face look-at thing for’)
t«ö ¯i
try to look
dГ”e ВЇi
try going, go and see
dz\ГҐ ВЇi
taste and see
ВЇi m\ГҐ mo.
I can’ t see
ВЇi m\ГҐ n_ГҐ o.
You wouldn’t even see one more.
nГҐ ВЇi
ask
xГҐ ВЇi m\ГҐ n_ГҐ o.
You wouldn’t find a better one.
we z\ГҐ l|ГЎ ВЇi ГҐ.
He is looking after the guest.
P\aj
ВЇi
PNF because, as a consequence
~h|Г® ВЇi
after and because, also s|ГЇ ВЇi
w|u ВЇi
reason, cause
P\aj
ВЇi
VS
red, usually Δ\ï (�blood’)
P\aj Odj ВЇi my
V
respect, also mo my
ВЇi m\ГҐ my
look down on, not respect
O\l P\aj mj\ГҐ ВЇi
A
more, a lot
P\aj
ВЇi
NS second daughter, usually lВ«e mГҐ/m|Г®
|ГҐ ВЇi
second daughter
P\ak/P\aj ВЇi/ВЇi
N/C day
pæ\á ¯i (tæ\î ¯i)
day after day after tomorrow
tæ\î ¯i le tæ\î ¯i
every day
tæ\î ¯i le le
every day
¯|î ¯i (tæ\î ¯i)
today
ВЇ\Г® ВЇi
two days
¯|î me (tæ\î ¯i)
today
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
218
Southern Lisu Dictionary
P\ak
P\ak
P\ak
P\ak
P\al
wå ¯i (tæ\î ¯i)
day after tomorrow
Δ|ï ¯i (tæ\î ¯i)
day before day before yesterday
ΔÉï ¯i (tæ\î ¯i)
day before yesterday
\å ¯i (tæ\î ¯i)
yesterday
О”\ГЇ ВЇi so
Seventh Day Adventist
ВЇi
AP adverbial marker
¯i ≥\å l\å_ w tΔæ\ö_ l\á
_ xo ГҐ. They were gabbling away to each other.
Fc: ВЇi g\u
N
ribs, also ni/ne/nö g\u
P\]bm P\ak P\]bm
ВЇi ВЇ_\ГҐw ВЇi ВЇ_\ГҐw
V
scold each other
They were scolding each other.
ВЇi ВЇ\ГҐ_ w ВЇi ВЇ\ГҐ_ w tО”Г¦\Г¶ l\ГЎ xo ГҐ.
ВЇi
NS father’s sister/mother’s brother’s wife,
usually ВЇ|ГҐ ВЇГҐ/|ГҐ ВЇГҐ, also ВЇ|Г® ВЇГҐ
\ГҐ ВЇi
father’s sister/mother’s brother’s wife,
ВЇ\Г®
Num two
two things
ВЇ\Г® mГҐ
ВЇ\Г® w\ГҐ
two people
¯\î pæ«o tΔæ\ö å.
He says one thing to one person, and another to
someone else.
¯\î pæ«o w\å l\å
a two-faced bat (i.e. someone who is two-faced)
P\al
P\al
P\al
P\am
P\am
P\al
P\al
@
b
A
p
ВЇ\Г®
N
ВЇ\Г® k|o
¯\î h~ ö ≥\å h~ ö
|ГҐ ВЇ\Г® ~h\e mГҐ
|å ¯\î s«∑ k|å
|å ¯\î må lö
|ГҐ ВЇ\Г® l\Г¶ mГҐ
Gcj Mah ВЇ\Г® k_u ts|ГЇ N
j|Г® ВЇ\Г® k_u ts|ГЇ wГҐ
Nk ¯\î tsæå
NS
j|î ¯\î tsæå
ВЇ\Г®
V
w|u ВЇ\Г®
Nam ¯\î tsæ\ï
N
j|î ¯\î tsæ\ï zo å.
Mak ¯\î tsÉï
N
Mei Tl ¯\î ts«∑ z\å N
å| w\á ¯\î ts«∑ z\å
å| j|å ¯\î ts«∑ z\å
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
cow, also |ГҐ ВЇ\Г®
wild cow
raising cows and buffaloes
cow stomach, jackfruit
stick to herd cows
heifer, young female cow not yet fertile
barren cow
between
in between them
soup, liquid for eating, also n\∑ tsæå
soup, liquid for eating
nod head in agreement
nod head in agreement
age, also n\î tsæ\ï
He is still a child.
button (C),also n\î tsÉï or ¯\u tsÉï
dwarf, also n\e ts«∑ z\å
a runt of a pig
a runt of a chicken
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
219
Southern Lisu Dictionary
ВЇ\Г®
P\am
ВЇВ«u
mГҐ ВЇВ«u
P\cl Mak ¯\u tsÉï
P\chl
ВЇВ»u
må ¯»u dzÉï
X
h
clench fingers into fist, one of three alternatives
NS
gourd flute (C), usually f\u lВ«u
gourd flute, usually f\u lВ«u
button (C), usually ¯\î tsÉï or n\î tsÉï
kapok tree (T)
in �rock-scissors-paper’ game;
beats b∑ �shoot’, loses to pæj\å�slice’
¯\î å må b∑ å må l|á hw|å Clenching beats shooting,
pæj\å å må ¯\î å må l|á hw|å slicing beats clenching.
P\ci
W
x
V
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
N
NS
kapok tree
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
220
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Qh
Qh
Qh Ah
Qh B\h
Qh Ei
l|ГҐ
V
spread
The news has spread.
j|Г® d\o l|ГҐ je o.
|ГҐ t|o l|ГҐ je o.
The fire has spread.
l|ГҐ
N
male genitals
with legs wide apart
l|ГҐ b\ГҐ x\ГҐ x\ГҐ le
l|ГҐ bjГҐ
scrotum
l|ГҐ dГҐ
erect penis (vulgar)
l|ГҐ gГҐ
bandy legged
l|ГҐ gГҐ l|ГҐ gГҐ l\e dГ”e ГҐ. He walks bandy-legged.
l|ГҐ g\ГҐ
promiscuous people (vulgar)
l|å s\∑
testicles, also l|ГҐ fu
l|ГҐ fu
testicles, also l|å s\∑
l|ГҐ p|ГҐ
N
mud
mud
l|å p|å tsæ\ï
l|å p|å ≥w|å
serpent head fish (�mud fish’)
l|å p|å xö å.
It’s muddy.
l|å pæj|å
N
spear
l||å tæ«å
A
blindly, without a clue
l|å tæ«å ¯å xwå je o. He went off to look for it, not having the slightest
idea where it might be.
N
Qh GZl GZh l|ГҐ kw\ГҐ kw|ГҐ
N
N
V
Qh Kch l|ГҐ tО”Г¦|u
Qh Naj Ah l|å tsæÉï p|å
Qh Rah
l|ГҐ s|ГЇ
Qh Wbi
Qh Q_j
Qi
Qi B\m
Qi Mam
Qi Tci
@
b
A
p
l|ГҐ s|ГЇ k\ГҐw su
l|ГҐ xВ«o
N
l|ГҐ le
V
\å kæ|∑ l|å le o.
l«å
V
k|o l«å tæ\î n\å
B\m l«å pæj\å pæj\å A
l«å ts_\ï
N
l«å ts\_ï d\å må
|å j|å l«å ts\_ï
|å pæ\Ì l«å ts\_ï
l«å z«u
N
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
loafers, good-for-nothings, those who
don’t work and neglect their parents
sword
stones, also ©|å tsæÉï p|å/©|å p|å
mischief, also lw|ГҐ s|ГЇ
mischief-maker
giant seed pods used in games, also lГҐ xВ«o
stunned, speechless
He is very stunned.
contraction of lГҐ ГҐ
next week
crushed flat
red peppers, chillies (C)
giant peppers
small peppers (�chicken peppers’)
very small spicy peppers (�rat peppers’)
salted meat
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
221
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Qi \ah
Qj Wbi
Qj
Qj Daj
Qj Em
Qj
l«å j|î
N
next month (C)
lГҐ hВ«o
N
type of vine, seeds used for throwing game
lå h«o s\∑
5 cm long seed, lined up for throwing game
lå h«o d\∑ å
throw seeds at lined up seeds
lГҐ
NS where?, contraction of li kwГҐ
ГҐ lГҐ
N
where?, also ГҐ li kwГҐ or ГҐ kwГҐ
lГҐ ti
V
powerful, able, dextrous
lГҐ ti ГҐ.
He is powerful.
m\ГҐ lГҐ ti .
He is not powerful.
lå tæ\å
N
valve
lГҐ
NP tongue, see lå tΔæö
lГҐ k|o lГҐ t\ГЎ
mispronounce, speak strangely
j|î ¯å lå k|o lå t\á. He doesn’t speak like a native speaker.
lå tæ\å
uvula, also lå tæ\å
lå tsÉï
reeds in musical pipes
f\u l«u lå tsÉï b\_å å. He is shaping reeds for a set of pipes.
lå tΔæö
tongue
lГҐ mi
poke out and in (of tongue)
j|î lå tΔæö lå mi lå mi å.
His tongue pokes out and in.
lå li/le/lö
flames
|å t|o lå li/le/lö
flames of fire
lГҐ li
sticking out, with the tip moving up and down
lå tΔæö lå le lå le k«å å.
His tongue is sticking out, with the tip
moving up and down.
Qk
Qk Daj
Ql
W
x
X
h
Y
f
lГҐ
ts_Éï fu lå å.
lГҐ m|o
lå m|o ©\∑ lå
lå n«å må
s|ГҐ n\ГЎ
_ lГҐ ГҐ.
|å m|e t«á lå.
|ГҐ m|e lГҐ.
lГҐ ti
l\ГҐ
pj_Г¶ l\ГҐ
tΔæÉï l\å
¯«å l\å må
l\å pæ\å
l\å pæ\å m\o
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
V
come, towards, this way
He sent him here.
revealed
It was revealed.
the future, what is coming
He is coming tomorrow.
Carry it here quickly.
Come here quickly.
ГҐ.
^
ГЎ
V
NP/S
strong
tiger
clouded leopard
temminck’s cat
shrike (�bird tiger’)
male tiger
old male tiger
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
222
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Ql @l
Ql @\k
Ql Bah
Ql Bal
l\ГҐ d\ГҐ mГҐ
l\ГҐ dГ”\ГЎ l\ГЎ
l\ГҐ mГҐ
l\ГҐ mГҐ m\o
l\å må m\o j|î pæ\å
l\å må j|î pæ\å m\o
l\å må j|î m\o pæ\å
l\ГҐ mГҐ j|Г® l|ГЎ
l\å m|∑ d\u
l\ГҐ nГЎ
l\ГҐ l\ГҐ z\ГҐ
l\å Δ«å
l\å Δ_Éï
l\ГҐ
NS
d\u l\ГҐ
dzö l\å
n|å pæ\å må l\å
xw\ГҐ l\ГҐ
x∑ fu l\å
fu k∑ fu l\å
Δ∑ fu l\å
j|Г® l\ГҐ
ГҐ| d\ГҐ l\ГҐ dz_ГЇГ‰ je ГҐ.
l\ГҐ
PF
l\ГҐ
VP
l\ГҐ lГҐ
l\ГҐ
NP
l\ГҐ by
l\ГҐ
N
s|ГЇ dГ”o l\ГҐ dГ”o su
l\å b\∑
N
x\∑ pæ\å l\å b\∑
l\ГҐ b\ГҐ
N
l\ГҐ bjГҐ
N
l\å pæ|î
N
l\å pæ\î
N
Ql Di
l\å t«å
Ql
Ql
Ql
Ql
Ql
Ql @el
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
N
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
tiger
leopard, also l\å l\å z\å or l\å m|∑ d\u
tiger, female tiger
old tiger
old male tiger
old male tiger
old male tiger
young tiger
leopard, also l\ГҐ dГ”\ГЎ l\ГЎ or l\ГҐ l\ГҐ z\ГҐ
black panther
leopard, also l\å dÔ\á l\á or l\å m|∑ d\u
lion, also s∑ ts\ï
golden cat
conqueror, overcomer, predator, wild
medium size reddish bird, multicoloured head
goshawk (strongest of all hawks and eagles)
a type of slug, said to eat snails
cancer
centipede (�louse snake tiger’)
centipede, also x∑ fu l\å
centipede, said to eat snakes
wild animal
He is sliding along on his bottom.
question, also ГҐВ» /\ГҐ/\ГҐ/l\ГЎ/lГҐ\ГҐ/lГҐ\ГҐ
back to home, also j\Г® or l\e
come back home, also j\Г® lГҐ or l\e lГҐ
cow (song language)
cow’s hump
pair word for s|ГЇ lawsuit
those with lawsuits
strangers
Chinese strangers
felt mattress
large shoulder bag, also l\ГЎ/l\ГЎ/l\ГҐ bjГҐ
opium (C), usually j\å pæ|î
small tree which bears cricket-ball size yellow
fruit, having soft thorn-like projections
pocket
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
223
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
N
Ql Dah Rbj l\ГҐ t|Г® so
Ql Eh
l\å tæ|å
Ql E_k
Ql Gj
Ql Hel
l\å tæe
V
l\ГҐ kГҐ
N
l\ГҐ kГҐ tО”Г¶ ГҐ.
l\å kæ\∑
N
l\å kæ\∑ tæ\î p\å
l\å kæ\∑ w\o
He bulds a rail fence.
ploughshare; tip of plough
one ploughshare
an edible plant with variegated leaves shaped like a
plough shear
V
l\ГҐ g\ГҐ
Ql Fl
peanut (C)
large loosely woven basket or fence for
confining animals, also l\å tæ|å
clever, see tæe
rail fence
with umbrella-like roots radiating out from a
central stalk
tree with roots radiating out which show above
the ground
s«∑ tΔe l\å g\å
Ql Nbk
Ql O_i
Ql RZh
Ql Wei
Ql [_j
Ql [aj
Ql [\h
Qm
Qm
Qm @\k
W
x
X
h
Y
f
l\å tsæo
N
person, people
one person
l\å tsæo tæ\î w\å
l\å tsæo s\å dÔu pæ«y kæ\u å
in public (�in the middle of three piled
w\å dz\ï l\å tsæo
l\ГҐ mВ«e
N
l\ГҐ sw|ГҐ
N
l\å x«∑
l\å x«∑ m_å m\∑ tsæÉï
l\å x«∑ ¯«å m_å
l\ГҐ О”e
N
l\ГҐ О”i
N
l\ГҐ О”i mi
l\ГҐ О”|ГҐ
N
l\ГҐ
NS
j|î x«∑ l\å
j|Г® f\ГҐ l\ГҐ
l\ГҐ
CS
p|ГҐ l\ГҐ
≥wå n\u li p|å l\å
m|ГҐ l\ГҐ
nu w\ГҐ sГҐ p|ГҐ l\ГҐ
l\ГҐ bjГҐ
N
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
up crowds of people’)
hill people
lengthwise roof battens which support thatch
type of onion (C) round hollow leaves
Lahu
type of wild yam (�Lahu woman yam’)
t|∑
`
Г¶
speckled robin-like bird (�Lahu female bird’)
cogon grass, used for thatch, also l\ГҐ О”i
cogon grass, used for thatch, also l\ГҐ О”e
grass fields, grassland
shoulder bag, also l\ГЎ/l\ГЎ/l\ГҐ О”|ГҐ
blue (C)
dark blue (C)
light blue (C)
group of parent and children
group of father and children
the four of us, a father and three children
group of mother and children
the three of you, a mother and two children
large shoulder bag, usually l\ГҐ bjГҐ,
also l\ГЎ/l\ГЎ bjГҐ
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
224
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
N
Qm [\h l\ГҐ О”|ГҐ
Q]Oj \]aj lГҐm jГҐj
Q]ai
l«åj
Q]al
l\ГҐj
Q]bh
l|ГҐw
C
N
l|ГҐw my
Q]bh
l|ГҐw
V
Q]bh
l|ГҐw/l|Гё
V
Q]bh Reh GZl l|ГҐw s|ГЇ kw\ГҐ
Q]bl MZj l\ГҐw tswГҐ
V
l\ГҐw tswГҐ p\o xw|ГҐ
Q]bm
l_\ГҐw
V
dzå pæu tæ\å l\å_ w
må tæå s∑ l\å_ w å.
≥w|å l\_åw dz\å å.
å dÔ_å tæ\å l\_åw.
Q^h
l|ГЎ
V
kæ\∑ så l|á
dzГҐ l|ГЎ
tsæo l|á
tsæ\ï m_å l|á
m\∑ l|á
l|ГЎ g\ГҐ
z\ГҐ gu l|ГЎ
z\ГҐ l|ГЎ
z\å m\∑ l|á
j|Г® l|ГЎ l|ГЎ
Q^h
l|ГЎ
PN
j|î l|á d\∑ ©\∑.
j|î l|á g\∑ ©\∑.
Q^h Zl l|ГЎ w\ГҐ
N
Q^i
l«á
NP
l«á tsæÉï
l«á tsæÉï p|å
l«á tsæÉï må
l«á z\å
l«á p|å
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
shoulder bag, usually l\ГҐ О”|ГҐ, also l\ГЎ/l\ГЎ О”|ГҐ
longan (T)
come - then, contraction of lГҐ h~ Г®|
rai (T), unit of land area, 1600 m2
Lao (T)
Laos
rake, usually l|o
troubled, unsettled, at war (C), also lw|ГҐ
V
waste, spend foolishly (C)
ancient, archaic (C)
archaic speech
dabble in, push the hands into, also lw\ГҐ
Don’t push your hands into the milled rice.
I groped for my flashlight.
catch fish in the hands
Don’t dabble in the water.
young, unmarried
baby corn
young rice plant
young unmarried person
bride
young unmarriedwoman
promiscuous unmarried person
young unmarried man
young unmarried man
young unmarried woman
young one
object marker, written t|ГЎ
Hit him.
Give it to him.
lamp, also l|ГЎ w\ГҐ/mjГҐ lu, see lj|ГҐ w\ГҐ
great grandchild
great great grandchild
great great grandson
great great granddaughter
great grandchild
great grandson
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
225
Southern Lisu Dictionary
l«á må
great granddaughter
\å l«á
great great great grandparent
Q^i
l«á
V
rinse out
Rinse out the mouth.
n|å h~ u l«á å.
å dÔå på tæ\u l«á å. Rinse out the water tubes.
å dÔå k|åj k|åj l«á fu ©∑.
Rinse the lid of the cup.
Q^i Cal Ca; l«á d\î d\î
V
bald
Q^i Lak l«á dzÉï
N
a type of soft-wood tree which has a very
thorny trunk, grows to good size; used for fence
posts, and as a symbol for good growth, as it
grows very easily from cuttings; used in rest
house building rituals and for New Year tree
ceremonial posts planted at New Year as symbol of
growth (not always this tree)
kæ\o Δ\ï l«á dzÉï
N
Q^i HZl l«á kæw\å
brown melon-like wild fruit, eaten by wild
pigs; leaves used as medicine
stem of this fruit
fruit of this melon
l«á kæw\å tså
l«á kæw\å s\∑
Q^i Q^i l«á l«á
V
l«á l«á le k«å å.
Q^k
lГЎ
PF
lá ≥å\e
Q^l
l\ГЎ
PF
Q^l @\k l\ГЎ bjГҐ
N
uninhabited, bare with round shape
It’s uninhabited; it’s a lonely place.
hortative marker (let us), also lГҐ
emphatic hortative
question, usually å\ /\å/»å/l\å
large shoulder bag, usually lГҐ bjГҐ,
also l\ГЎ/l\ГҐ bjГҐ
tick (insect), also l\ГҐ pjГҐ s|o/la kГҐ s|u
Laemae (large Lisu clan), also a distinct group in
Q^l A\j Rbh l\ГЎ pjГҐ s|o N
Q^l O^l l\ГЎ m\ГЎ
N
China related to Bai
I
N
AS
Q^l P\bh bh l\ГЎ ВЇ|oo|
Q^l [\h l\ГЎ О”|ГҐ
Q^l Q^l l\ГЎ l\ГЎ
Lisu pig call, also l\ГЎ n|oo| /l\ГЎ n|oo|
shoulder bag, usually l\ГҐ О”|ГҐ, also l\ГЎ/l\ГҐ О”|ГҐ
very wide open
in a curved line, crooked
pæjå l\á l\á
©«å l\á l\á
A
very wide
|å kæ\∑ ©«å l\á l\á pæu t|å.
The door is open very wide.
В©\ГҐ l\ГЎ l\ГЎ
very wide
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
226
Southern Lisu Dictionary
l\ГЎ
N
du l\ГЎ
tО”\ГЎ l\ГЎ
l\ГЎ b\ГҐ
l\ГЎ bo
tæ\î l\á bo
l\ГЎ b_\y
j|î l\á b\y_ nö lå å.
l\á bjö
l\ГЎ pj_ГҐ
l\á pj_å Δ_ö ©\∑ å.
Q^m
arm, hand, craftsmanship (hand work)
wing, fish fin
spinning wheel
half an armspan (from finger-tip to mid-chest)
full armspan
one armspan (from finger tip), see bo
new shoot growing off a joint of plant
A new shoot is coming out.
a straight uncurled tendril of a plant
the palms together in gesture of respect
He showed his respect by placing his palms
together.
l\ГЎ pВ«y
fist
l\ГЎ pВ«y nu
a punch
l\á pæ«á
arm, hand, foreleg
l\á pæ«á t|ö
arm is paralyzed/crippled
l\á pæ«á tsæ|å
get married (�hand join’)
l\á pæ«á s\å
spendthrift
j|î l\á pæ«á m\å s\å. He spends wisely.
l\á pæ∑
shoulder
l\á bjö
tendril of a vine
l\ГЎ t|y
type of snare - clubs or crushes victim
å| pæ\∑ l\á t|y
rat trap (pole-in-trough, rock slab or club-type)
l\á tΔæö m\∑
large pestle used for pounding grain by hand
(not used by Lisu in Thailand)
l\á tæ\ö å.
not busy
l\á m\å tæ\ö.
busy, occupied
l\á tæy
span from thumb to forefinger
l\á tæy
exorcise, song pair of n\e w\y
l\ГЎ k|ГҐ
arm, branch
s«∑ l\á k|å
branch
j|î l\á k|å ©«∑ m\å kæ\o. He hasn’t got room to swing his arms.
l\á k∑
curled tendril of a plant
å| pæ\y l\á k∑
pumpkin tendril
l\á k∑ l∑
curled tendrils
l\á kwå pæjå
two palm-widths
l\ГЎ kwГҐ
palm/width of the palm
l\ГЎ kwГҐ bj\ГҐ ГҐ.
He is clapping
l\ГЎ kw\ГҐ ts|ГЇ
wrist
l\á kæwå
send, entrust, via third party
l\á kæwå fu ©∑ å. send something
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
227
Southern Lisu Dictionary
l\á dÔö
l\ГЎ tО”|o
l\á tΔæ«å
l\á tΔæö m\∑
l\á tΔæ«ï
l\ГЎ ts|o
dzå tæ\î l\á ts|o
l\ГЎ ts|o tВ«y ГҐ.
l\ГЎ ts|ГЇ
l\ГЎ dz_ГЇГ‰
l\á m\å dz_Éï.
j|Г® ВЇГҐ l\ГЎ dz_ГЇГ‰ ГҐ.
l\á dzö å
l\ГЎ dz_u
l\ГЎ dz_u d\Г¶ ГҐ.
l\ГЎ dz\u
l\ГЎ ts|ГЇ
l\á tsæå
l\á tsæ\å sÉï pæ\å
contents of two cupped hands; hand over
contents of cupped hand, usually l\ГЎ ts|o
cubit
small hand pestle, also l\á tsæÉï m\∑
handle of basket
contents of cupped hand
one cupped handful of rice
enclose in the cupped hand
wrist/elbow
be a true craftsman, have skill in making
The craftmanship is poor
He is skilled in making.
hand over, entrust to
bracelet
She is wearing bracelets
main arm tendon
wrist or elbow, see l\ГЎ kw\ГҐ ts|ГЇ
a slap of the hand
local mountain spirit of Doi Chang (�hand fast
lord’), the first Lisu settlement area in Thailand
l\á tsæÉï
hand over; pass responsibility on to another
xw\å tæu pæ\å l|á l\á tsæÉï ©\∑ å. I handed the matter (him) over to the
headman.
l\ГЎ mГҐ
thumb
l\á må Δi tæ\î må
a thumb width
l\ГЎ m\e
beckon, wave
l\á m\e m\å p|∑
I don’t dare to beckon.
l\ГЎ mj\Г¶
handwork, crafts
l\ГЎ ВЇi
finger; thumb to forefinger span
l\á ¯i k«Ì
ring finger
l\á ¯i k|∑ t|∑
little finger, pinky
l\ГЎ l\Г®
too slow, not generous enough (�hand heavy’)
l\ГЎ lo
too generous (�hand light’)
l\ГЎ so
gift
tæ\o ©\∑ l\á so
letter (�paper gift’)
l\á h«å
sixth finger
l\ГЎ xГҐ
not listen to elders’ teaching
l\ГЎ w\y
handle
l\ГЎ w\y
forearm
l\ГЎ О”ГҐ
careless, haphazard, slip-shod
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
228
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Δ«å m\å k|u, l\á Δå å. He isn’t good at making it/He is slip-shod in his
Q^m
Q^m
Q^m
Q^m
Q^m
l\ГЎ О”e
l\ГЎ О”\ГЇ
l\ГЎ jГҐ
l\á ö«
l\á ©|∑
©∑ l\á
l\ГЎ
|ГҐ m|e l\ГЎ lГҐ.
ГҐ| m|e l\ГЎ fu.
l\ГЎ
tæ\î l\á
l\ГЎ
tæ\î må tæ\î l\á
h~ i l\ГЎ
l\ГЎ
@\k l\ГЎ bjГҐ
work.
shoulder, also l\á ΔÉï
finger nail
right hand, also l\á ©å
scoop with hand, a scoop of the hand
left hand
business
V
Pass it to me quickly.
Pass it up to him quickly.
C
Q^m O^h
Q^m O_i
Q^m O_k
C
corner
tΔ«å å. They are each in a separate corner.
The corners of a house.
V
N
N
l\ГЎ g\o ts|ГЇ tО”Г¦u
l\á g\o ΔÉï kw|å d\y je
l\á g\o ΔÉï tΔo å.
l_ГЎ xo
PV
bГЎ l\ГЎ xo ГҐ.
d\∑ l\á xo.
l\ГЎ m|ГЎ
N
l\ГЎ mВ«e
N
Dbj l\ГЎ me to N
Q^m O_i Ubl l\á m«e ≥\o N
V
≥wå l\á m\å x«o.
Q^; Wbk l_\ГЎ xo
PV
d\∑ l\á xo.
bГЎ l\ГЎ xo.
Q^m Wbi l_\ГЎ xВ«o
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
height of a man with arms fully stretched
one full man’s reach, as high as a man can reach
Q^m Fbm l\ГЎ g\o
Q^m Wbk
hand to, pass to
cool (C), also lj\ГҐ
large shoulder bag, usually lГҐ bjГҐ,
also l\ГЎ/l\ГҐ bjГҐ
frontwards, front
a forward blow with the elbow
ГҐ. He went head-over-heels frontwards.
She turned around to the front.
reciprocal marker, also l\á xo/kæo/kæo
They are arguing with each other.
They are hitting each other.
often
gable ends of roof
a shrub, furry leaves, small bell-shaped fruit,
white flower
style of language with main words reversed
for disguise, also l\ö m«e ≥\o
suit, also l\á kæ\o
It doesn’t suit me (I find it hard to use).
reciprocal marker also l\á kæo
They are hitting each other.
They are arguing with each other.
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
229
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
shoulder bag, usually l\ГҐ О”|ГҐ, also l\ГЎ/l\ГҐ О”|ГҐ
PF
final indicates real certainty
dz\ГҐ je ГҐ x\o l|ГЎГЎ
\ . Lo and behold, it did eat it up!
m\ГҐ dГ”o l|ГЎ\ГЎ.
I haven’t got any, for certain.
le|
V
practice
tΔæ«å b∑ l|e wå å. You must practice shooting a crossbow.
m\å l|e ¯å je m\å k|u. If you don’t practice you’ll never learn.
l|e
V
strain through, filter
strain through
l|e zu ГҐ.
j\å pæ|î l|e zu ©∑ gu. The opium sap has filtered (i.e. been absorbed by
Q^m [\h l\ГЎ О”|ГҐ
Q^hl
l|ГЎГЎ
\
Q_h
Q_h
the poppy)
l|e
PN
also, even, too, also x∑
≥wå l|e m\å dÔo.
I also don’t have any.
l|e
NS small bell, also l|Г®
small bell, also k|∑ l|î
tО”|e l|e
bush cricket (with bell-like call)
b\∑ tΔ|e l|e
lВ«e
V
get free, result, build up, well up, also l«î
VV
happen by accident, unexpectedly
pæ\e l«e pæ\e m\å do lå.Although he needed to vomit, nothing came out.
tО”Г¦\Г® tО”Г¦\Г® m\ГҐ lВ«e.
I am constipated.
tsæ\ï tsæ\ï l«e å.
He needs to go to toilet.
¯«î må ~h∑ m\å l«e. I have no anger.
z\ï tæu m\å l«e.
I do not urinate.
w\ГҐ О”Г¶ m\ГҐ lВ«e.
It isn’t funny.
|å m\o l«e ©∑ o.
The horse got free.
å| j|å zu l«e ©∑ o.
I grabbed the chicken but it got free.
Q_h
Q_h
Q_i
C
lВ«e
tæ\î l«e
tæ\î l«e\e
tæ\î l«e\å
Q_i
lВ«e
\ГҐlВ«e
\ål«e pæ\å
\ГҐlВ«e mГҐ
Q_i HZl l«e kæw\å
Q_i
X
h
the same
the same
the same
NS
second in birth order, also d|∑/¯i
second born
second son, also ГҐ
| d|∑
second daughter, also |ГҐ m\i lВ«e/\ГҐlВ«e m|Г®/|ГҐВЇi
N
wild wormwood, usually l«o kæw\å
le
NS
j|Г® le m\ГҐ bi.
Q_j
W
x
the same, in
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
writing, engraving
The engraving is not pretty.
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
230
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Q_j
Q_j
Q_j
Q_j
Q_j @_k
Q_j
nl Q_j
Q_j Q_j
Q_k
Q_k @_k
Q_l
Q_l
Q_l @bj
@
b
A
p
le
PNF
tæå pe lå tæ\á le,
p\o xwГҐ tО”Г¦\Г¶ ГҐ.
≥wå pe å tæ\á le,
tО”Г¦\Г¶ o.
le
PN
|å tæ\å le Δ«å å
le
PN
≥wå le Δ«å å
le
VV
p|∑ Δ\ï le å.
m\å pæu le.
m\ГҐ j\ГҐ le.
z_o le o.
xГҐ le o.
w\u le o.
j\ГҐ le o.
le be
N
le
NS
ГҐ le
å le tæ\î w\å lå?
\ГҐ le
PV
j|Г® lГҐ \ГҐ le
le le
N
le
NS
tæe le
tæe le k«å å.
le be
N
l\e
PN
ГҐ| w\ГЎ l\e dГ”o ГҐ.
l\e
PV
pæu pæu l\e k«å å.
pæu tΔæ«å tΔæ«å l\e
s\ГЇ s\ГЇ xwГҐ xwГҐ l\e
l\e bo
N
l\e bo d\o ГҐ.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
by the time
By the time that he arrived here,
they had spoken.
By the time I got there,
he had already said it.
instrumental marker, usually t|o
I made it with a knife.
animate subject marker, usually transitive
I made it.
become, change of state
He is in jeopardy (as a result of broken taboo).
It isn’t becoming white.
It doesn’t hit the mark.
It’s got too small.
It has improved./He is well again.
It’s grown too big.
Hit it, correct.
neck, adam’s apple, also le/li be, see also li
which?, also li
which?, also ГҐ li
Which person came?
as, like, the same as, also le be
the same way that he came
mule, usually li li, also tæ\o lå m\o/l«o tsÉï
way, also lö
this way
It happened like this.
neck, adam’s apple, also li/le be, see also li
only
I have only pigs.
entirely, adverb marker after reduplicated verbs
entirely white
snow white
happily
divining objects
divine with shells or sticks
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
231
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Q_l GZh l\e kw|ГҐ
N
Q_l E_i l\e tæ«e
N
Q_l
Q_m
Q_m
Q_m
Q_m
Q_m
å| w\á l\e tæ«e
R`h l\e s|Г¶
l\e
mi g\u l\e ГҐ.
mi g\u m\ГҐ l\e
l\e
l\e
å| tæ\å l\e
l\e
l\e dzu
s«∑ l\e
l\e dГ”u d\y ГҐ.
GZh l\e kw|ГҐ
ornamental bodice worn on special occasions,
also l\e kw|ГҐ
spleen (animal; eaten by Lisu)
pig spleen
V
V
inquisitive, also l\Г®/l\Г¶ s|Г¶
return home
make a round trip in a day
go but fail to return the same day
V
NS
pair word for pВ«y pile up
small and curved
long-handled whittling knife, small curved blade
NP
grave (unoccupied), see also l\Г¶
unoccupied grave, also l\e dГ”u
funeral board (7 notches for women, 9 for men)
Dig a grave.
N
Q_m Fcj Bbi n l\_e gu pæ«o å
Q_m Q_m
Q_m gj
Q_hl
Q`h
Q`h
W
x
X
h
Y
f
l\e l\e
A
l\e l\e
l\e l\e tæ\å tΔæ\ö.
l\e l\e je.
l\e l\e ¯\î så xw«å bá
l\e ©å
N
l\e ©å n|å å
lВ»e
PF
tΔæ«å kæ\∑ bj\ö je l»e.
|å tæ\å x|∑ l»e.
l|Г¶
V
О”\ГЇ tО”Г¦\ГЇ l|Г¶ ГҐ.
l|Г¶
V
dzå må s\ï l|ö ©\∑.
z«ï by l|ö ©\∑.
j\å kæ|o l|ö tæ\u
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
silver-decorated bodice, worn at New Year by
young women, also l\e kw|ГҐ
Vchange sleeping position, turn over
when lying down, also l\i/j\î/z\ï gu pæ«o å
over and over
over and over
Don’t speak over and over.
do over and over
t|î ©∑ o. I said it to him two or three times.
bamboo partridge
lure partridges
final particle, indicates warning
The crossbow will fire accidently!
The knife will cut you!
bruised, also l|y
He has a bruise.
spread out to dry in sun
Spread the grain out to dry.
Spread the blanket to dry.
thread spreader of loom, next to weaver
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
232
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V/N roll, roll over, fall over, trip, stumble,
see also li
l|Г¶
Q`h
tæe t«Ì ©∑ å,
He ran along, then tripped and fell over
tæe tΔi≥ tΔ\å x\å l|ö je o. with arms and legs waving around.
tΔæ«e tæ\o ©\∑ å,
When I stepped on it,
l|ö l|ö l|ö l|ö k«å å.
it felt cylindrical and wobbly.
l|Г¶ du
a wheel
l|Г¶ t|Г®
roll down
l|ö tæö
roll of hemp cloth still on the loom
l|Г¶ l\Г¶
cylindrical and unsteady to the touch
l|Г¶ je o.
It rolled away, over.
s«∑ l|ö l\ö
a round piece of firewood which hasn’t been
cleaned
j\å kæ|o l|ö tæ\u
string holding threads of warp at weaver’s end
j\å |å t|î l|ö ©∑.
Please roll up the hemp cloth.
j|î ¯å tæe le l|ö je o. He tripped and fell over like this.
©∑ l|ö
take off hat from behind
Q`h
Q`h
Q`h
Q`hnm
Q`i
Q`j
Q`j
@
b
A
p
l|Г¶
V
m∑ ≥\o l|ö m\å k|u.
l|Г¶
V
©∑ l|ö å
l|Г¶
NS
w\ГҐ l|Г¶
l|Г¶\ГҐ
PN
ВЇ\Г® w\ГҐ l|Г¶\ГҐ
l«ö
V
kæ\∑ så l«ö tΔ«å å.
å| tsæ«o l«ö ©∑ o.
|å tæ\å w\y l«ö ©∑ o.
lö
V
w\o pæj\å lö dz\å å.
tΔæ«ö tΔæ«ö lö
lö
V
bi lö le å.
m\∑ tsæ\å lö le å tæ\î
lö le o.
dzå gu lö le o.
s\∑ lö
~hå lö
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
use the hands in sign language, also l|y
I’m not skilful at using sign language.
take off (a load, hat, etc.)
take a heavy load off the back
peak of mountain, in
mountain peak, convex mountain
both
both people
shell corn off the cob; come off (of handles)
She is shelling corn.
The axe head came off.
The knife handle came off.
fry with oil
He’s frying vegetables to eat.
deep fry
reach the end, be the most, see de le
She has become the most beautiful.
mГҐ mГҐ the very last one
It has finished.
The road has ended.
wisdom tooth
believe, be Christian
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
233
Southern Lisu Dictionary
j|î z\å xö lö le å.
He has raised all of his sons/He has raised all the
sons he ever will raise.
Its strength was expanded/Its breath was expanded.
flame
worn-down from use
worn-out person
The whetstone is worn down from use.
The hoe is worn down.
j|î Δ\å lö le o.
|å t|o lå lö
lö
V
tsæo lö
lo mjö s|ï lö le o.
å\ go lö le o.
lö
V
warm, hot
keen
¯«î må lö å
lö d\u
hot spring
lö m\y
hot country
lö m\y |å j|å
crow pheasant (�hot country chicken’)
lö m\ö m\ö
soft, not fresh (of rice)
zÉï lö
hot water
zÉï lö lö o.
The water is hot.
lö
V
able to reproduce, virile
married woman still capable of reproducing
tsæo lö må
tsæo lö z\å
virile young man
lö lö z\å
young, in the prime of youth
lö lö z\å tæ\î x|åw må top one for reproducing
lö
NS way, also le
that way
go lö
l\Г¶
V
unfruitful, barren of trees, etc.
tsæo l\ö må
barren woman
m\å w«å s\∑ dzÉï tæe må ¯å j|î l\ö ≥o. This mandarin tree is unfruitful.
|ГҐ ВЇ\Г® mГҐ l\Г¶
young heifer, not yet fertile
l\Г¶
N
grave, see also l\e
l\Г¶ dГ”u
grave, also l\Г¶ dzu
l\Г¶ fu je ГҐ.
perform ceremonies at grave to prevent ghost from
Q`j
Q`k
Q`k
Q`k
Q`l
Q`l
coming back to village
perform ceremonies at parent’s grave annually for
three years after burial (add earth, rebuild fence)
l\ö ~hî tΔæ«o å.
Q`l
W
x
X
h
NS
l\Г¶
po l\Г¶
l\Г¶
sГҐ l\Г¶
li l\Г¶
ku l\Г¶
Q`l
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
gun barrel
gun barrel
C
general classifier with 3/4/9
three things
four things
nine things
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
234
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Q`l
l\Г¶
Q`l O_i l\\Г¶ mВ«e
V
N
l\ö m«e ≥\o
Q`l Q`ln l\\ö l\öå
I
pair word for gwГҐ sing
a type of riddle in which syllables of words are
reversed, e. g. tree s«∑ dzÉï becomes dzÉï s«∑
riddle language, also l\á m«e ≥\o
words said to call soul back; said when
Q`l R`h l\Г¶ s|Г¶
Q`m
l\Г¶
V
V
inquisitive, also l\e/l\Г® s|Г¶
bore holes, force see also l\Г®/l\e
person gets a fright or at soul-calling ceremonies
bj\Г¶ l\Г¶ l\Г¶
very bright and flashing
tΔ«ö l\ö
drill in
dzГҐ gu n|ГЎ ГҐ,
The trail is overgrown,
l\Г¶ je w_ГҐ ГҐ.
we will have to push our way through.
n\e j|î ¯«î må l\_ö ©∑ å. A spirit bored into his heart
(he did something uncharacteristic of him).
He bored into the hole.
He bored a hole.
Qah
Qah
Qah
Qah
Qah Gej
Qah Kai
Qah Maj
Qah Tl
Qah
@
b
A
p
j|î kæu l\ö d\y je å.
j|î kæu l\_ö å.
l|Г®
Num four before most mid tone classifiers, elsewhere li
l|Г®
V
give back, return after borrowing, see ≥w|å
C
for things to be returned (esp. betrothal gifts)
|å t|î l|î ©\_∑
Please give it back.
tæ\î l|î ¯\î l|î nö å ≥o. He wants back twice as much as he gave.
l|Г®
V
clear space for someone
tΔ«å gu |å t|î l|î ©\∑. Clear some space for me.
l|Г®
NP grandchildren
grandsons
l|Г® p|ГҐ
l|Г® mГҐ
granddaughters
l|î k_∑
V
pass blame on to
≥wå l|á tæ\å l|î k∑. Don’t pass the blame on to me.
l|î tΔæ«î
N
lychee (T), also li tΔæÉï(C)
l|î tsÉï
N
chain, (clf tΔ«ö)
l|î tsÉï tæ\î tΔ«ö
one chain
l|î tsÉï tsæ«o k∑ ©∑. Chain it up/Tie it up with a chain.
l|Г® z\ГҐ
N
seedlings; Meo people (see also mj\åw tsÉï)
dzГҐ l|Г® z\ГҐ
rice seedlings
l|Г®
NS small bell, also l|e
small bell, also tО”|e l|e
k|∑ l|î
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
235
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
VV
l«î
Qai
escape, get away, also lВ«e
happen by accident, unexpectedly
l\á l«î o.
Qai HZl
Qaj
Qaj
Qaj
Qaj
Qaj
Qaj
Qaj
W
x
X
h
Y
f
It happened accidently because he was careless
with his hands.
It escaped.
He dropped it accidently as he was taking it.
l«î je o.
zu l«î ©∑ o.
l«î kæw\å
N
wild wormwood, usually l«o kæw\å
li
Num four, also l|Г® before most mid tone classifiers
li
N
boat
tО”|u li
boat
~hi li
big boat
li
NP jungle
b∑ dzÉï li
loach (kind of fish), also ≥w|å tΔæ«ö l\ö
kæ\u m\∑ dzÉï li
green calotes lizard
li tæÌ
jungle food
li tΔæå mi
jungle, also li tsæÉï mi
li tΔæå li b\å
in the jungle
li m\o
jungle weeds
li lo
mountain region
li lo sÉï pæ\å
spirit of mountain region
li
NP neck, sometimes also le
li tО”|Г¶
neck (external and internal)
li be
neck (external and internal), also le/li/le be
li w\o/li w\o
necklace
li w\o pæjå lá
round necklace with silver studs, hanging strings
li w\o m\ГҐ d\Г¶.
She isn’t wearing a necklace.
xo li w\o
anklet
li
V
rain
m\∑ ~hå l_i å.
It is raining.
li
V
roll up, see also l|Г¶
C
for rolls of paper
a roll of paper
tæ\o ©\∑ tæ\î li
ts\ГҐ p\o li ГҐ.
rolling up the mat
li li
all rolled up
li
NP beads
li ti
inedible Job’s tears, see l|u k«u
li ti О”|ГЇ z\ГҐ
beads of Job’s tears
l\ГЎ О”|ГҐ mj|ГҐ li ti О”|ГЇ z\ГҐ t|o ГҐ. She is sewing beads onto bag decorations.
li kå må s\∑
big beads (no longer used)
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
236
Southern Lisu Dictionary
li
N
kæ«Ì g\o li
li tО”|Г¶
kæ«å li tΔ|ö
m\y li tО”|Г¶
Qaj Kdj li tΔæÉï
N
Qaj Qaj li li
N
QajqRcj Lisu
N
Qaj
li
NS
ГҐ li
å li tæ\î må
ГҐ li kwГҐ
Qal
l\Г®
V
å| do do må kæ\∑ så
Qal
l\Г®
NS
Lisu l\Г®
l\î z\å pæ\e z\å
j\å pæ|î t∑ l\î m\å s|Ì.
j|Г® l\Г®
j|î l\î j|î tΔ«ö
j|î l\î j|î pæ\e
j|î l\î Δ«å
j|Г® l\Г® dГ”o ГҐ.
Qal
l\Г®
N
l\Г® s|ГЇ
l\Г® tО”|ГҐ
Qal
l\Г®
V
tО”ГҐ s|ГЇ l\Г® ГҐ.
l\Г® dzГҐ
Qal
l\Г®
V
dzГҐ l\Г®
s«∑ s\∑ j|î l\î
z\å m∑ z\å j|î l\î
Qaj
Qal Kdl
Qal Mei
Qal Ycj
@
b
A
p
N
N
N
l\Г® tО”Г¦\ГЇ
l\î ts«∑
l\Г® fu
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
side, edge, corner
corner of the room
side, edge, corner
side areas of village (not uphill or downhill)
edge of the world
lychee (C), also l|î tΔæ«î (T)
mule, also tæ\o lå m\o/må li li/le le/l«o tsÉï
Lisu
which?, also le
which?, also ГҐ le
which one?
where?
bore into, also l\Г¶/l\e
l\Г® ГҐ. The beetle bored into the corn.
customs, laws, way of life (C)
Lisu customs
person who follows traditional customs
I do not know the way to plant opium.
custom
custom
custom
carry out customs
We have this custom./It is the custom.
Li clan (C)
Li clan fourth-born
Li clan
heavy
The goods are heavy.
weight
late in having children or fruit, opposite lo
late rice
late fruit
women who bear children at a slow rate, or a
long time after marriage
yeast (C)
kind of bird, also n\î ts«∑
python
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
237
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Qal Qal
Qal R`h
Qal Rcah
Qam
Qam Fcj
l\Г® l\Г®
V
tΔi≥ l\î l\î
l\Г® s|Г¶
V
nu tæ\å l\î s|ö.
l\Г® s|uj
N
|ГҐ w\ГҐ l\Г® О”|uj
rough, ragged (clothes)
rough, ragged
inquisitive, also l\e/l\Г¶ s|Г¶
Don’t be inquisitive.
onion flower (C) used for flavouring, also l\Г® s|ГЇ
small shrub with spiky aromatic leaves,
used as a food flavouring; liquorice-like flavour
CS
l\Г®
p|Г® l\Г®
li p|Г® l\Г®
m|Г® l\Г®
l\i gu
l\i gu pæ«o å.
group of grandparent and grandchild(ren)
group of grandparent and grandchildren
a grandparent and three grandchildren
group of great grandparent and great grandchildren
V
sleeping position, also l\e gu
He turned over in his sleep, he changed his lying
position.
l|o
V
|ГҐ t|Г® l|o dГ”wГҐ.
ГҐ| m\o l|o su
l|o mo
mj\Г¶ je l|o je ГҐ.
Qbh
l|o.
V
l|o pæ\å
l|o pæ\å tsæ«å gu dzÉï
l|o fu ©∑.
Qbh Bhm l|o pæ»å
N
j|î l|o pæ»å w\u å.
Qbh @_k lВ«|o be
N
tsæÉï l|o be
tsæÉï z\å l|o be
s«∑ l|o be
Qbh R`l l|o s\Г¶
N
l|o s\Г¶ j\ГҐ_ ГҐ.
Qbh Rcl l|o s\u
N
Qbh Rel l|o s\∑
N
Qbh Q_h Vak l|o l|e ~hi N
Qbhnh
l|o|ГҐ
N
Qbi
lВ«o
V
dГЎ lВ«o je o.
lВ«o je o.
herd, watch, pair word for mj\Г¶ work
Qbh
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
Please watch it for me.
horse herders
herding, pair word for О”|ГЇ mo farming
farm and herd
rake, also l|ГҐw
a rake
type of tree
Rake it up.
greed
He is greedy.
bulge, bump, see also be
heel or calf muscle
a bump in the rope
a bulge in a tree
dew (C), also l|o s\u/s\∑
Dew is falling.
dew (C), also l|o s\ö/s\∑
dew (C), also l|o s\Г¶/s\u
hotel (T)
Lawa people (NT)
reach the top, time passes
They have climbed over the top.
They have reached the top.
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
238
Southern Lisu Dictionary
w|u lВ«o
up to the top
j|î dÔ«ï l«o je o.
The hour has passed (someone is late).
j|Г® ~hj\ГҐ ВЇi lВ«o je o.
His time has finished (he is dead).
å mi w|u g\u wå l«o ©∑ o.
They have worked upwards to the very
top of the field.
lВ«o
lВ«o
l«o pæ\å
lВ«o nГЎ
l«o ná pæ\å
l«o ΔÉï
Qbi
lВ«o
w|u d\y lВ«o ГҐ
Qbi Gci lВ«o kВ«u
V
NP
Qbi HZl l«o kæw\å
N
Qbi Kdl lВ«o tО”Г¦\ГЇ
VS
Qbi
Qbi
Qbi Mak
Qbj
Qbj
Qbj
Northern Lisu man
Northern Black Lisu
Northern Black Lisu man
Southern Lisu, also l«u ΔÉï
V
A
p
N
j\î m∑ l«o tΔæ\i
l«o tsÉï
N
lo
V
|ГҐ n\ГҐ lo ГҐ.
lo
V
tВ«o lo
kw\ГҐ lo
lo p«Ì
å tΔæå lo p«Ì«
l_o p««Ì p««Ì å.
lo m\ГҐ p_e.
lo m\ГҐ dГ”e.
lo fu ©∑.
lo
N
tΔæ«å dÔ\_ö lo
m\∑ g\u lo
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
be fulfilled, of promise, prophecy, dream
A dream is fulfilled.
lo pæ\∑ tΔæ\ï
lo di/lo di p|ГҐ
lo de mi
lo mjö
@
b
play in mud
contraction of lo w|u �upriver’, also l«u
G
k
edible Job’s tears, also l«u k«u, eaten by Lisu as a
snack or used in rice-cakes, see inedible li ti
wild wormwood (used in many ceremonies
and as a medicine), also z«o/l«u/l«e/l«î kæw\å
fall asleep, in j\î m∑ l«o tΔæ\ï
fall asleep
mule (C), also tæ\o lå m\o/må li li/le le
bark, of dogs, also lu
The dog barks.
throw
spinning top
New Year game of throwing cloth �ball’
slingshot
small bow for shooting clay balls at birds
Shoot a slingshot.
Threw it but fell short.
He threw it but it didn’t go far.
Throw it.
small stone (contrast В©|ГҐ large rock)
flint for lighter
mineral-bearing stone believed to fall from
heaven as lightning, valued as a charm
decomposed gravel
stone
stony flat ground
whetstone, also lo mi
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
239
Southern Lisu Dictionary
lo zÉï
fine white alluvial whetstone
lo x\∑ tΔö
sand
lo x\∑ tΔö mi
sandy country
lo Δ«å
coarse reddish quarried whetstone
Qbj
lo
pair word for s«É∑�tree’ and dz\å �eat’
dz\ГҐ w\o lo w\o
all kinds of crops
s«∑ pæj\å lo pæj\å
all kinds of leaves
s«∑ dzÉï lo dzÉï
all kinds of trees
s«∑ s\∑ lo be/s«∑ s\∑ lo s\∑ all kinds of fruit
Qbj
lo
PF
final, strong assertion of something denied, also lВ»o
m\ГҐ dГ”o lo.
You’re wrong, there isn’t any.
Qbj A\`j l_o pjö
N
cross-cousin (C), also l\o pj\ГҐw
Qbj B`j lo pæö
N
town, city
Qbj Cbj lo do
VS
abnormal, of bad omen
Qbk
lo
N/C a bushel; equals two kerosene tins full
Qbk
lo
VS
early, of fruit and people with respect to children,
opposite l\Г®
early rice
dzГҐ lo
s«∑ s\∑ j|î lo
early fruit
z\å m∑ z\å j|î lo
women who bear children early after marriage.
Qbk
lo
V
light in weight
pæ\å lo
large storage basket
kæ\∑ lo å.
He is quick to speak.
m\ГҐ l\Г® ГҐ, lo ГҐ.
It’s not heavy, it’s light.
¯«î må lo å.
quick to make decisions, quick to act
ГҐ lo mВ«e mГЊ
soft cloth
Qbk
lo
N
valley, watercourse,
pair word for m\y/ts|åj/s\ï/m\∑
one country
tæ\î m\y tæ\î lo
tæ\î ts|åj tæ\î lo
one village
tО”|ГҐ lo
orchid
m\∑ tæ\á lo tæ\á
everywhere
li lo sÉï pæ\å
spirit of mountain area (�jungle valley lord’)
lo k|ГҐ
small stream (�valley branch’)
lo kæ\u
valley/large stream (�valley inside’)
lo kæ\u d\å må
deep valley/very large stream
lo tО”Г¦\o
small valley
lo mГҐ
small river
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
240
Southern Lisu Dictionary
s\ГЇ О”ГҐ lo О”ГҐ
Qbk Geh lo k|∑
N
lo k|∑ lo m_å
Qbk Vk lo ~hГҐ
N
m\Г® ~hi lo ~hГҐ
Qbl
l\o
N
Qbl
l\o
N
Qbl
l\o
V
t«á l\o l\á ho
kæu l\o å
l\å tsæo l\o l\á ho
|ГҐ m|e g\o l\o.
|å ≥\å l\o tæ\å
Qbl
l\o
V
Qbl
l\o
V
l\o zu t_ГҐw zu ГҐ.
Qbl
l\o
N/C
clear
bowl, cup, also lu k|∑/l∑ k|∑
all kinds of rice bowls
storm in the expression:
wind storm, strong wind, cyclone
cart, also l\o
dragon (C), also l\u
bring together, unite, gather
carry and gather together
call to gather
call people to gather together
Gather them together.
water buffalo wallowing hole
consecrate
cast metal in moulds (C)
casting metal
a measure of weight; two l\o is equivalent to a
weight of seven rupees in Thailand, 40 gm in China
N
lake (�dragon pool’), also l\u bö
|å t|o l\o bö
Hell (�fire lake’)
zÉï l\o bö
ocean, sea
Ael l\o p\\∑
N
inheritance (C)
j|î l\o p\∑ å| Δ\ï w_å å\ . What did he get as inheritance?
A]bk A]bk l\o pГҐw pГҐw N
callus (C)
l\o påw påw g∑ le o. He has developed calluses.
Ebj l\o tæo
N
bridle
|å m\o l\o tæo tæ\î tΔ«ö one horse bridle
Ebj l\o tæo
N
unknown animal; word exists in songs as pair
Qbl @`j l\o bö
Qbl
Qbl
Qbl
Qbl
word for elephant. Used in Bible for camel (C)
N
N
N
N
Qbl El l\o tæ\å
Qbl Gbj l\o ko
Qbl Raj l\o s_Éï
QblqO\`l l\o mj\Г¶
Qbm
@
b
A
p
l\o mj\Г¶ m\y
l\o mj\ö ≥\o
l\o
pВ«e l\o
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
pool (C)
rice pot
type of freshwater shell-fish
Burma, also l\o m\Г®
Burma
Burmese language
N
vehicle (T), also l\o
bicycle (�kick vehicle’)
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
241
Southern Lisu Dictionary
l\o kæ∑
motorcycle (T)
|ГҐ ВЇ\Г® l\o
ox cart
Qbm
l\o
N
Luo clan (C)
l\_\o tО”ГҐ
Luo clan
Qbm
l\o
V
sufficient, enough
m\ГҐ l\_\o ~h\e.
There isn’t sufficient.
l\o lГҐ m\ГҐ dГҐ.
There can never be sufficient.
Qbm
l\o
V
turn into, pair word for pæj\ö
Qbm
l\o
N
last-born
l\o m|e
last-born daughter
О”\ГҐ l\o
last-born son
Qbm A\]bm l_\o pj\ГҐw N
cross-cousin (C), also lo pjö, see |å tΔ\o
l\o pj\åw pæ\å
male cross-cousin
l\o pj\ГҐw mГҐ
female cross-cousin
l\o pjГҐw l\o ВЇi
all cross-cousins
l\o pj\ГҐw j|Г¶ ГҐ
behave loosely or uncouthly
Qbm Cbk l\o do
N
avalanche, landslide
A landslide occurred.
l\o do xВ«o ГҐ.
Qbkl
lВ»o
PF
final, indicates contradictions, also lo
m\ГҐ dГ”o lВ»o.
You’re wrong, there isn’t any.
Qch
l|u
V
be full, of the moon
h~ ГҐ bГҐ l|u l|u
full moon
~hГҐ bГҐ l|u le o.
The moon is full now.
~hå bå l|u l|u tsæÉï ≥w\å ¯i,
The moon is full after 15 days,
z\å l|á m\∑ l|á tsæÉï ≥w\å kæ\o youths and maidens after 15 years
Qch
l|u
N
sorghum
sow millet and sorghum
tО”Г¦\_Г¶ О”|ГЇ l|u О”|ГЇ
Qch Lal Wei l|u dz\ï x«∑ N
ornamental girdle formerly worn by Lisu
women
V
Qch Qchl l|u lВ»u
l|u lВ»u
s|ГЇ fГҐ l|u lВ»u
lВ«u
\ГҐlВ«u
\ål«u pæ\å
\ГҐlВ«u mГҐ
Qci
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
round or cubic with approximately equal sides
It rolled away.
a cube or a square
NS
sixth in birth order (C), also jВ«o/tО”Г¦|ГЇ
sixth-born
sixth son, also ГҐ
\ jВ«o
sixth daughter, also ГҐ
\ lВ«u m|Г®/|ГҐtО”Г¦|ГЇ
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
242
Southern Lisu Dictionary
NP
lВ«u
l«u pæ\å
lВ«u nГЎ
l«u ná pæ\å
l«u ΔÉï
Qci @_k lВ«u be
Qci Gci lВ«u kВ«u
N
N
Qci HZl l«u kæw\å
N
Qci J`m lВ«u tО”\Г¶
N
Qci
Northern Lisu man
Northern Black Lisu
Northern Black Lisu man
Southern Lisu, also l«o ΔÉï
l«u tΔ\ö pæj\å
Qci Jdm lВ«u tО”\ГЇ
N
l«u tΔ\ï pæj\å
Qci Mam lВ«u ts\ГЇ
N
l«u ts\ï pæj\å
Qcj
lu
V
|å n\å lu tΔ«å å.
Qck
lu
V
|å w\á l|å p|å lu tΔ«å
Qck Eck lu tæu
N
å| m\o lu tæu
å| w\á lu tæu
Qck Geh lu k|∑
N
Qcl
l\u
N
l\u bö
l\u b\y ГҐ.
l\u pæ\å m\o
l\u z\ГҐ l\u mГҐ
l\u
V
Qcl
l\u
N
l\u tО”\Г¶j/l\u ts\Г¶j
ho l\u
l\u
V
t|e tæ\î må l\u je å.
tæ\î l\u tæ\î ¯å ¯\î
Qcl
Qcl
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
contraction of lo w|u �upriver’, also l«o
G
k
pair word for s«∑ s\∑ fruit
edible Job’s tears, also l«o k«u, eaten by Lisu as a
snack or used in rice-cakes, see inedible li ti
type of wild wormwood, used in many
ceremonies, also z«o/l«o/l«î/l«e kæw\å
areca nut, also l«u tΔ\ï/l«u ts\ï/l«∑ tΔ\ö/l«∑ ts\ï
betel leaf, also l«u tΔ\ï pæj\å etc.
areca nut, also l«u tΔ\ö/l«u ts\ï/l«∑ tΔ\ö/l«∑ ts\ï
betel leaf, also l«u tΔ\ö pæj\å etc.
areca nut, also l«u tΔ\ö/l«u tΔ\ï/l«∑ tΔ\ö/l«∑ ts\ï
betel leaf, also l«u tΔ\ö pæj\å etc.
bark, also lo
Dogs are barking.
wallow, smear mud on
ГҐ. The pig is wallowing in the mud.
trough, valley, ravine, stream
horse trough
pig trough
bowl, cup, usually lo k|∑, also l∑ k|∑
dragon (C), also lГІ
lake (believed to be the abode of dragons)
The dragon burrowed (refers to avalanche traces
or marks of lightning).
the great sky dragon
all kinds of dragons
give presents or offerings to senior people or
spirits
cylinder bellows
a forge
blacksmith’s bellows
add to
Add another.
One and one are two.
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
243
Southern Lisu Dictionary
l\u
V
l|uj
V
j|Г® ВЇГҐ l|uj ГҐ.
Qcah
l|uj
V
\å kæ|∑ l|uj du ≥o.
\å kæ|∑ l|uj ≥o.
Qcal
l\uj
N/C
tæ\î l\uj dÔo å.
Qdh
l|y
V
bö tsæ\ï l|y fu ©∑.
fu k«u dzÉï l|y o.
Qdh
l|y
V
l|y l|y l\e k«å å.
w\ГҐ l|y w\ГҐ mГҐ
Qdh
l|y
NS
b\ГҐ l|y
be l|y
j|Г® l|y
¯«å b\å l|y
gu dy l|y
Qdi
lВ«y
V
dzå pæu dÔo ¯i å,
jå po nu tæ\å l«y.
Qdi
lВ«y
V
|å t|î l«y ©∑.
Qdj
l_y
V
l\á pæ«á l_y m\å k|u.
l_y k|u О”|ГҐ mГҐ
l_y l_y
l_y l_y tæ\å j_e.
l_y l_y m\å k«å å ¯å,
ΔÉï kæw\å le o.
Qdj
l_y
VS
j|Г® ly
Qdl [dh l\y О”|ГЇ
N
Qdm
l\y
VS
z«ï l\y
≥w|å z«ï l\y
record (C)
diligent (C)
Qcl
Qcah
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
He is diligent.
suffer, undergo misfortune (C)
It was a catastrophe, tragedy.
They are suffering, going through a time of trouble
twelve year cycle (C), also tО”o
He has passed his twelfth birthday.
animals lose skin, take off clothes
Take off your coat.
A snake sheds its skin.
rounded, uneven
completely round
uneven mountains
crop of bird
crop of bird in cheeks
crop of bird below beak, also by l|y
crop of bird
pelican (�bird cheek crop’)
brown fish-owl
touch and cause to move
I’m measuring the milled rice,
don’t shake the tin.
awaken
Wake him up please.
move a limb; propel oneself
He can’t move his hands.
all animate beings
moving
Don’t move.
If it doesn’t move,
it is dead.
ancient, also j|Г® b\e
ancient
food dish of chopped meat
slippery
slippery, smooth, also j«î l\y
kind of slippery fish without scales
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
244
Southern Lisu Dictionary
j«î l\y
slippery, smooth, also z«ï l\y
Qeh
l|∑
V
change (clothes), translate, castrate a horse
bö dÔ\î l|∑ gw\å å. He is changing his jacket.
på l|∑ l\á xo má å. They took turns carrying it.
¯«î må l|∑ å.
He changed his mind./He repented.
s|∑ l|∑ dzÉï
plant with beanpod-like fruit
|å m\o j|î mjö l|∑ å. castrate a horse
|å pö l|∑
change a diaper
Qeh FZj l|∑ gwå
V
tease (�change sing’) in restricted relationship
Qeh Vk Aj l|∑ ~hå på
soul-recalling ceremony
Qei
l«∑
V
push so that something rolls
Push it and roll it aside.
l«∑ fu ©∑.
Qei
l«∑
V
saw wood (T), also l«Ìe
a saw
s«∑ kæw|å l«∑ du
s«∑ kæw|å l«∑ su
sawyers
Qei J`m l«∑ tΔ\ö
N
areca nut, also l«u tΔ\ö/l«u tΔ\ï/l«u ts\ï/l«∑ tΔ\ï
l«∑ tΔ\ö pæj\å
betel leaf, also l«u tΔ\ö pæj\å etc.
Qei Jdm l«∑ tΔ\ï
N
areca nut, also l«u tΔ\ö/l«u tΔ\ï/l«u ts\ï/l«∑ ts\ö
l«∑ tΔ\ï pæj\å
betel leaf, also l«u tΔ\ö pæj\å etc.
Qei Mam l«∑ ts\ï
N
areca nut, also l«u tΔ\ö/l«u tΔ\ï/l«u ts\ï/l«∑ tΔ\ï
l«∑ ts\ï pæj\å
betel leaf, also l«u tΔ\ö pæj\å etc.
Qej
l∑
NP wild flowering cherry tree
l∑ dzÉï
wild cherry tree
l∑ we
flowers of the wild cherry tree
Qej Zbl l∑ w\o
N
watercress
Qek Geh l∑ k|∑
N
bowl, usually lo k|∑, also lu k|∑
l∑ k|∑ tæ\î pæ\á t«á lå. Bring a bowl.
l∑ k|∑ tsæå
drinking utensils
Qel
l\∑
V
overflow
It’s overflowing.
bi l\∑ je o.
l\∑ l\∑
crowded together
å dÔå l\∑ do lå å. Water is overflowing out.
å dÔå l\∑ d\y lå å. Water is overflowing in.
Qel
l\∑
V
topple
Qel [`h l\∑ Δ|ö
N
coriander (C), also j|e s|uj
Qem
l\∑
V
lick, lap up, also l\ГЊ
Qfm
l\ГЊ
V
lick, lap up, also l\∑
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
245
Southern Lisu Dictionary
å| n\å tæe l\∑ dz\å å. Dogs lap like this.
Qf_i
l«Ìe
V/N saw (T), also l«∑
QZh
lw|ГҐ/l|Гё
V
troubled, unsettled, at war (C), also l|ГҐo
The country is not at war.
m\y m\ГҐ lw|ГҐ.
m\y lw|ГҐ ГҐ.
There is fighting in the area.
¯«î må tæ\å lw|å.
Don’t be troubled and upset.
lw|ГҐ s|ГЇ
mischief
lw|ГҐ s|ГЇ k\ГҐw su
mischief-maker
dzÉï pæ\∑ lw|å å.
He is roaring drunk.
å| w\á ¯å lw|å tΔ«å å. The pigs are in a turmoil.
QZm
lw\ГҐ
V
dabble in, push hands into, also l\ГҐw
Q\h
lj|ГҐ
V
shine, bright (C) , also l|ГЎ
storm lantern, hurricane lamp
kw|ГҐ lj|ГҐ
lj|ГҐ lj|ГҐ l\e
bright, light
lj|å s∑ s∑
sparkling and shining
lj|ГҐ w\ГҐ/l|ГЎ w\ГҐ
lamp
lj|ГҐ w\ГҐ m\ГҐ lj|ГҐ
The lamp is not shining.
lj|ГҐ О”i
a wick
Q\l Ck lj\ГҐ dГҐ
N
front and back poles of Lisu house (C) on
which rafters rest, also lj\å≥ då/lj\ån då/lj\å då
|∑ lj\å
horizontal beam under roof studs
Q\m
lj_\ГҐ
V
cool (C), also l\ГЎ
lj\_ГҐ le o.
It’s cooled down.
lj\ГҐ_ zВ«o
medicine for cooling down a fever
Q\^bj YfPl ljГЎw f\ГЊn N
hard-rice flour patties (C)
ljáw f\Ìn Δ«å dz\å å. She is making rice flour patties.
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
246
Southern Lisu Dictionary
s|ГҐ
V
poor, difficult, uncomfortable, also В®|ГҐ, О”w|ГҐ
cockroach
b\e/b\∑/m\Ì/m\î s|å må
bj\ГҐ s|ГҐ fu
kind of bee
dГ”e m\ГҐ s|ГҐ.
It’s not difficult to go to.
tΔ«å s|å å.
He is sick.
tsæo s|å
poor people
¯«î s|å
sad (�heart difficult’)
s|å pæ\á
mate-word for s|å to shameful in s|å to s|å pæ\á
s|å pæ|o dÔo å
be pleased with; see s\ГЇ xwГҐ/О”\Г® xwГҐ
j|î ¯å j|î |å m\o l|á s|å pæ|o dÔo å. He is pleased with his horse.
s|ГҐ do
problem
s|ГҐ ts|ГЇ
torment, bully, hurt for fun, mock, gloat over
j|î l|á tæ\å s|å ts|ï.
Don’t torment him.
so s|ГҐ ГҐ.
It is hard to learn.
~hj\ГҐ ВЇi k|o s|ГҐ su
deprived people
x\o s|å pæ\å
Buddhist monk
w\u x∑ å ¯å, s|å å. It’s uncomfortable when you are tired.
å| ≥\å s|å
buffalo territory (boggy useless country)
s|ГҐ
V
castrated, also sw|ГҐ
s|ГҐ
NP in words for future
s|å g∑
in the future (distant); tomorrow
s|å g∑ j|î j\_î lå å ≥o. He will come back one day.
s|ГҐ n\ГЎ
tomorrow/tomorrow morning
s|ГҐ ВЇi
in the near future
s|ГҐ
NP
cross nephew or niece
elder brother’s son (woman speaking)
s|ГҐ z\ГҐ
Rh
Rh
Rh
Rh
elder sister’s son (man speaking),
i.e. nephew in a different clan from own children;
woman’s mother’s sisters’ sons (if in another clan)
elder brother’s daughter (woman speaking)
elder sister’s daughter (man speaking),
i.e. niece in a different clan from own children
s|ГҐ mГҐ
Rh Abh
Rh Dbj
@
b
A
p
s|ГҐ p|o
N
s|å p|o s\∑
s|ГҐ to
V
tæ\å s|å to
mj\Г¶ s|ГҐ to z\ГҐ
s|ГҐ to m\ГҐ k|u.
s|å to s|å pæ\á
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
papaya
papaya fruit
be ashamed, shy, written ®å to
Don’t be shy.
slow loris
unable to be ashamed, brash
shameful
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
247
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Rh E`j
V
s|å tæö
speak (usually in sense of making an
agreement), also s|å tæe, ®|å tæö
j|î ¯å s|å tæö t|å å. She is betrothed, spoken for.
s|å tæö m\å k|u.
He can’t speak.
s|ГҐ ts|ГЇ
V
gloat, written В®|ГҐ tО”|Г®
s|ГҐ ts|ГЇ
N
mould, mildew
b\y_ my s|å ts|ï kæ«å le o. It has gone mouldy.
s|å tsæ\ï
NS outside, usually s|o,
also nö Δ|ö/nö Δ|ï/ne Δ|ï/sw|å
s|ГҐ l|ГҐ
N
ritual shelter, rest-hut (T)
offer to rest-hut spirits
s|ГҐ l|ГҐ n\e lu ГҐ.
s|å l|å Δ«å å.
build a ritual shelter
s|ГҐ f|u
V
placate, make compensation
If I wronged you,
nu l|á tsæo å ¯å,
≥wå s|å f|u å.
I will compensate you.
s«å tΔ\e
N
areca nut and betel mixture (C), also Δ|å tΔ«î
Rh Mah
Rh Mah
Rh Nal
Rh Qh
Rh Ych
Ri J_;
s«å tΔ\e dz\å su
Ri K_l s«å tΔ\e
N
Ri Hb; Ebl Lak s«å kæ\o tæ\o dzÉï
Ri Zm
s«å w\å
N
s«å w\å pæj|å tΔ«å å.
Rj
sГҐ
V
tΔå s|ï å| m|e så ©\∑.
så tΔÉï
|å m|e så tΔÉï.
Rj
sГҐ
N
kæ\∑ så
Rj
sГҐ
V
kæ\∑ så så ts|ï
å| m|e så ©∑.
Rj
sГҐ
V
tæe kæ|∑ m\å så le.
mj\Г¶ je sГҐ le o.
Rj
sГҐ
VV
dÔå så
w\u sГҐ le o.
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
black substance from bark, chewed with betel
betel chewers
first (in time), ahead, also k«å tΔ\e/x|å tΔ\e
N
lamyai, longan tree
fish net (C) (for throwing), also s«å w\å
He is casting his net.
put away for safekeeping
Put away your things.
hide
Hide it now.
wheat, written ®å
corn
gather, harvest, written ®å
time for corn harvest
Gather it up.
ruined, hurt, also swГҐ
It’s not too bad.
He ruined himself with work.
excessively (with bad outcome)
too cold
It’s too big.
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
248
Southern Lisu Dictionary
sГҐ
Num three, also s\ГҐ/s\ГҐ before most mid tone classifiers
sГҐ w\ГҐ mo ГҐ.
I saw three people.
Rj
sГҐ
NS
third in birth order, also kæi/tΔå
ГҐsГҐ
third-born, also ГҐ
| sГҐ
åså pæ\å
third son, also ГҐ
| kæi
ГҐsГҐ mГҐ
third daughter, also ГҐ
| sГҐ m|Г®/|ГҐtО”ГҐ
Rj Hcj så kæu
N
night-time, also så kæwå
så kæu do lå å.
It comes out at night.
så kæu så me
at night
m\o lo så kæu
day and night
Rj HZj så kæwå
N
night-time, also så kæu
Rj K\i så tΔæ«å
N
rhinoceros, also d\y
Rj Mam Wel så ts_\ï x\∑
N
sand (C), see lo x\∑ tΔö
Rj Mbi sГҐ tsВ«o
N
cooking tripod (C), also О”ГҐ tsВ«o
Rj Ql
sГҐ l\ГҐ
N
cotton
så l\å t∑ å.
He plants cotton.
|ГҐ no sГҐ l\ГҐ
type of long green bean (�cotton bean’)
Rj Qaj Abj sГҐ li po N
small-bore gun (C)
Rl Ql Ql s\ГҐ l\ГҐ l\ГҐ
V
long and pendulous
Rj Rbl sГҐ s\o
N
ditch, gully
sГҐ s\o tО”В«o ГҐ.
A gully has been eroded.
så s\o tΔæ«ö
a ditch, a drain
Rj [aj sГҐ О”i
V
punish
nu wå så Δi å ≥o. You will be punished.
sГҐГџ О”i b\e lГҐ o.
He lost his temper.
Rk
sГҐ
V
easy, comfortable
It’s easy to learn.
so sГҐ.
tΔ«å m\å så.
I’m uncomfortable (or ill)
nå n«å så.
pleasant to listen to
Rk
sГҐ
V
be in stamping grounds/haunts (of animal)
|å ≥\å ¯å så å tæ\î tΔ«ö dÔe o. The buffalo has returned to its haunts.
Rk Oeh Hbh så m|∑ kæ|o A
tumbling
w|u t|î så m|∑ kæ|o på je o. He tumbled over and over.
Rk Qak Aci sГҐ li pВ«o
N
small bore rifle, .22 rifle, see also swå≥ ku
Rl
s\ГҐ
V
be a spendthrift
He is a spendthrift.
l\á pæ«á s\å å.
Rj
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
249
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
reserve land by splitting a stick and putting
Rl
s\ГҐ
Rl
s\ГҐ
Num
s\ГҐ bu
s\å_ kæu
s\ГҐ
V
p|å j\î_ ≥|å s\å
j|Г® n|ГҐ g\ГҐ_ s\ГҐ s\ГҐ l\e
s\å kæw\å
N
s\ГҐ О”\Г®
N
another stick into the cleft
m\∑ dz\å nö s\å d\e mi betroth a daughter
s\ГҐ d\e mi
reserved fallow field
≥wå å mi gwå s\å t|å o.
My fields are staked out over there.
Rl
Rl HZl
Rl [al
three before most mid tone classifiers, also s\ГҐ
three strands
three holes
with short domed forehead
a mongoose which has short domed forehead
He has a short, domed forehead.
hollow above sternum
a witness, evidence as a basis for a lawsuit or
claim
s\ГҐ lГҐ
N
table; also Thai oboe-like instrument
They are blowing oboes.
s\ГҐ lГҐ m_y ГҐ.
Rl Ql Ql s\ГҐ l\ГҐ l\ГҐ
A
long and pendulous
Rm
s_ГҐ\
N
umbrella (C)
He is holding up an umbrella
s\_å wå tΔ«å å.
Rm C_m Oaj s_\ГҐ d\e mi N
old fields which have been overgrown
Rm D^j Cbm s_ГҐ\ tГЎ d_o\ N
type of arrow poison
Rm Mm
s\ГҐ ts\ГҐ
N
promise (T), ability to keep a promise
så ts|å dÔo å tæ\å bá. Don’t say you have an excuse.
≥wå så ts|å dÔo å. I promise.
R]ah
s|ГҐj
V
compete, race (C)
They are competing.
s|ГҐj l\ГЎ xo ГҐ.
R^
sГЎ
see О”ГҐ
R_
se
see О”e
R_l
s\e
PF
still/yet, usually h~ e\ /~he\
R`h
s|Г¶
V
humour
I humoured him by begging with him.
j|Г® l|ГЎ s|Г¶ d\e ГҐ.
j|î l|á s|ö ©\∑ å.
I humoured him.
R`j
sö
N
kind of evergreen tree, not in Thailand
R`l
s\Г¶
V
walk, also О”\Г¶
Rah
s|ГЇ
V
wink with one eye, squint (in sunlight, or down
a gun barrel)
He was squinting like this.
tæe mjå s|ï å.
Rl Qk
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
250
Southern Lisu Dictionary
s|ГЇ
V
tsæÉï s|ï l\á s|ï å.
s|ГЇ
V
|å tæ\å |å m|e dÔe s|ï.
s|ГЇ
N
tО”ГҐ s|ГЇ
s|ï d∑ å.
s|ï t|åw tΔæ«e å.
s|ГЇ tО”Г¦\Г®
s|ГЇ dГ”o lГҐ dГ”o ГҐ.
s|ГЇ xwГҐ ГҐ.
Rah
Rah
Rah
numb
My hands and feet are numb.
sharpen a knife
Go and sharpen the knife.
business, lawsuits (C), also bГЎ mo
things, possessions
He is passing judgement.
arrive at a judgement, reach a decision
dispute
I have legal business to attend to.
He is looking for trouble, he will get into legal
trouble.
settle on a bride price (after elopement)
s|ï Δ«å å.
Rah
s|ГЇ
NS
fourth in birth order (C), also tsæe/d|u
\ГҐs|ГЇ
fourth-born
\ГҐs|ГЇ
fourth-born
\ås|ï pæ\å
fourth son, also ГҐ
\ tsæe
\ГҐs|ГЇ mГҐ
fourth-born daughter, also ГҐ
\ s|ГЇ m|Г®/|ГҐd|u
Rah
s|ГЇ
V
uncock a crossbow or gun
tΔæ«å |å m|e s|ï ©\∑. Uncock the crossbow.
Rah J\bh Ram s|ГЇ tО”j|o s\ГЇ N
crocodile (C)
Rah Ol Naj s|ï m\å tsæÉï PN more than
tæö må ¯å go må s|ï m\å tsæÉï xå å. This is better than that.
lisu ¯å l\åx«∑ s|ï m\å tsæÉï bi å. Lisu are more beautiful than Lahu.
Rah Yj
s|ГЇ fГҐ
V
square, oblong (C)
s|ГЇ s|ГЇ fГҐ fГҐ
from/in all directions
s|ï s|ï få få lå ≥o. They came from all directions.
j|î s|ï få k«å å.
It is square, oblong.
Rai
s«ï
NP
wood, tree, usually s«∑
Rai
s«ï
V
hook with the forefinger, squeeze a
trigger
tΔæ«å dÔu s«ï m\å p|∑. He does not dare pull the trigger of the crossbow.
Rai
s«ï
V
scoop with chopsticks, see also ¯«ö
He is scooping up rice with chopsticks.
dzå s«ï dz\å å.
Raj
sÉï
V
choose (C)
nu å li tæ\î må sÉï zu å\ .
Which one do you choose?
Raj
s_ГЇГ‰
V
thread (a loom), pick nose
j\å n|å j\å må sÉï å. thread a loom
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
251
Southern Lisu Dictionary
sÉï
V
bö tsæ\ï s_ïÉ å.
sÉï
NP/S
MisÉï
Raj
Raj
Raj
Raj
Raj
Raj
Raj
Rak
Ral
Ral
sew
She is sewing a jacket.
owner
type of forest spirit for whom small chickens are
freed in the jungle
Sky Goddess
the guardian of the mountain
all kinds of spirits (ancestors and guardians)
owner
owner of the house
the owner; the one whom it concerns
MisÉï må
m\y s_ГЇГ‰
n\e z\ГҐ s_ГЇГ‰ z\ГҐ
sÉï pæ\å
h~ i sÉï pæ\å/~hi sÉï må
j|î sÉï pæ\å
sÉï
NS
in directions, usually ΔÉï
tæ\á sÉï
on top, usually tæ\á ΔÉï
Qaj sÉï li
V
quiet
sÉï li li k∑ le o.
Everything fell quiet.
Tl Kal sÉï z\å tΔæ\î N
red scum on stagnant pool, also s\ГЇ z\ГҐ tО”Г¦\Г®
Yj sÉï få
V
south (C) (also sometimes west)
sÉï få tá n\∑ tΔæ\ö ts|o lå å. It came from the south.
Ycj sÉï fu
N
craftsman, specialist (C)
sÉï fu tæ\î w\å lå å. A craftsman has arrived.
sÉï
V
poke into
I’m not brave enough to put my hand in.
≥wå l\á w\y sÉï m\å p|∑.
s\ГЇ
NS
fruit, usually s\∑ except after front vowels
s\ГЇ
V
hiss, inhale through clenched teeth
l«å ts\ï_ bjå ©∑ tæe s\ï å. He sucked in his breath when the peppers burnt
him.
He sucked in his breath.
He hissed.
sound of whistling through the teeth
He is whistling through his teeth.
s\ГЇ dГЎ je ГҐ.
s\ГЇ j\ГҐ je ГҐ.
s\ï tΔæÉï sÉï
s\ï tΔæÉï sÉÉï su å.
s\ГЇ
N
s\ГЇ x|uj
s\ГЇ
NP
s\ï tΔæÉï
s\ï tΔæÉï nå å.
s\ï lö
s\ГЇ ne ВЇ\Г®
s\ГЇ n\e
Ral
Ral
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
liver, also sometimes О”\ГЇ/О”\ГЇ
satisfied
tooth, see also tΔæÉï and dÔÉï
tooth, also s\ï tsæÉï/tsæ\ï tsæÉï
I’ve got tooth-ache.
wisdom tooth
gums
blade of knife, cutting edge of tool
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
252
Ral
Ral
Ral
Ral
Southern Lisu Dictionary
å| tsæ«o s\ï n\e
å| tæ\å s\ï n\e
s\ГЇ
V
m|ГҐ s|ГЊ m|ГҐ s\ГЇ
s\ï w\å l\å dzÉï
Bl
s\ï pæ\å
N
Ral s\ГЇ s\i
A
[\k s\ГЇ О”ГҐ
V
s\ГЇ s\ГЇ О”ГҐ О”ГҐ
s\ï Δå m\å k«å.
s\ГЇ О”ГҐ lo О”ГҐ
s\ГЇ О”ГҐ lo О”ГҐ su
axe edge
knife edge
chase and hit with stick, pair word for s|ГЊ
teach correctly
10 metre tree (�chase bat tree’)
official, governor, see also sÉï
really
clean, clear
very clean
It’s not clean.
clean
j|Г® d\ГҐ mГҐ, the greatest of all spirits; only
ceremonially clean people may make offerings
j|î ¯å l\å tsæo s\ï Δå ≥o. He is a clean person
å dÔå s\ï Δå å n|\«o. I infer that the water is clear.
V
s\ГЇ
Ral
s\ГЇ le ГҐ.
å dÔå s\ï le å.
Ral WZj s\ГЇ xwГҐ
V
m\ГҐ s\ГЇ xwГҐ.
s\ï s\ï xwå xwå tΔ«å
Ram
s\ГЇ
V
ji dÔå s\ï å.
Ram I\j s\ï dÔå
V
s\ï dÔå l\á xo å.
Ram Oh s_\ГЇ m|ГҐ
N
s\ï_ m|å s\∑
Rbh
s|o
V
Rbh
s|o
V
tsæÉï s|o
Rbh
s|o
V
Rbh
@
b
A
p
x\o pæ\∑ s|o å
s|o
NS
h~ i s|o mГҐ
~hi s|o mГҐ kwГҐ
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
choke on/go down wrong way (of liquid in
the wind-pipe
He is choking on it.
The water �went down the wrong way’.
happy, pleased (C), also Δ\î xwå/k«å tΔæ\î
He is unhappy, he is not pleased.
ГҐ. He is happy.
thirsty, usually О”\Г®/О”\ГЇ
I am thirsty.
feel nostalgic, miss, long for, usually Δ\å dÔå
They miss each other.
tree bearing very sour berries, up to 4 metres tall
the berries of this tree
cling to, hug
lame, limping, written В®|o
lame leg
purify a house of certain spirits such as
x\o pæ\∑ and kæ\o
purify a house of x\o pæ\∑ spirits
outside, also nö Δ|ö/nö Δ|ï/ne Δ|ï/sw|å/s|å tsæ\ï
outside the house
outside the house
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
253
Southern Lisu Dictionary
s|o
NS
bj\ГҐ s|o
bj\ГҐ s|o n\e
s«∑ s|o
Rbh Mcah s|o ts|uj
V
å\ kæ|∑ s|o ts|uj å.
Rbh Obh s|o m|o
N
wax, also s|u, written В®|o
beeswax, written bj\ГҐ В®|o
Rbh
main ancestor spirits
kind of tree, written s«∑ ®|o
suffer, also О”|Г¶ tО”|Г¶
He is suffering very much.
certainty, especially, good reason for,
importance (in positive shows importance; in
negative implies no point in)
ВЇ|Г® me mj\Г¶ je s|o m|o m\ГҐ dГ”o. There is no point in doing work in the
fields today.
j|Г® s|o m|o m\ГҐ dГ”o. He has no certainty about it; there is no point in it.
j|î s|o m|o nu tæe je du. It is important that you do this/You
should especially do this.
Rbh
Rbj
Rbj
Rbj
Rbj
Rbj
Rbj
W
x
X
h
s|o
NS
a short time ago, longer than ГҐ\ so
a short time ago, longer than ГҐ
\ so
\ГҐ s|o
so
V
study
so
VV keen to, willing to, written В®o
dzГҐ dz\ГҐ m\ГҐ so.
He isn’t keen to eat.
mГЎ m\ГҐ so.
He isn’t willing to be carried.
so
V
fasten
pe kæ\∑ so du
silver buckle which fastens New Year bodice
n\e ts_ГЇГ‰ so ГҐ.
He fastened the button.
so
V
slip, slide, be loose-fitting, written В®o
so l»á k«å å.
It is loose-fitting.
so ~hi
tripwire
p|e so h~ i
tripwire on a missile trap
s«∑ d\ö so lå å.
The log is sliding down this way.
j|î tsæÉï pæ«á dÔ\î l\î l\î so je å. His foot slipped and he skated along.
å| tæ\å w\y so å.
The knife handle is loose.
|ГҐ d\ГҐ so ГҐ
slide down a slide
å| m|e so fu ©∑.
Slide it along/Give it a push and make it slide.
so
V
study, learn, follow an example
tæ\o ©\∑ so tΔ«å å.
He is studying.
tæ\o ©\∑ so h~ i
a school
j|Г® l\Г® so ГҐ.
He is learning the ceremony.
≥w|å je å må so je. Do as I do.
O^i so m«á
N
type of tree, written ®o m«á (preferred for
making banjo, mulberry in China, not in Thailand)
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
254
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
N
Rbj Obi so mВ«o
Rbk @bj so bo
so b_o dzÉï
Rbk
\ГҐ so
N
\ГҐ so
Rbl
s\o
V
nu s\o ВЇi.
Rbl
s\o
V
tΔæ«å tΔæ«ö s\o å.
lГҐ mВ«e s\o ГҐ.
Rbl
s\o
V
Rbl Qbl s\o l\o
A
s\o l\o l\o go t«á lå å.
fu ВЇГҐ s\o l\o dГ”e ГҐ.
shrub, roots are used as a strength medicine
pine tree, also s«∑ bo/tæ\o
pine tree
a very short time ago, shorter than \ГҐ s|o
a very short time ago, shorter than ГҐ
\ s|o
taste
You taste it and see.
whittle, written В®\o
He is whittling arrows.
He is whittling thatch supports.
take an examination (T)
inert, but moving along on the ground
He dragged it along.
Snakes move along fast, but don’t look as though
they are propelling themselves
s\o
V
separate and discard
j|î k«u tsÉï s\o fu ©\∑ å. He removed the skin and discarded it.
Rbm
s\o
N/V a lock; to lock (C), also so
s\o tæ\î må
one lock
s\o k|ГҐ du
a key
s\o s\o ГҐ.
He locked the lock.
Rch
s|u
V
cover up and hide, cloud over
Pull your pants up and cover yourself.
mi tsæÉï tΔ«ï s|u ©\∑ m»å .
m∑ ku s|u å.
It is clouded up, misted up.
w|o kæ\u s|u å.
She has covered up her head, as in a blanket.
Rch
s|u
V
insult
Don’t insult him.
p|u Δ\ï tæ\å s|o.
Rch Um Um s|u ≥\å ≥\å V
overhanging and obstructing vision
j|î n\å h~ o« s|u ≥\å ≥\å l\e. His hat was hanging down over his eyes.
Rci
sВ«u
V
grow used to, accustomed to, written ®«u
He is used to it now.
sВ«u le o.
Rci
sВ«u
V
redeem something deposited, written ®«u
\å me t|å t|î ©∑ å må What I deposited yesterday,
ВЇ|Г® me sВ«u lГҐ ГҐ.
I have come to redeem today.
Rcj
su
V
be defeated, moved, written В®u
su ©∑ o.
He lost.
Rbm
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
255
Southern Lisu Dictionary
su
V
whistle, song word for �sing’
s\ï tΔæÉï s\ï su å.
He is whistling through his teeth.
x|ö xö su.
He is whistling (through his lips).
Rcj
su
V
be upset, disturbed, usually l|ГҐw/lw|ГҐ
¯«î må tæ\å su tsÉï. Don’t be upset.
Rcj
su
N
province, written В®u
Rcj
su
NS agentive nominaliser suffix
tæ\î ~hi su
the people of one house, a family
dГ”e su
those who go
Lisu
Lisu (jungle people)
h~ i Δ«å su
house builders
Rck
su
N
people, other people
This is what people say.
su tæe bá å.
su ¯å j\î dÔe ©∑ gu o.
Everyone has gone home.
Rcl
s\u
V
drizzling steadily, running
m\∑ h~ å s\u s\u li å. It is drizzling steadily.
tsæ\ï s\u s\u do å.
His nose was running steadily.
j|Г® О”\ГЇ s\u s\u do ГҐ.
He was bleeding steadily.
s\u l\u
run out and hang down in strings
|å kæ|o s\u l\u N
silver neck ring with dangling ornaments
j|î mj|å s\u l\u l\u d«å å. It has a lot of decorations hanging down.
s\u s\u
slowly and regularly
tΔi≥ s\u s\u
rough, unattractive, slip-shod
å dÔå s\u l\u l\u do å. A lot of water is pouring out.
Rcah Jcah s|uj tО”|uj
V
cheat (C)
Rcah
s|uj
NS
onion/coriander (C)
onion flower, also l\Г® s|ГЇ
l\Г® s|uj
coriander, also l\∑ Δ|ö
j|e s|uj
Rcam
s\uj
NS
season (C)
j\Г® s\uj
rainy season (C), also h
~ ГҐ ts|ГЇ
Reh
s|∑
NP
wood, tree, after some high/rising tone words
tΔæ«å s|∑
wooden bow of crossbow
Rei
s«∑
NP
wood, tree, Tree clan,
variably s«ï before front vowels
s«∑ b\î
type of taro with large leaves
s«∑ bo dzÉï
pine tree, also so bo
s«∑ p\å ¯å dzÉï
type of tree
s«∑ p\å h~ e\
scorpion (lit. tree crab)
Rcj
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
256
Southern Lisu Dictionary
s«∑ pö
bush, also s«∑ po/m\o pö
s«∑ pæ\î
board used for tamping woof on hand loom
s«∑ pæu dzÉï
kind of tree (�white wood tree’)
s«∑ pæ\∑
wooden basin, (clf pæ\á
_ )
s«∑ pæj|å
wooden board
s«∑ pæj\å
leaves, certificate, papers
s«∑ pæj\å b\∑ di
leaf insect
s«∑ pæj\å ¯«å
tailor bird (�leaf bird’)
s«∑ pæj\å fu
Asian whip snake (�leaf snake’)
po tæe må j|î s«∑ pæj\å m\å dÔo.
I haven’t got the registration
papers for this gun.
small tree with large scalloped leaves, branches
and zigzagging twigs
s«∑ pæj\å ¯«î tΔæ\_ï
green leaves
s«∑ då
stick
s«∑ d\ö
logs
s«∑ d\y
fallen trees, untrimmed logs
s«∑ t\Ì
notches in a log for steps
s«∑ go dzÉï
a leaning tree
s«∑ g\o
bent stick
s«∑ g\∑
box, cupboard, phonograph, radio
s«∑ g\∑ |å m|e Δ|ï.
Please play the phonograph.
s«∑ kå
branch, small stick
s«∑ ku
shade of trees, under the trees
s«∑ ku tså ¯å m\å xå. If it is in the shade of the trees it’s no good.
s«∑ kæw|å
planks, boards, also s«∑ pæj|å
rubber, plastic
s«∑ dÔi
s«∑ dÔi tæ\î kæ«o
a sheet of plastic
s«∑ dÔi tæ\î må
rubber band
s«∑ dÔu dzÉï
dead tree
s«∑ tΔe
root of tree
s«∑ tΔæ\å l\á
twigs on the end of branches
s«∑ tΔæ\u pjö
type of thorn-bush which bears berries - small
leaves
s«∑ dzÉï
tree
s«∑ dzÉï m\∑
yam-like tuber growing at the base of a certain
type of tree (�tree-yam’)
s«∑ dzÉï lo dzÉï
trees and plants
s«∑ tsÉï
reed mat, also Δ«î tsÉï
s«∑ tsÉï m\∑ dzÉï
the tree mentioned above
s«∑ ts\ï
sap, gum
s«∑ pæj\å pæu dzÉï
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
257
Southern Lisu Dictionary
s«∑ må tΔ|ï dzÉï/s«∑ må tΔ«ï dzÉï type of shrub with furry leaves and
Rei
Rei
Rei
Rek Maj
Rel
Rel
W
x
X
h
Y
f
sour edible fruit (bark is chewed with areca nut)
small tree with edible bark
stump of tree
fruit of tree
kind of tree (�yellow wood’)
dice
kind of palm tree, pigs eat cooked stem
flower of tree
hummingbird (�flower honey sucker’)
big tree
cut trimmed logs (as opposed to s«∑ d\ö)
one trimmed log
small brass box for betel
s«∑ m\y dzÉï
s«∑ m|∑ d\u
s«∑ s\∑
s«∑ ΔÉï dzÉï
s«∑ z\å
s«∑ w\á dzÉï
s«∑ we
s«∑ we bj\å tΔæ\ï
s«∑ w\u
s«∑ w\u
s«∑ w\u tæ\î tæö
s«∑ j|î x«o
s«∑
V
NS/C
s«∑ tæ\î s«∑
j|î s«∑ s«∑
j|î s«∑ s«∑ tæ\å s«∑
\å pu tæ\î s«∑
s«∑
V
|å g\o m«î s«∑ å.
j\ån s«∑
NS
j|î j\ån s«∑
s∑ tsÉï
N
s\∑
V
j|î pæu s\∑ å.
j|î ¯å ji Δ\å s\∑ å.
s\∑
NS
C
p\å_ l«e s\∑
po s\∑
gwå s\∑
kæ\∑ s\∑
dzå s\∑
ts|ï s\∑
m\å w|å s\∑
s«∑ s\∑
s«∑ s\∑ lo s\∑
s\∑ tΔæ«ï s\∑
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
cut into wedges, as a cucumber
for wedge-shaped slices cut along the grain
a wedge of firewood
wedge-shaped slice
Don’t cut it into wedges.
a wedge of cucumber
swing back and forth
swing on a swing
colour (C), also s«î (T)
colour
lion (C), also l\å Δ«å/sÉï ji
conserve
He is conserving his money.
He is conserving his strength.
fruit, also variably s\ГЇ after front vowels
fruit, small round things
large wild chestnut
bullets
eggplant
Java plum
rice grains
small wild chestnut
orange
fruit of tree
fruit
pear
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
258
Southern Lisu Dictionary
s\∑ l\o s\∑
peach, also s\∑ w\u s\∑
≥å må s\∑ tæ\î s\∑ one banana
h~ å d\u s\∑
tomato
j|î s\∑
fruit, pine cone
Rel
s\∑
NS
speed
the speed of a horse
|å m\o s\∑
Rel Qbl s\∑ l\o
N
peach, also s\∑ l\u/s\∑ w\u
peach fruit
s\∑ l\o s\∑
s\∑ l\o dzÉï
peach tree
Rem Qem Qem s\∑ l\∑ l\∑ V
having grains free, not adhering to each other
dzГҐ m\ГҐ m_i h~ e\ ,
The rice isn’t cooked yet,
s\∑ l\∑ l\∑ k«å å.
the grains are still not adhering to each other.
lo x\∑ tΔö s\∑ l\∑ l\∑ k«å å.There were myriads of grains of sand.
Rfh
s|ГЊ
V
know, recognize, also s|ГЇ
I don’t know him/I didn’t recognize him.
j|Г® l|ГЎ m\ГҐ s|ГЊ.
Rfj Qfj sГЊ lГЊ
V
smelly with long pointed snout
~h«á sÌ lÌ
kind of smelly rodent with long pointed snout
Rfm Qfm Rel s\Ì l\Ì s\∑ N
pomegranate
RZh
sw|ГҐ
V
poor, also О”w|ГҐ/s|ГҐ, written В®|ГҐ
poor people
tsæo sw|å
~hj\ГҐ ВЇi k|o sw|ГҐ su deprived people
RZh
sw|ГҐ
V
figure out, reckon up (C), also tО”_ГҐ
You can count him as your son.
nu z\ГҐ sw|ГҐ dГҐ ГҐ.
sw|å pæ\å
intelligence, arithmetic ability to figure out
sw|å pæ\å sw|å m\å k|u. He doesn’t know how to do arithmetic./He
doesn’t know how to work it out.
sw|å pæ\å m\å dÔo. He has not got the ability to work it out.
j|î pæ\y sw|å k∑ t|î ©\∑ å.
He is reckoning the cost/He is keeping
an account.
j|î pæ\y sw|å m\å k|u. I am not good at working out the price.
RZh
RZh
NS
sw|ГҐ
ГҐ| m\o sw|ГҐ
sw|ГҐ
gelding
NS
N
sw|å m|î Δe s∑
sw|ГҐ
N
RZh Oah sw|ГҐ m|Г®
RZh
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
castrated, also s|ГҐ
G
k
outside, usually s|o,
also nö Δ|ö/nö Δ|ï/ne Δ|ï/s|å tsæ\ï
fortune teller (Hindi) in the phrase
fortune tellers of all kinds
outside, see s|o
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
259
Southern Lisu Dictionary
swГҐ
V
fold in arms or legs; collect (down from above)
bö tΔæ\ï |å t|î swå ©\∑. Please collect the jackets.
|å t|î swå ©\∑.
Please draw your arms/legs in.
swГҐ l\o
gather up, retract, draw in, contract
swГҐ l\o m\ГҐ k|u.
It can’t contract.
tsæÉï pæ«á å| t|î swå l\o. Please draw in your legs.
RZj
swГҐ
V
ruined, hurt, also sГҐ
RZj
sw_ГҐ
V
sniff (C)
Stop sniffing.
tsæ\ï tæ\å swå.
RZl Ql Ql sw\ГҐ l\ГҐ l\ГҐ
A
moving along clattering and scraping,
rustling along
s«∑ po sw\å l\å l\å go t«á je å. He dragged the bush along clattering and
RZj
scraping as it went.
x∑ fu l\å sw\å l\å l\å
RZ]Ph swГҐn
NS
l\ГҐ swГҐn
RZ]Uk Gck swå≥ ku N
R\ai
j|î s«î
NS
j|î s«î
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
dГ”e ГҐ. The centipede is rustling along.
garlic (C)
`
Г¶
garlic
heavy bore rifle, also po swå≥ ku
colour (T), also j|î y\ån s«∑ (C)
colour
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
260
Southern Lisu Dictionary
S
S_
S`
Sa
Sb
Sc
Sd
SfPh
Th
Th
Âå
Г‚e
Âö
ÂÉï
Г‚o
Г‚u
Г‚y
Г‚|ГЊn
z|ГҐ
|ГҐ m|e z|ГҐ je.
z|ГҐ
V
see zГҐ
see je
see jö/zö
see zÉï
see zo
see zu
see zÉï
see j|Г¶/z|ГЊn
get out of the way
Get out of the way.
V
avoid, out of respect; move aside, separate
(fighting or incompatible things), forgive (reduce
blame, overlook), written Â|å, also g\å g\∑
ts|ГҐ je l|ГЎ z|ГҐ wГҐ ГҐ. You must avoid your father-in-law (women).
dzå gu |å t|î z|å ©\∑ . Make room for him on the path.
|å m|e ju z|å fu ©∑. Separate them (fighting things).
nu ≥wå l|á tsæ|o le å må ¯å ≥wå z|å ©\∑ gu o. I have forgiven you
|å t|î z|å ©\∑.
Ti
z«å
V
Ti Tm
z«å z\å
VS
\å z«å z\å
Tj Obj zГҐ mo
V
≥wå m\å zå mo.
Tk
zГҐ
VS
\ГҐ zГҐ
\ГҐ zГҐ zГҐ
\ГҐ zГҐ \ГҐ zГҐ
Tm
z\ГҐ
VS
©\∑ z\å
Tl
z\ГҐ
N
\ГҐ mГҐ j|Г® z\ГҐ.
≥wå z\å
j|Г® z\ГҐ
ГҐ| w\ГЎ j|Г® z\ГҐ x\o ГҐ.
tsæÉï z\å
s|ГҐ z\ГҐ
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
all of your offences against me.
Please overlook it this time/Please forgive me.
test, try, written «å, usually Δ\ï
very careful and slow, see zГҐ/zГҐ
very carefully and slowly, see ГҐ
\ zГҐ zГҐ
careful, written Âå mo
I won’t be careful.
careful and slow, see zå/ΔÉï ΔÉï
carefully and slowly
carefully and slowly
carefully and slowly
with certain verbs of extent
far
son, offspring
Whose son?
my son
son, sons
The sow is farrowing.
thread
son of sibling of opposite sex from self
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
261
Southern Lisu Dictionary
z\ГҐ du
z\ГҐ gu
j|Г® z\ГҐ gu m\ГҐ dГ”o.
z\ГҐ gu l|ГЎ
z\å kæ∑
z\å dÔö
z\å dÔö tæ\î dÔö
m\∑ dÔö
z\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ
z\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ z\ГҐ
z\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ mГҐ
z\å m∑
j|î z\å m∑
z\ГҐ m\o l|ГЎ
z\å m∑
z\å m∑ z\å
z\å m∑ z\å ¯\î w\å
z\å m\∑ l|á
z\å m\∑ l|á m\o
z\å nö
z\å nö tæ\î nö
z\å nö m\å dÔo.
z\å nö z\å
z\å Δ|ï nö Δ|ï
w\ГҐ z\ГҐ
z\ГҐ
NS
l\ГҐ l\ГҐ z\ГҐ
z\å kæ«å
V
z\ГҐ
NS
|ГҐ z\ГҐ
z\ГҐ
VS
©\∑ z\å
z\å ≥\o
N
Tl
Tl Hi
Tl
Tm
Tm Ubl
T_k
X
h
small one, also ГҐ\
leopard (�small tiger’)
brave
father’s mother and her sisters, written Â\å
father’s mother and her sisters
with certain verbs of extent
far
�pig Latin’, also g\å ≥\o, disguised speech, z\å
inserted after every syllable
z|ГҐ\ГҐ
NS
m∑ z|å\å m\å ≥å.
©\∑ z|å\å m\å kå.
ze
V
Thl
W
x
son of sibling of same sex as self
husband
She has no husband.
young man
placenta (�child nest’)
twins (two sons or one girl and one boy),
also z\ГҐ dГ”\e/dz\ГЇ
a pair of twins
twin daughters, also m\∑ dÔ\e/dz\ï
orphan (one or both parents dead)
boy who has lost one or both parents
girl who has lost one or both parents
wife, mate (female)
his wife
girl of marriageable age, adolescent; also
wife
woman
two women
girl of marriageable age, adolescent
old spinster
offspring
all the children of one mother
He has no children
children
children
worker, servant
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
intensifier
It was not a long time.
It isn’t far.
firm, steadfast, also je, written Г‚e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
262
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
z\e
z\e kæ|o je o.
z\e
z\e k∑ le o.
z\Г¶
z\Г¶
T_l
T_l
T`l
T`m
It passed right over the top of.
V
Taj Oj
Tak
Tak
V
NS
dzå gu ¯å z«ï
zÉï
su l|á tæ\å zÉï.
zÉï pæ\å tæ_∑
zÉï jå
zÉï jå tæ\å tΔ«ï.
zÉï må
zÉï
t«o lo zÉï å.
zÉï
bj\å zÉï
tsæ\å zÉï
ná zÉï
zÉï bö
zÉï d\u
zÉï kæ\o
zÉï kæw\å tæ\o
zÉï dÔ\ö
zÉï tΔæö
zÉï tΔæ\ï
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
frightening
It was frightening.
j|Г® z\Г¶ k|ГҐj j\ГҐ le o.
Tah
z|ГЇ
V
n|å po z|ï k∑ le o.
Tai Adh z|ГЇ p|y
N
Tai @dk z«ï by
N
z«ï by tæ\î kæ«o
Tai Fcj z«ï gu
N
z«ï gu ¯\î må
Tai Qdm z«ï l\y
V
Taj
over the top
use, also j\Г¶/j\e, written Г‚\Г¶
name of a top knocked out of bounds but
still spinning.
He had a shy at the z\Г¶ top and hit it.
ringing in ears
He has a ringing in his ears.
flying insects, also j«î p|y
blanket , also j«î by
one blanket
spoon, also j«î gu
two spoons
slippery, smooth, fluent, eloquent,
also j«î l\y
l\y ГҐ. The path is slippery.
V
libel, mock
Don’t mock people.
act as advocate
harmful lies, libelous stories, false witness
Don’t tell harmful lies about other people.
N
V
cowrie shell, written ÂÉï må
spin, roll down, written ÂÉï
The top is spinning.
N
V
water, written and sometimes also spoken ji
leak, run out (liquids)
honey
tea (liquid) (C)
river, also z\ГЇ mГҐ
pool, lake, also l\u bö/l\o bö
spring, source of water
fetch water
aqueduct
crab, also p\ГҐ h
~ e\
water-driven rice pounder
cold water
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
263
Southern Lisu Dictionary
zÉï tΔæ\ï pæ\å
zÉï ts|ï
zÉï ts«o kæu
zÉï tso lo
zÉï må
Tak
Tak
Tak
Tak
Tak
Tak
zÉï m\y
zÉï m∑
zÉï ná
zÉï n∑
zÉï l\á wo
zÉï l\á wo k|u å.
zÉï lö
zÉï h~ á
В«
zÉï w|u
zÉï wu
zÉï ©∑ dzÉï
w\o zÉï
j|î zÉï
å dÔå zÉï do lå å.
å dÔå zÉï å.
zÉï
N
long life, lifetime, written z∑
Hck zÉï kæu
N
house post, pillar, also ji kæu
He is putting posts into the ground.
zÉï kæu t∑ å.
K`i @_l Cak zÉï tΔæ«ö b\e di N
millipede, also wo tΔæ«ö b\e di
Odl Oj zÉï m\y må N
flies
Zck zÉï wu
N
clay jar with narrow mouth
Zch Tak Oek Oj Tl zÉï w|u zÉï m∑ må z\å N
a pupa (so-called
from a game children play in which the pupa is
asked to point in given directions)
Tal
Tal Oj
Tal
Tam
W
x
marshy place where there is a spring
wave in water, ripple
spring of water, also zÉï tΔ«o kæu
lake, also zÉï tΔo lo/l\o bö
fresh-water cowrie shells used as ornaments and
for divining
a fly
downstream
Salween (�black water’)
muddy water
swim, using arms and legs
He can swim.
hot water
otter, also tæ\å m\o
upstream
large clay water storage jar, also ji wu/dzw|ГҐ be
willow (�water shade tree’)
liquid of vegetables
liquid
The water is running out.
The water is running down.
X
h
Y
f
z\ГЇ
NS
bj\ГҐ z\ГЇ
m|ГЎ z\ГЇ
s«∑ p\å h~ e\ z\ï
z\ГЇ mГҐ
z\ГЇ
N
j|î z\ï tæu å.
z\ï pæ\u
z\ГЇ
V
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
sting
bee’s sting
light or dark brown kinds of fly
scorpion’s sting
river, usually ná zÉï
urine
He is urinating.
bladder
drunk, also j\Г®
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
264
Southern Lisu Dictionary
dzÉï pæ\∑ tæ\å z\ï.
Tam
z\ГЇ
V
Tbh
z|o
V
dz\o tsВ»u z|o wГҐ ГҐ.
Tbh
z|o
V
å\ kæ|∑ z|o ts«o å må
z|o dГҐ o.
TbhqMaj z|o tsÉï
N
Tbh Tbj z|o zo
N
zВ«o
NS
x\o zВ«o
l\ГЎ zВ«o/lj\ГҐ_ zВ«o
j\Г® zВ«o
p\u zВ«o
Tbi
zВ«o
V
dz\ГҐ zВ«o ГҐ.
Tbi HZl z«o kæw\å
N
Tbi
zo
N
zo kæ\o
Tbj
zo
V
dzГҐ zo
zo ts\ГЇ le o.
j|Г® О”\ГҐ zo ГҐ.
j|î tsæ\ï z_o å.
Tbj
zo
C
Tbj
zo
V
m\∑ tsæå zo lå å.
Tbk
zo
V
zo О”\ГЇ zo dГ”\e
TbkqOj Rbj zomГҐ so N
Tbk O_h zo m|e
N
Tbj
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
Don’t get drunk.
sleep, usually j\Г®_
pay attention to
You must pay attention.
be useful, important
the very important one
It is useful.
Northern Thai, also k|o l|o
mother’s younger sister/father’s younger
brother’s wife
medicine (C)
gunpowder
medicine for cooling down a fever
type of emetic medicine
medicine to make fat
very bad tasting
It has a horrible taste.
wild artemisia, also l«o kæw\å/l«u kæw\å,
written «o kæw\å
sheep, also ГҐ zo, written Г‚o
Year of the Sheep
small, weak, written Г‚o
feel reluctant, restrain oneself
It’s too small.
He is weak (strength is small).
He is young.
human, also w\ГҐ, written Г‚o
shine, of the sun
The sun is shining.
sprout out of ground, also je,written Âö
plants which sprout from the ground
Roman Catholicism (E), usually mål«î so
last-born daughter, the last daughter in a
family, usually l\o m|e
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
265
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Pro
z\o
Tbl
second person plural inclusive,
usually ГҐ
\ z\o/\ГҐ w\u, written Г‚\o
We destroy our own group.
z\o Δ\ï z\o pæj|å
Tbl
z\o
NP wife’s younger brother
wife’s younger brother
z\o pæ\å
z\o mГҐ
wife’s younger brother’s wife
Tci
zВ«u
NS in salted meat
salted meat
l«å z«u
Tcj
zu
N
barley
Tck
zu
V
catch, take, get, written Г‚u
Catch it.
|ГҐ m|e zu.
|å t|î zu t«á lå.
Please bring it here.
|å m|e p∑ zu.
Get it and untie it.
Tcl
z\o
V
dry tingling taste - like dry wine , written Г‚\u
tæe må dz\å ¯å z\u å. If you eat this it tastes dry and astringent.
Tcl
z\u
NS domestic honeybee, written Г‚\u
domestic honeybee
bj\ГҐ z\u
Tcl
z\u
NS danger, written Г‚\u
danger
dГ”i z\u
Tek
z∑
N
long life, lifetime, usually zÉï
He hasn’t got long to live.
j|î z∑ m\å ΔÉï.
tæ\î tsæ\ï_ tæ\î z∑
as long as we live, forever
å li m∑ z∑ dÔo \å. How long has the lifetime been?
TfPh
z|ГЊn
V
confess, accept as a relative, usuallyj|Г¶,
written Г‚|ГЊn (C)
j|î t|á ≥wå l|î p|å z|Ìn. I accepted him as a grandson.
j|î tΔæå gu j|î m\å z|Ìn. I didn’t confess his mistake.
TZl
zw\ГҐ
V
weak (C)
He is growing weak.
j|Г® О”\ГҐ zw\ГҐ le ГҐ.
tΔæ«å ~hi zw\å le o. The crossbow string has grown weak.
TZl
zw\ГҐ
Num 100 million
200,000,000
ВЇ\Г® zw\ГҐ
TZl Qei zw\å l«∑
N
the flank
j|î zw\å l«∑ j\å le o. It struck the flank.
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
266
Southern Lisu Dictionary
≥|å
V
pick up and pour into a receptacle
å dÔå ≥|å do m\å då. One can’t drink by pouring water into the mouth.
Uh
≥|å
V
spread open
spread open the door of the Land of the the Dead
m|å kæ\∑ ≥|å å.
Uh
≥|å
V
read signs, omens, fortunes
tæ\o ©\∑ ≥|å ¯i k|u å. He knows how to read signs by using a horoscope.
p\e t\å ≥|å tΔ«å å.
He is reading the signs by using his horoscope book.
Uh
≥|å
V
peeled back by the wind
flapping in the breeze
≥|å gwå
≥|å gwå gwå
flapping, with a turned-up or curled up edge
≥|å gwå gwå d«å å. It has a flapping edge.
≥|å gwå ≥|å gwå d«å å. It is flapping in the breeze.
≥|å l\á ≥|å l\á
flapping in the breeze
≥|å je o.
The wind peeled it back and carried it off.
Uh Ycj ≥|å fu
V
turn over
p\å t«∑ ≥|å fu ©∑ o. He overturned/turned the chair.
t«å bj\å ≥|å fu ©∑ o. He destroyed his ancestor shelf.
Uh Oj
≥|å må
N
spider, usually ГҐ\ g\ГҐ mГҐ
≥|å må wu tsæÉï k\å må trap-door spider
Uj
≥_å
V
protruding (of teeth, of hoe blade, of neck)
≥å ≥å l\e k«å å
be protruding/without feeling or reaction
tå ≥å
woodpecker
Uj Oj ≥å
NP banana, also ©å må
≥å pæj\å
banana leaf
≥å dzÉï
banana tree
≥å må
banana
≥å må po
bunch of bananas
≥å må s\∑
banana fruit
≥å må tΔæ|å l|á må large type of sun-bird
~hå må ≥å s\∑
large kind of banana (�elephant banana’)
Uk
≥å
V
be so, be, agree that something is true
Not so.
m\å ≥å.
|å Δ\ï |e m\å ≥å.
It isn’t anything.
Uk Ek Abh ≥å tæå p|o N
everything (�be this side’)
Ul Q^l ≥\å l\á
V
here and there, all over
dzå ≥\å l\á ≥\å l\á pæ\î le o. Rice was spilt here and there.
tΔi≥ ≥\å l\á
scattered here and there
Uh
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
267
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Ul Q]bm
Um
Um
Um
Um
U; U;
≥\å l\á ≥å l\á li å. It was raining with scattered big drops.
≥\å l\á l\á
scattered here and there
≥\å ≥\å l\á
scattered here and there
≥\å l\åw
V
chattering indistinctly
¯i ≥\å l\åw tΔæ\ö l\á xo å. They were gabbling away to each other.
≥\å
NP forehead, also nГҐ g\ГҐ
≥\å pjå
flat forehead
≥\å tå
straight up and down forehead
≥\å t|o
lumpy forehead
≥\å tæ«o å.
nod foreward
≥_\å tsæÉï
forehead, also ≥\å tΔæi
≥\å tsæÉï
position, pride, honour
≥\å tsæÉï xwå su
those who seek honour
≥\å tsæÉï p«∑ å.
He flicked his forehead
≥\å tΔæ|u/≥\å tsæ|u
a nod
≥\å tΔæ|u tæ«o å.
He is nodding.
≥\å l|ö
domed forehead
≥\å lö ≥\å bjå
broken, through trying to fix it
≥\å
N
water buffalo, also å| ≥\å
¯\î ~hö ≥\å ~hö
raising cows and water buffaloes
|å ≥\å
water buffalo
≥\å
V
obtuse angled, but should be acute angled,
see also ≥\∑ ≥\∑
tå ≥\å mi
sloping sunny field
tΔi≥ ≥\å ≥\å
turned at obtuse angle (like Thai hoes)
ts«ï ≥\å ≥\å_
skinny and bent (of old person)
≥\å ≥\å l\e k«å å
obtuse angled, but should be acute angled
\å go ≥\å ≥\å_ k«å å. The hoe head is cast wrongly at an obtuse angle.
≥\å
V
with craning neck, senselessly, amazingly
tΔi≥ tΔæ«å ≥\å
long neck craning to see over
tΔi≥ ≥\å ≥\å
neck craning to see over
l\å tsæo tΔi≥ ≥\å ≥\å tΔ«å å.
A lot of people all craning their necks.
≥\å ≥\å l\e t«ö ¯i tΔ«å å. He is craning his neck to see over.
≥\å _≥\å
V
furrowed
ts«ï ≥\å ≥\å
pleated
mj\åw tsÉï må to t|∑ ¯å ts«ï ≥\å ≥\å l\e k«å å. The skirts of Meo women
are pleated.
j|î nå g\å ≥\å ≥\å l\e k«å å.
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
He has a deeply furrowed brow.
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
268
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Um Ubh
U]akl
Ubh
Ubh
Ubi
Ubh
Ubj
V
≥\å ≥|o
dzå ≥\å ≥|o
≥å\î
burnt with a crust
burnt crust of rice on the bottom of pot
PF
OK?, isn’t it? also ≥|∑e\ /≥á\á, used with
invitations and to soften commands
Bring it tomorrow, won’t you?
Let’s go tomorrow, OK?
s|å n\á t«á lå ≥»åj.
s|å n\á dÔe å ≥»åj.
≥|o
V
fry
fry an egg
|å j|å fu ≥|o dz\å.
≥|o
V
balance on the head
≥«o
V
prick, pierce
≥|o
V
flatten against and adhere to
pjå ≥|o pjå ≥|o dÔe å. It goes plop! plop! (a frog jumping)
l|å p|å tsæ\ï gwå ≥|o då å.
The mud flattened against it and stuck.
≥o
V
hook onto, hang on a hook, also kw|å/≥wå
bá ≥o dz\å l\á xo make a covenant, to mutually bind oneself to an
agreement
gwå ≥o då å.
It is hooked on over there.
j|î ¯«î må go tæ\î w\å l|á ≥o då å. He has that person in mind all the
time (lit. his heart is hooked on that person)
V
V
Ubj Qbh ≥o l|o
Ubk
≥o
Ubl
Ubl
Ubl
@
b
A
p
hope, set heart on
yes, it is so, that’s right, final, indicates
affirmative, often future
He will go.
dÔe å ≥o.
≥o \å.
Is that so?
\å to \å ≥o
to no avail
≥\o
V
perch on
¯«å tæ\î må ≥\o tΔ«å å. A bird is perched there.
¯«å z\å ≥\o lå.
The birds came to perch on it.
≥\o
V
shake from side to side, as in a sieve
sieve rice bran
dzå pæ\∑ ≥\o å
|å l\u kæ\u kwå l\å t|î so ≥\o å shaking peanuts in a frying pan
≥\o
N
language, words
Pig Latin (add g\ГҐ after each syllable of sentence)
g\å ≥\o
tá ≥\o
example
m\o gw\å ≥\o
song language
lisu ≥\o
Lisu language
≥\o dÔö
proverb
xw\å pæu ≥\o
English (�white meat language’)
f«å l\å ≥\o
English (�foreign language’)
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
269
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Ubl
Ubl
Ubm
Ubm
Uck
Uej
Uem Uem
Ue_hl
X
h
Pig Latin (add z\ГҐ after each syllable of sentence)
joke
walking stick
walking stick, written dÂ\å ≥\o
shade, shadow
shade, shadow
bend
He bent the tree over like this.
cock
He cocked the gun like this.
He cocked the crossbow like this
He pulled back the bow-sling string.
cry
Don’t cry!
crying and sniffling
ГҐ. He was crying and sniffling as he spoke.
evil, see also h~ Г®|
evil person
bent in, toed-in, also ≥\å ≥\å
The hoe is toed-in.
OK?, isn’t it? also ≥»aj, used with invitations
and to soften commands
≥w|å
N
l|å p|å ≥w|å
≥w|å bö
≥w|å p\å le
≥w|å d\o dzÉï
≥w|å d\y
≥w|å go dÔö
≥w|å k|å
≥w|å dÔ\u
≥w|å tΔæ«ö l\ö
≥w|å tΔæ\ï
≥w|å tså pæ\∑
≥w|å tsæ|ï
≥w|å tsæ∑
≥w|å n|å b\∑ di
≥w|å l\å
UZh
W
x
z\å ≥\o
w\å Δö ≥\o
≥\o
NS
dz\å ≥\o
≥\o
NS
©∑ ≥\o
≥\o
V
s«∑ dzÉï tæe ≥\o å.
≥\o
V
po tæe ≥\o å.
tΔæ«å tæe ≥\o å.
lo p«∑ ≥\o å.
≥u
V
tæ\å ≥u.
≥u tΔæ\u ≥u nu
≥u tΔæ\u ≥u nu tΔæ\ö
≥∑
V
tsæo ≥∑
≥\∑ ≥\∑
V
\å go ≥\∑ ≥\∑ le.
≥|∑e\
PF
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
fish; Fish clan
serpent head fish (�mud fish’)
fish pond
40cm fish with pointed upper spine
kind of tree, used for fish poison
fish scales
kingfisher (�fish collecting hawk’)
catfish
dried fish
loach (�awl fish’)
dried fish paste
kind of 10cm long fish found in small pools
fish basket trap
candle wax (�fish fat’)
earthworm (�fish lure worm’)
otter (�fish tiger’), also zÉï h
~ ГЎ
В«
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
270
Southern Lisu Dictionary
UZh
UZk
UZl
@
b
A
p
≥w|å fu
≥w|å ΔÉï tså
eel (�fish snake’)
a shrub which sends out underground suckers,
root used in making fish poison (�fish die vine’)
≥w|å
V
≥w|å s\å d\î mi
≥wå
Pro
≥wå n\u
≥w\å
Num
≥w\å må
lend (same article to be returned, see l|Г®)
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
fallow field
I, me
we (exclusive)
five
five things
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
271
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Vh
Vi
Vi A`j
Vj Oej
Vk
Vk
Vk
Vk
W
x
X
h
Y
f
~h|ГҐ
NS kind of grass grown in fallow fields
kind of grass grown in fallow fields
j\å m|∑ ~h|å
~h«å
N
near-future, see å\ hw«å
h~ å« tæ\î tæ«∑ h~ e| dÔe å.We’ll go in a minute.
~h«å ts|ï z\å
soon, in a little while
~h«å dÔe
go in a little while
~h«å m\o lo
later when it’s after noon
h~ å« m\∑ kæ\∑
later when it’s evening
~h«å pö
N
swaddling cloth, also å| pö
~hå m∑
N
now, the present, usually å m∑ s\å
~hå m∑ x∑ nå å. It is still sore/it is sore now too.
h~ å m∑ s\å
now
~hГҐ
V
send a person, see also fu
tæ\o ©\∑ ~hå fu.
send a letter
j|Г® d\o h~ ГҐ l\ГЎ xo ГҐ. They sent word to each other.
~hГҐ
N
soul (as opposed to body)
spirit of dead person
tsæo h~ å
n\e j|î h~ å l\e ≥o.
Spirits have only immaterial existence.
~hå lö
put faith in, trust, become Christian
j|î l|á h~ å lö å.
I trust him.
j|î l|á h~ å lö bo å. I trust him fully.
©∑ ~hå
soul
©∑ ~hå kæu å
recall soul (ceremony when sick)
~hГҐ
V
yawn
breathe
j|Г® О”\ГҐ ~hГҐ
j|Г® О”\ГҐ ~hГҐ d\y
breathe out
j|Г® О”\ГҐ ~hГҐ do
breathe in
j|Г® О”\ГҐ ~hГҐ m\ГҐ k|u.
He can’t breathe.
j|Г® О”\ГҐ m\ГҐ ~hГҐ.
He isn’t breathing.
j|Г® О”\ГҐ ~hГҐ m\ГҐ bi .
He can’t breathe properly.
~hГҐ
N/C month, moon, pair word for k\o year
tæ\î ~hå
first month
l|Г® ~hГҐ
fourth month
k\o О”\ГЇ ~hГҐ О”\ГЇ
New Year
sГҐ h~ ГҐ
third month
~hГҐ bГҐ
moon, month, also ГҐ bГҐ
~hГҐ bГҐ l|u l|u
full moon
~hå bå tæ\î må
one month
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
a
e
_
Г¶
` b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
I
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
272
Southern Lisu Dictionary
~hГҐ bГҐ m\ГҐ bi ~h\e.
Her month’s confirnement after childbirth isn’t
completed yet.
~hГҐ bГҐ tО”o lo/~hГҐ tО”o menstruate
h~ å pæu
waxing moon
h~ å pæu så ¯i
third day of the waxing moon
~hå tΔæ«ö
new moon
h~ ГҐ nГЎ
waning moon
Vk
Vk Cc:
Vk Cc:
Vk Oj
Vk Oaj
~hГҐ
NP/S
m\∑ ~hå
~hГҐ d\ГҐ
~hГҐ ts|ГЇ
~hГҐ d\u
N
h~ ГҐ d\u b\e
h~ ГҐ d\u tu su
~hГҐ d\u
N
~hå d\u s\∑
~hГҐ mГҐ
N
~hГҐ mГҐ p|ГҐ
~hå må dzÉï
~hå må n|∑ pæy
~hГҐ mi
N
~hå mi tæ\î kæw|å
hå ©|∑ mi
~hГҐ ~h|ГҐ\ГҐ
A
~hГҐ h|ГҐГҐ\ ГҐ mo ГҐ.
~hГҐ h|ГҐ\ГҐ ГҐ pГҐ dz\ГҐ ГҐ.
V.:
~hȌ
I
V.: Ck n ~h»å då å
VV
dzå ©\∑ h~ å» då å
ΔÉï ~h|å\å då å
V^h
~h|ГҐ
V
¯«î må ~h|å å
V^h V^h ~h|ГҐ ~h|ГҐ
I
V^h Ubl ~h|á ≥\o
N
V^i
h~ ГЎ
В«
N
på ~h«á
må ~h«á
zÉï ~h«á
Vk V.:
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
rain
rain
great slaty woodpecker, said to call for rain
rainy season, also j\Г® s\uj
house/village site, also ГҐ d\u
old house/village site
village founder
tomato, also ГҐ d\u
tomato, also å d\u s\∑
elephant
bull elephant
elephant tusk
tree whose leaf causes skin irritation
unirrigated fields, also ГҐ mi
one unirrigated field
fields after corn has been reaped
sights or sounds a long way off
I saw it in the distance.
I heard it faintly.
request for repetition
almost, about to
almost time to reap the rice
almost dead, about to die
greedy
greedy
sound of crying, boo hoo
riddle, also bá ≥\o/lo ≥\o/bá ~h|á ≥\o
rodent; Rat clan
cane rat
bamboo rat
otter
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
273
Southern Lisu Dictionary
~h«á b\å ΔÉï
h~ ГЎ
В« b\e
pæ|å h~«á b\e
h~ ГЎ
« b\e m|∑ k|å
h~ ГЎ
« bjö
h~ ГЎ
В« pu
~h«á pæ\∑
~h«á tæ\o lå
h~ ГЎ
« kæw\å
~h«á dÔ\á l\á
~h«á ts|ï må
h~ ГЎ
« tsæ«e
h~ ГЎ
« tsæw|å
~h«á m|∑ d\u
yellow-cheeked tree shrew
squirrel, also ГҐ
| b\e
tricolour squirrel
bushy-tailed squirrel
small flying squirrel
porcupine, also ГҐ
| pu
rat, also ГҐ
| pæ\∑
rabbit-size rock rat, also used for badger
brush-tailed porcupine
striped squirrel
large nocturnal flying ant
large type of squirrel
dwarf squirrel
type of shrub with hairy leaf, bearing yellow
edible fruit (�stump-tail rat’)
sun lizard
striped palm squirrel
striped dwarf squirrel
kind of small mushroom (�rat ear’)
giant squirrel
small mouse, eats cloth
black squirrel (rare)
mole, also h
~ ГЎ
В« l\ГЎ mВ«e
kind of smelly rodent with pointed long snout
husband’s younger brother/wife’s younger
brother (�small rat’)
rat trap
small rodent with white belly
tiny rodent living in grass
rock rat (large, lives in rocks)
~h«á m\∑ tΔæö
~h«á mjå bo
h~ ГЎ
В« mj_ГҐ k\o lo z\ГҐ
~h«á n|å po
h~ ГЎ
В« nГЎ
~h«á ná tΔæ\ï
h~ ГЎ
В« l\ГҐ
h~ ГЎ
В« l\Г¶ mВ«e
h~ ГЎ
В« sГЊ lГЊ
h~ ГЎ
В« z\ГҐ
V^i Eal
V^i Mah
V^m
V_h
V_h
W
x
X
h
Y
f
~h«á wå
~h«á w\o pæu
Δ|ï z\å ~h«á w|u n∑
В©|ГҐ h~ ГЎ
В«
~h«å tæ\î
V
h~ ГЎ
В« ts|ГЇ
N
h~ ГЎ
В« ts|ГЇ di ГҐ.
h~ ГЎ
\
NS
n|ГЎ h~ ГЎ
\
h~ e|
VV
h~ e|
PNF
t«á lå h~ e| dz\å o.
~h|e ВЇi
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
a
e
sneeze
wart, also ~h«á tΔ«ï
He has a wart.
next year, also ~hj\ГҐ
next year, also n|ГЎ h
~ j\ГҐ/n|ГҐ ~hj\ГҐ
difficult to
sequence, usually h~ Г®| , also written s|ГЇ
He carried it here and then ate it.
sequence and cause, usually h
~ Г®| ВЇi
_
Г¶
` b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
I
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
274
Southern Lisu Dictionary
m\∑ tsæå tsæå h~ e| ¯i m\å dÔe. I will not go because it is hot.
V_i Jdj ~h«e tΔÉï
N
broom, also ~h«î tΔÉï
~h«e tΔÉï ¯å h~ i Δ«ï du ≥o. A broom is a thing for sweeping a house.
~h«e tΔ_Éï nö/~h«i tΔÉï nö
type of pampas-like reed used to make brooms
V_j
h~ e
I
yes, right
V_k Zbl ~he w\o
N
type of bitter lentil used to spice food
h~ e w\o k|o dzÉï
type of shrub with small cookable fruit
V_l
h~ e\
N
tin, zinc
V_l
h~ e\
V
compare and know which is good
knowledge of what is good
~h\e ¯«î
V_l
h~ e\
PF
still (in positive), yet (in negative), also s\e/~he\
dÔe tΔ«å ~h\e.
He is still going
dГ”e ~h\e.
Now I must go.
m\ГҐ dГ”e ~h\e.
He hasn’t gone yet.
V_l
h~ e\
NS scorpion
scorpion
s«∑ p\å ~h\e
V_l Gh ~h\e k|ГҐ
N
adhering refuse, sediment, deposit (C)
(anything which collects more of the same)
tsæ\å_ kæw|å tæe må h~ e\ k|å dÔo å. This kettle has sediment.
V_l O_i [dj ~h\e m«e ΔÉï
N
behind, backwards
h~ e\ m«e ΔÉï pæ«o ¯i å. He turned around and looked behind.
h~ e\ m«e ΔÉï tæ\î xw«å j\_î dÔe o. They doubled back on their tracks/They
turned back the way they had come.
V_m
V_m
V_m
@
b
A
p
h~ e\
V
gwå ~h\e tΔ«å å.
|ГҐ t|Г® h~ e\ m\ГҐ nГҐ.
|ГҐ m|e h~ e\ В©|ГҐ.
h~ e\
Num
h~ e\
NP
~h\e tО”Г¦\Г®
~h\e tО”Г¦\Г® xВ«o ГҐ
h~ e\ mГҐ
h~ e\ m\ГЊ
dzГҐ h~ e\ m\ГЊ ГҐ.
h~ e\ m\Ì kæ\o
h~ e\ m\Ì kæ\o do å.
h~ e\ n\o
~h\e xВ«o nГҐ
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
stand, stand up, stand straight
He is standing over there.
He can’t quite stand up straight.
Stand up
eight, also h~ Г®\
belly, also h~ e\ /~hГ®\
stomach (external), belly, also h
~ e\ tО”Г¦\Г®
have diarrhea
stomach (internal organ)
be hungry
I’m hungry.
famine
There was a famine.
upper abdomen (at waist)
have diarrhea
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
275
Southern Lisu Dictionary
h~ e\ z\ГҐ
lower abdomen (below waist)
~|ГҐ ВЇ\Г® h\e mГҐ
cow stomach/jackfruit
V`i
~h«ö
V
have holes, be penetrated
There was a pit.
w«å l\å kæu h~ ö« å.
j|î kæu ~h«ö å.
It has holes in it.
V`j
~hö
V
be boggy
l|å p|å m\å ~hö.
It isn’t muddy.
l|ГҐ p|ГҐ h~ Г¶ ГҐ.
It is muddy/sink into mud
~hö wå
ditch trap
V`k
~hö
V
be born, raise, care for, also h~ y
z\å m\å h~ ö m∑ h~ e\ . He has no sons yet.
z\å nö h~ ö å.
He is bringing up children.
|å j|å ~hö å.
He raises chickens.
z\å nö h~ ö ©∑ s\å ¯i wå
the third day after the child was born
V`l
~h\Г¶
V
give off steam
It is giving off steam.
j|Г® О”\ГҐ ~h\Г¶ ГҐ.
V`m
~h\Г¶
V
cave in
tæ\o_ h~ ö\ å.
He stepped on it and it caved in.
g\o h~ Г¶\
empty and caved in, floppy
n|Г¶ ~h\Г¶
muddy soil
h~ ö\ k∑ le o.
It caved in.
h~ ö\ l\ö l\ö k«å å.
caved in and sank in
Vah
~h|Г®
V
be shocked, get a shock, also О”|Г®
He got a shock.
h~Л‡Г® le o.
Vah
~h|Г®
V
ugly, bad, difficult, evil
It’s a difficulty.
kw\ГҐ ~h|Г® ГҐ.
tsæo ~h|î.
evil person
m\ГҐ ~h|Г®.
It is not ugly/bad/difficult.
Δ«å ~h|î å.
It is difficult to make.
j|î pæj\ö mjå ¯å ~h|î å. Her face is ugly.
j|î ¯«î må ~h|î å.
He is wicked.
Vah
~h|Г®
PNF sequence marker (usually same subject),
also h
~ e| , usually written s|ГЇ
He carried it here and ate it.
t«á lå ~h|î dz\å å.
Vah Rak Qahl ~h|î sÉï l»î
V
quiet, still
h~ î| sÉï l»î k∑ le o. It became quiet, silence descended.
Vah
~h|Г®
NS (not) at all, usually e|
never, usually tæ\î hw«åe
|
tæ\î xw«å ~h|î
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
a
e
_
Г¶
` b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
I
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
276
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Vaj
Vak
Vak Mj
Vak
Vak
Val
Vam
Vam
Vam
Vbi
Vbi
Vbj
Vbj
Vcj
~hi
V
wide, broad, usually О”i
~hi
N
house, family
airplane (�house fly’)
~hi bjö
h~ i bjö dÔ\á l\á pæ\å/~hi bjö ©«∑ pæ\å/~hi bjö p\å t\å helicopter
~hi p|Г® du
roof
h~ i pö
field house, also h
~ i bö
h~ i pæ\å m|∑ du
end of ridge pole
h~ i tæ\u kwå ti å
start a new family, euphemism for marriage
~hi tΔæo d«å
transverse thatch supports (from ridgepole to side)
~hi m\ГҐ xwГҐ ~h\e.
He isn’t married/hasn’t sought a family yet
h~ i l\ГЎ
corner of the house
~hi li
large boat (�house boat’)
~hi x∑ dzÉï
common type of tree used for firewood
h~î \å kæ|å
gecko (�house lizard’)
h~î |å kæ\∑ d\u
verandah
~hi tsГҐ
N
bowstring
tΔæ«å ~hi tså
crossbow string
j|Г® ~hi tsГҐ
bowstring
~hi
NS in the middle
in the middle
tö ~hi\å
tö ~hi n|á\á
inside in the middle
~hi
NS wind, also h~ e
wind, also m\e h
~ e
m\Г® ~hi
~h\Г®
V
wonder whether what someone says is
correct, also h~ Г®\ ВЇi
~h\Г®
N
belly, also h~ e\ /~he\
~h\Г®
V
stand up, also h~ e\
~h\Г®
Num eight, usually h~ e\
~hВ«o
V
wear a hat
He isn’t wearing a hat.
j|Г® n\ГҐ ~hВ«o m\ГҐ ~hВ«o.
~hВ«o
N
maggots
It has maggots in it.
~h«o tΔ«å å.
~ho
V
grab, snatch, take by force, usually h~ u
~ho
NS mouth, see also m\Ì n«Ì
n|ГҐ ~ho
mouth, see also m\Ì n«Ì
~hu
V
grab, snatch, take by force, also h~ o
su z\å m∑ tæ\å h~ u. Don’t snatch another’s wife (Don’t commit
adultery).
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
277
Southern Lisu Dictionary
h~ u t«á je o.
He snatched it and carried it away.
Vcj P\i ~hu ¯«å
V
wait for, also fu ¯«å
|å t|î ~hu ¯«å.
Wait a while.
Vcj
~hu
NS mouth (inside)
n|ГҐ ~hu
mouth (inside)
Vcl
~h\u
N
penis, also f\u/~ho\
male sex organs
l|ГҐ ~h\u
~h\u my/~h\u tsÉï
male public hair
~hВ«u s|u
long-foreskinned penis
~h\u fu
testicles
Vdi
~hВ«y
V
choked with weeds, also fy
Vdi
~hВ«y
VS
expel snot from nose
expel snot from nose
tsæ\ï ~h«y
Vdj
~hy
NS stem of mushroom
j|Г® ~hy
stem of a mushroom
Vdk
~hy
V
be born, raise, also h~ Г¶
the birth/raising of his son
j|Г® z\ГҐ h~ y ГҐ mГҐ
Veh
~h|∑
PF
expresses doubt, also pæ|åå\ /b|åå\
Veh
~h|∑
I
no
~h|∑, ≥wå m\å dÔe. No, I’m not going.
Vei
~h«∑
V
pull apart so something breaks
He is pulling bamboo apart (as when
må kæw\å h~ ∑
« b\∑ ©∑ å.
making strips for fencing).
Vei
Vei
Vei Q^m
Vek
Vek Ql
W
x
X
h
Y
f
~h«∑
V
blow the nose
He is blowing his nose.
tsæ\∑ h~ ∑
« ©∑ å.
~h« ∑
I
Hey!
~h«∑ l\á
I
Lisu cow call
~h∑
V
be angry
nu tæ\å ~h∑/¯«î må tæ\å ~h∑. Don’t be angry.
~h∑ l\å
N
large Indian civet
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
a
e
_
Г¶
` b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
I
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
278
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V\k
V\l
V\l
V\m
V\m
@
b
A
p
~hjГҐ
Num
tæ\î ~hjå
~hj\ГҐ
V
~hj\ГҐ
N
~hj\ГҐ nГЎ
~hj\ГҐ d\ГҐ mГҐ
~hj\å ku tæ\u
В©|ГҐ ~hj\ГҐ
~hj\ГҐ
C
sГҐ h~ j\ГҐ sГҐ ВЇi
h~ j\å tæ«o må
~hj\ГҐ ВЇi
j|Г® ~hj\ГҐ ВЇi k|o je o.
~hj\ГҐ ВЇi k|o s|ГҐ ГҐ
NS
~hj\ГҐ
n|ГҐ ~hj\ГҐ
n|ГЎ ~hj\ГҐ
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
hundred
one hundred
pair word for dÔo �have’
antelope
black antelope, anoa
big antelope, anoa
serow antelope
rock antelope, serow antelope
for nights
three days and three nights
mosquito (type which bites at night)
an era, a season, a time; 24 hour day
The season is over, his time is up.
idiom - the poor (�those for whom it is hard to
get through the day.)
next year, also n|ГЎ
next year, also n|ГЎ h
~ j\ГҐ/n|ГЎ h~ ГЎ
\
next year, also n|ГҐ h
~ j\ГҐ/n|ГЎ h~ ГЎ
\
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
279
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
x|ГҐ
Wh
see-saw, weigh down one end,
overbalance, also x|∑
go tГЎ tО”Г¦\Г¶ x|ГҐ je o. It is weighed down on that side
x|ГҐ l\ГЎ
improperly balanced, seesawing
me tΔo tæe må x|å l\á x|å l\á d«å å. This table is seesawing back and
forth.
Wi
Wi
Wj
Wl
Wl
Wl Q^j
X
h
Y
f
kind of bee, no honey, hive on branches
spread-eagled
tattered
place where one road divides into two
sixth finger (deformity)
small branch, twig
type of mustard green with tattered leaves
VV
V
VV
tæe må ¯å xå å.
tsæo xå
l\ГЎ xГҐ
xå xå tΔ«å å.
|ГҐ n\ГҐ xГҐ
x\ГҐ
V
x\ГҐ l\ГЎ
x\ГҐ l\ГЎ l\ГЎ
x\ГҐ
V
kæ\å b\e x\å å.
kæ\å b\e x\å x\å l\e
x\ГҐ x\ГҐ
x\ГҐ lГЎ
V
Δi≥ x\å lá tΔæe kæo
Z
w
before, first, also x|∑/k«å/s«å
before, some time ago, also x|∑ tæ\á
before/first, also x|∑ tsæ\å/s«å tΔæ\e/k«å tΔæ\e
divided, split, see x\ГҐ
NS
all, precedes verb, mainly Northern Lisu
good
good to
This is good.
good person
not listen to elders’ teaching
It is good.
good dog
tear apart (flat sheets, paper, string)
torn and tattered, also x«å/Δi≥ x\å l\á
torn and tattered
open jaws wide
He opened his mouth wide.
with jaws wide open
wide open jaws
arms and legs waving
le o.
He fell over with arms and legs
cartwheeling.
V
PF
x\ГҐ
x\ГҐ
Wm
Wm
W
x
NP
x|ГҐ
x|å tæ\á
x|ГҐ tО”Г¦\e
x«å
bj\å x«å (må)
tΔi≥ x«å lá
tΔi≥ x«å l\á
dzå x«å
l\á x«å
s«∑ l\á x«å
w\o x«å l\á
x«å
xГҐ
Wh
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
pick by breaking off (fruit, etc.)
strong imperative, also x\ГҐ/h\ГҐ
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
280
Southern Lisu Dictionary
x|ГҐj
V
infertile, thin, undernourished (C)
pale and unhealthy
x|ГҐj x|ГҐj ВЇi
x|åj x|åj ¯i k«å å.
He is very skinny.
x|ГҐj j\Г¶
skinny (nickname)
W]ah
x|ГҐj
V
betray to death, double cross (C)
He betrayed them to death.
x|ГҐj О”\e ГҐ.
W]bh
x|ГҐw
C
type, ordinal number (C)
first, best type
j|Г® x|ГҐw
|∑ x|åw
second, medium-sized
å li tæ\î x|åw må
which type?
Wbh
x|o
V
pour
zÉï lö |å t|î x|o fu ©∑. Pour in a little hot water.
Wbh
x|o
N
merchandise, also mu dГ”\e/gu dГ”\u
x|o p\ГҐj ГҐ.
He trades; he is a merchant.
x|o w\u ГҐ.
He sells merchandise.
Wbh B\h x«o pæj|å
N
bamboo guiding fins at back of arrow,
also pæj|å x|o
Wbh Q`m x|o l\Г¶
V
wobbling
x|o l\ö x|o l\ö d«å å. It is wobbling.
Wbh
x|o
NS kind of sesame used for oil/seasoning
kind of sesame used for oil/seasoning
n|Г¶ x|o
Wbi
xВ«o
V
agree, go together, be appropriate
tæe bá å ¯å m\å x«o. If you say it this way, it’s not appropriate
m\ГҐ xВ«o l\ГЎ xo.
They don’t agree; they don’t go together.
¯«î x«o
agree
¯«î k∑ s\ï x«o
agree
x«o å tæ\î xw«å ¯å. Now it fits properly.
x«o kæ\∑
pleasing taste (of food)
≥wå m\å x«o kæ\∑. It isn’t to my taste.
xВ«o xВ«oГҐ
exactly right
x«o x«o ¯i ≥o.
That’s exactly right.
Wbi
xВ«o
V
purge
Purge it out.
x«o fu ©\_∑.
~h\e tО”Г¦\Г® xВ«o ГҐ.
He has diarrhea.
Wbi
xВ«o
V
slip down, fall off, strip off (leaves and
seeds), steep, slope
pj«å b\å \å kæ|∑ m\å x«o. The downhill slope is not very steep.
t«á mi b\å x«o å.
It slopes uphill.
W]ah
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
281
Southern Lisu Dictionary
dzå w|o n|o |å t|î x«o ©\∑.
Strip the rice seeds off the rice head.
m|Г® b\ГҐ xВ«o ГҐ.
The side hill slope is steep.
mi tsæÉï x«o je o.
His pants have fallen down.
l\u xВ«o
landslide
l\u xВ«o xВ«o ГҐ
landslide slides down
tsæo x«o pæ\å
one who leads others astray
xВ«o dГ”\ГҐ
slipping up and down
tΔi≥ x«o dÔ\å
slipping up and down
xВ«o g\ГҐ xВ«o g\ГҐ
slipping up and down
tsæÉï ¯i x«o g\å x«o g\å d«å å. His shoes are too big and they slip up and
down.
xВ«o dГ”\ГҐ
about to fall down (pants)
j|î mi tsæÉï Δi≥ x«o dÔ\å d«å å. His pants are falling down.
xВ«o le ~h|ГҐ dГҐ.
They’re about to fall off.
j|î pæj\å |å t|î x«o t\å. Strip the leaves off.
xВ«o
V
play cards
j|î pæ\åj m\å x«o ~h\e. He hasn’t played his cards yet (also has figurative
Wbi
meaning of “He hasn’t told the whole truth yet” or
“He hasn’t revealed his purpose yet”).
Wbi
Wbi
Wbi
Wbj
Wbj
Wbj
Wbk
W
x
X
h
xВ«o
C/NS for cartons, packs, small boxes
m\å tæå s\∑ tæ\î x«o a carton of flashlight batteries
p|ГЎ xВ«o
betel accessory box
je xВ«o
small box
xВ«o
VS
pink
pink
tæ\o x«o
j|î tæ\o x«o
something pink
hВ«o
NS large pod of a kind of vine (used for game)
l|ГҐ hВ«o
large pod of this vine
xo
V
be restless, fret, chafe (at bit)
pæå tsæ«o ©∑ å xo å. As soon as it was tied it panicked.
|å m\o pæ\å xo tΔ«å å. The stallion is restless, chafing at the bit.
xo pæjö
forehead strap of large carrying basket
B\`j xo pæjö N
woven carrying strap, also xo pæi
Vak xo ~hi
N
school (T)
xo
N
iron, metal, also xo
xo bö
prison
xo bö kæ\u å bö t|å o. He has been confined in a prison.
xo d\∑ å.
He is forging iron.
xo d\∑ pæ\å
blacksmith
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
282
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Wbk `h
Wbk
Wbl
Wbl
Wbl
Wbl
Wbl
Wbl
xo l\u
blacksmith’s bellows
xo |Г¶
V
peppermint-flavoured
xo |ö s\∑
hog plum, Spondias pinnata
xo
PPF in reciprocal, also kæo/xo
l\ГЎ xo
reciprocal, also l\á kæo/l\á xo
x\o
N
He clan (C)
x\o
V
fade, run (of dye)
m\å x\o m∑
cloth that doesn’t fade
x\o
V
lead, guide
muzzleloading gun
tæ\á x\o po
x\o t«á lå.
Bring him here.
x\o m|å ©\∑ å.
He is guiding him.
x\o
PF
again/also (indicates complaint about additions)
tæe bá ©∑ å x\o.
He said this again.
ГҐ| j|ГҐ bГЎ ГҐ x\o,
Then he asks for chickens,
ГҐ| w\ГЎ bГЎ ГҐ x\o.
and next he asks for pigs.
x\o
V
pour, put into container
agree
¯«î kÌ s\ï x\o
x\o
V
lop off minor branches
må kæw\å mjå s\∑ x\o å.
He is lopping off branches from the
bamboo pole.
N
Wbl @\`k x\o bjö
Wbl Am
Wbl Bel
¯«å x\o bjö
x\o p\ГҐ
x\o pæ\∑
large kind of flying squirrel
pheasant
N
N
bamboo firebrand, torch (C), see å| t|o x«∑
name of wandering spirit bringing bad luck;
ritual tray for purifying houses
x\o pæ\∑ s|o å.
perform house-purification
Wbl Eh x\o tæ|å
N
coals (C) (burning)
x\o m\∑/|å t|o x\o m\∑ ash which retain shape of object
Wbl Rh x\o s|ГҐ
N
Buddhist priest or novice (C), also h\o s|ГҐ/О”|ГҐ
Wbl Wbi x\o xВ«o
NS lid, also j|Г® k|ГҐj k|ГҐj
lid
j|Г® x\o xВ«o
Wbl [\j x\o О”ГҐ
N
vegetable with a licorice-like flavour
Wbl Tbi x\o zВ«o
N
gunpowder (C �fire medicine’)
Wbm
x\o
V
go soft
j\ГҐ x\o dГҐ x\o je gu o. The match stick head is all soft.
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
283
Southern Lisu Dictionary
x\o
V
revive, console
dzГҐ x\o j\Г® lГҐ o.
The rice revived.
j|î ¯«î må x\o j\î lå å. He was consoled/He recovered.
WbUh P]Oh x|o≥ n|åm N
toilet (T)
Wcah
x|uj
VS
be satisfied (C)
s\ГЇ x|uj
satisfied (liver satisfied)
x|uj z\ГҐ
begrudge, feel sorry, also k«å b\å/kæw\åj Δe
nu pæu tæ\å x|uj z\å. Don’t begrudge your money.
Wcaj
xuj
NS lime, betel mixture (C)
Δ«î xuj
lime, betel mixture, also Δ«ï xuj
Weh
x|∑
V
depart from trail
He lost his way.
x|∑ dÔe o.
x|∑ x|∑ mu
nor straight, not directly facing
x|∑ x|∑ ΔÉï
around and around
Weh
x|∑
V
slice, cut with back and forth motion
|å tæ\å x|∑ l»e.
The knife will cut you!
Weh
x|∑
V
bind up (bamboo fins to back of arrow shaft)
p|∑ x|∑ x|∑ å.
Put a binding on it/Bind it up.
Weh
x|∑
V
orbit, go in circles, wobble, of spinning top
j|î dÔ\ï m\å x|∑ ~h\e. The top hasn’t yet slowed down and started to go
Wbm
in circles.
V
Weh
x|∑
Weh
x|∑
NP
x|∑ tæ\á
x|∑ tæ\á tæe m\å k«å.
x|∑ tΔæ\å
nu x|∑ tsæ\å dÔe.
x«∑
V
k\å s\åw x«∑ å .
t«åw tsÉï x«∑ m\å k|u.
dÔ\e x«∑
dÔ\e x«∑ x«∑ m\å k|u.
x«∑
NS
|å t|o x«∑
x«∑ l\å
VS
Wei
Wei
Wei Qm
Wei Wei x«∑ x«∑
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
N
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
see-saw, weigh down one end, overbalance
usually x|ГҐ
before, first, also x|ГҐ
before, some time ago, also x|å tæ\á
It wasn’t like this formerly.
before, first, also x|å/k«å/s«å tΔæ\e
You go first.
wrap around and tie
He is tying a sack (usually to horse load)
He is no good at tying on loads.
belt, also dÔ\î/dÔ\å/dz\ï/dz\å x«∑
He can’t tie up his belt properly.
bamboo firebrand, torch, also xo p\ГҐ
torch
dark blue (C)
bowed lute (C)
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
284
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Wej
Wej
Wej
Wej
Wej
Wek
Wek
Wel
@
b
A
p
x∑
V
broadcast seeds, scatter around
å dÔå x∑ fu ©∑ o. He threw the water around.
~hi x∑ dzÉï
kind of tree
x∑
V
leak out, pour out through a leak
x∑ do lå o.
It has all run out.
x∑
VS/P have a minor disease
tsæ\∑ x∑
cold, virus infection
tΔ|ï x∑
have a cough
nå x∑
malaria, also tΔæ\ö x∑
x∑ l∑/Δi≥ x∑ l∑ z\å be slightly ill, “off-colour”
x∑
C
0.16 gram unit of weight
x∑
PN additional topic marker (too, also)
dÔe å x∑ m\å mo. Even though we went we didn’t see it.
j|î x∑ tΔ«å å.
He is here too.
x∑
N
louse, lice
human lice
l\å tsæo x∑
x∑ dz\å må
praying mantis
x∑ ná
black lice (in head hair)
x∑ pæu må
white lice (in clothes)
x∑ fu l\å
centipede, also fu k∑ fu l\å
|å j|å x∑
hen lice
x∑
VS
tired
tired
w\u x∑
x\∑
NS pieces, crumbs, powder
pieces of broken buckwheat
gw\å x\∑
pæ\å tæ\å x\∑
sugar
dzå x\∑
pieces of broken rice
tsæÉï x\∑ tsæÉï
about ten crumbs
lo x\∑ tΔö
sand, also x\∑ tΔi
x\∑ tΔi
sand, usually lo x\∑ tΔö
x\∑ tΔi bj\å
desert, also tæ\o pæ\å de
x\∑ l\∑
extremely small specks or particles
p|e tΔæ\ï x\∑ l\∑
speck of dust
x\∑ z\å
classifier for small particles, specks
p|e tΔæ\ï x\∑ z\å
small particle of dust, also p|Г¶ tО”Г¦\ГЇ
crumbs, powder
j|î x\∑
j|î x\∑ t«o å
chop into small pieces
j|î x\∑ l∑ z\å
crumbs, small pieces
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
285
Southern Lisu Dictionary
x\∑
V/VV go to pieces; into pieces
beat so that something goes into small pieces
d\∑ x\∑ å
tΔi≥ x\∑ l\∑ z\å
a little ill, gone to pieces a bit
x\∑
V
cruel, without feelings (C)
He has grown too cruel.
x\∑ ts\ï le o.
x\∑
N
Chinese
Chinese man
x\∑ pæ\å
x\∑ pæ\å l\å b\∑
strangers (can include Lisu)
nu x\∑ pæ\å l|á g\å m∑ o. You are catching up to the Chinese (i.e. you
Wel
Wel
Wel
are becoming very cruel).
x\∑ må
Chinese woman
x\∑ m\y
China
x\∑ ≥\o
Chinese language
Wel Kdl x\∑ tΔæ\ï
V
hang to death
He hanged himself.
x\∑ tΔæ\ï ΔÉï o.
Wem
x\∑
V
smile, be pleased
b\å x\∑
broad smile
x\∑ x\∑ l\e
wide open (wound), gaping hole
å\ kæ|∑ x\∑ å.
He smiles a lot, he is pleased.
WZh
xw|ГҐ
V
win, beat
fight and win
tО”|ГҐ xw|ГҐ
m\á xw|å pæ\å
high-ranking military officer
xw|å pæ\å
leader, chief
xw|ГҐ m\ГҐ dГҐ.
It can’t be beaten.
xw|ГҐ le o.
He won.
WZh
xw|ГҐ
V
plump and healthy
xw|å xw|å ¯i tΔ«å å. He is plump and healthy.
WZh Nal xw|å tsæ\ï
V
awaken, come to one’s senses
d\y dz\å xw|å tsæ\ï lå å. He has come to his senses and realised.
m\å xw|å tsæ\ï.
He isn’t awake./He hasn’t come to his senses.
xw|å tsæ\ï lå å.
He awoke.
WZh Oam Nak Rh xw|å m\î tsæÉï s|å V
make friends again after a quarrel
WZh WZh xw|ГҐ xw|ГҐ
I
hello (greeting)
xw|å xw|å ≥o
hello (when shaking hands)
WZi
xw«å
C
time, occasion
tæe xw«å ¯å m\å dÔe. I won’t go any longer.
¯\î xw«å mo å.
I saw it twice.
\å xw«å
in the future
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
286
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
V
|ГҐ m|e dГ”e xwГҐ.
WZj
xwГҐ
C
tæ\î xwå
О”\ГЇ z\ГҐ xwГҐ z\ГҐ
О”\ГЇ tsГҐ xwГҐ tsГҐ
WZj
xwГҐ
V
j|Г® l\Г® xwГҐ wГҐ ГҐ.
WZj
xwГҐ
NS
pГҐ kВ«o xwГҐ
dГҐ w\o xwГҐ
tsæÉï b∑ xwå
l\ГЎ dzu xwГҐ
j|Г® xwГҐ
j|Г® xwГҐ bo ГҐ.
WZj Rei xwå s«∑
N
xwå s«∑ xwå ti
WZl
xw\ГҐ
N
≥w|å xw\å
xw\å pæu
xw\å pæu ≥\o
xw\å pæj«å å.
xw\ГҐ g\ГҐ ГҐ
xw\å k\∑ t\∑
xw\å tsæÉï pæ∑
WZi I_m xw«å dÔ\e
WZj
xwГҐ
a hook (C)
seek
Go and find it.
extent, pair word for Δ\ï �clan’
one extent
people
genealogy
perform (ceremony)
I must perform the customary ceremonies.
design, pattern, mark, symbol (C)
leaf pattern engraved on banjo
fern pattern
designs on banjo
bracelet designs
pattern, design
He is drawing/engraving patterns.
type of spirit which lives near the village shrine
village shrine spirits
meat; game
fish
white person
English language
butcher
hunt for game
edible cartilage
squirt boiling fat out of the mouth, a ceremony
performed by entranced shamans to purify a house
of hostile spirits of certain kinds
xw\ГҐ n\ГЎ
meat without fat
xw\ГҐ s|ГҐn
eel, usually ≥w|å fu
xw\å m\å tΔ«å.
There are no wild animals.
xw\ГҐ z\ГҐ bj\ГҐ z\ГҐ
domestic animals
xw\ГҐ О”\ГЇ pВ«e
blood-red, inflamed
ГҐ| w\ГЎ xw\ГҐ
pork
|å Δ\ï xw\å x∑ m\å mo. We saw no game of any kind.
|ГҐ j|ГҐ xw\ГҐ
chicken meat
WZl
@
b
A
p
xw\ГҐ
NS sickness
non-infectious sickness, local infection
j|Г® xw\ГҐ j|Г® p\o
\ГҐ mГҐ xw\ГҐ \ГҐ mГҐ p\o individual infection
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
287
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
fat, oil
j|î xw|å tsæ∑ m\å dÔo. It has no fat.
l\å t|î so j|î xw\å tsæ∑ peanut oil
l|á w\å tæe må j|î xw\å tsæ∑ m\å dÔo.
This lamp has no oil.
WZl Abj xw|ГҐ po
N
decorated purse with draw-string, used by girls
WZl Nek xw\å tsæ∑
and given to lover
shrub which bears marble-sized pink fruit
xw\å po pjö
WZl Eck xw\å tæu
NP
xw\å tæu pæ\å
xw\å tæu må
WZl Gbm xw\ГҐ k\o
N
xw\å k\o dzÉï
xw\å k\o s\∑
WZlqMjqRj xw\ГҐ tsГҐ sГҐ N
village headman
village headman
village headman’s wife
orange (C)
orange tree
orange fruit
the Trickster in traditional jokes and stories;
also xw\å≥/gw\å/kæw\å
go full circle, pay back, get revenge (C)
xw\ГҐ
V
bГЎ xw\ГҐ l\ГЎ xo ГҐ.
WZm
They are making accusations and counteraccusations.
kæo dz\å å ¯å ≥å tΔ_i ≥wå ¯å xw\å_ tsæ\∑
_ ГҐ. If he wants to sue me, let
him, I’ll wait for the day when the boot is on the
other foot.
¯|î me nu bo å ≥o, Today you’re rich
≥wå ¯å sw|å å,
and I’m poor,
s|å g∑ ¯å xw\å m∑ å. but one day it will be the other way around.
s|å ©∑ ≥wå nu l|á xw\å ©\∑ å. I’ll get my own back one day/I’ll pay
you back for this.
xw\å tsæ\∑ å
wait for the day when things will be the other
way around, get revenge
xw\å tsæ\∑ m∑ le tΔ_i. Let me get my revenge.
xw\å tsæ\∑
\ l\ГЎ xo ГҐ. They are getting their revenge.
WZm
xw\ГҐ
N
sulphur (C)
Xm
Xbl
h\ГҐ
PF
strong imperative, also x\ГҐ
h\o
PF
strong impolite imperative, also x\o
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
288
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Yh
Yh [aj
Yi
Yi
Yi Qm
Yj
Ym
Ym
Ym Qm
Y_h
Y_h
Y_h
Y_h
@
b
A
p
f|ГҐ
V
dz\å kæ\∑ f|å le o.
f|ГҐ О”i
V
h~ i kæ\u å tΔ«å su m\å
m\ГҐ f|ГҐ О”i.
j|Г® l|ГЎ f|ГҐ О”i dГҐ ГҐ.
f«å
V
dzå f«å lå å.
f«å
NS
j|î f«å
f«å l\å
N
f«å l\å p|å
f«å l\å må
fГҐ
C
j|Г® fГҐ
å li tæ\î få
f\ГҐ
V
f\ГҐ t|ГҐ./f\ГҐ В©|ГҐ
|ГҐ m|e f\ГҐ wГҐ ГҐ.
f\ГҐ m\ГҐ pe
f\ГҐ
V
nГҐ f\ГҐ lГҐ ГҐ.
eat something which disagrees with one (C)
The food disagrees with him.
be at peace about, unworried, trust (C)
dÔo ¯å, If there’s nobody at home,
you aren’t at peace.
You can rely on him.
be green and healthy (C), of crops
The rice has turned green and healthy.
satisfaction (C)
satisfaction
European (T)
European man
European woman
for directions (C)
direction
which direction?
beware (C), see zГҐ mo
Take care.
You must start taking care.
Wasn’t able to guard it.
get infected (C) of sickness, sores, etc.
His attack came on/His sickness came on/His sore
got infected.
f\ГҐ l\ГҐ
V
light blue (C)
j|Г® f\ГҐ l\ГҐ
light blue thing
fВ«e
V
be wasteful, capable of using up a lot (C)
j|î ¯å tsæ\å bo l«å ts\ï\ å\ kæ|∑ f|e å. He used up a lot of salt and pepper.
f|e
N
powder (C), also f|ГЊn/f|Г®
dustpan
f|e tsÉï
f|e
V/C share, portion (C), also f|ГЊn/f|Г®
solve, reason it out (C)
spirit which lives in corners of houses
f|e tæ\u
å li tΔ«ö x«o å,
As to which is the better solution,
nu f|e ВЇi.
you try to work it out.
f|e
NS fertilizer, manure (C), also f|ГЊn/f|Г®
j|î f|e s\o t«á lå k∑. Bring some fertilizer and put it on.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
289
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
f|u
Ych
Ych
Ych
Yci
Yci Qcl
Yci T:
Ycj
guard or protect young by gathering them,
care for, desire to please, dote on (C)
j|î b«å b\å l|á f|u å. He dotes on his father.
j|î z\å nö l|á f|u å. He dotes on his children.
|ГҐ j|ГҐ mГҐ j|Г® z\ГҐ f|u k|u ГҐ. The hen knows how to guard her chickens.
f|u
NS guiding bamboo fins at rear of arrow
crossbow arrow guiding fins
tΔæ«å f|u
f|u
VS
cooked, of rice
cooked rice
dzГҐ f|u
fВ«u
V
deceptive in volume, more than it looks
There is more than it looks.
j|Г® fВ«u dГ”o ГҐ.
t∑ f«u å.
I planted a little and it yielded a lot.
fВ«u l\u
N
forest spirit which is deaf and requires the use of
a bull-roarer at its ceremonies, also fВ«u l\o
a bull-roarer
f«u l\u ©«∑ du
fВ«u z\ГҐ
N
Buddha (C)
Buddhist temple
fВ«u z\ГҐ ~hi
fu
V
send a person, release, marry off, away
bá fu ©∑ å.
I have sent a message.
bjГҐ fu
bottle
po fu ГҐ
shoot a gun, also po po
d\e mjГҐ fu
have a dream
k\∑ fu
forward
kæ\∑ fu m\o gw\å
song to send blessing
tО”Г¦\e fu ГҐ.
I turned it loose.
tsÉï fu ©∑ å.
I have sent him.
lo fu ГҐ.
He is throwing it away from him.
fu dz\ГҐ je ГҐ
marry off a daughter/exchange a daughter for
bride-price
father of child’s spouse
mother of child’s spouse
parents of child’s spouse
He is throwing it away.
fu pæ\å
fu mГҐ
fu pæ\å fu må
©«∑ fu å.
fu
V
slap, kick
bå l\á tsæå tæ\î tæ«∑ fu ©\∑. Slap him!
j|î l|á tæ\î tΔ«o fu ©\∑. Kick him.
fu
N
egg
|ГҐ j|ГҐ fu
hen’s egg
l|ГҐ fu
testicles
Ycj
Ycj
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
290
Southern Lisu Dictionary
fu fu ГҐ
lay eggs
j|Г® fu m\ГҐ fu.
It doesn’t lay eggs.
Ycj
fu
N
snake
d\o fu
poisonous snake
fu bjö
cobra (�flying snake’)
fu dГ”\Г¶
banded krait
fu ¯«î tΔæ\ï
green pit viper (venomous, with red tail tip)
fu nГЎ nГЎ
black snake
l\Г® fu
python
s«∑ pæj\å fu ¯«î tΔæ\ï whip snake (�leaf snake’, thin green nonvenomous)
x∑ fu l\î
centipede
Ycj
fu
V
dry
fu le ГҐ.
It is dry.
Ycj Naj fu tsæÉï
N
home, family, marriage (C)
fu tsæÉï pæj«å å.
He is breaking up a home/destroying a marriage.
Ycj P\i fu ¯«å
V
wait for, also h~ u ¯«å
Yck
fu
V
hard, rude
stubborn (�heart hard’)
¯«î må fu å
s«∑ dzÉï fu å.
This wood is hard.
l\å b\∑ m|å kæ\∑ n\u n\u z\å, Others words of teaching are soft,
tæ\î nö m|å kæ\∑ fu fu z\å
the family’s words of teaching are hard
j|Г® ВЇГҐ fu ГҐ.
He is rude.
Yck
fu
V
slow, take a long time
It is slow going making it.
Δ«å fu å.
Δ«å m∑ fu å.
It is taking a long time to do it.
Ycl
f\u
V
threaten before fighting
The cocks are eyeing one another prior to fighting.
ГҐ| j|ГҐ f\u l\ГЎ xo ГҐ.
ГҐ| n\ГҐ f\u l\ГЎ xo ГҐ.
The dogs are growling at one another prior to
fighting.
N
N
N
Ycl D_k f\u te
Ycl J\]bj f\u tО”ГҐw
Ycl Naj f\u tsæÉï
metal wedge for an axe (C)
black pepper (C)
benefit, good fortune, power, status (C)
fu tsæÉï dÔo å.
There is benefit in it.
j|î f\u tsæÉï w\å ¯i å. His power is mighty.
f\u tsæÉï m\å dÔo.
He hasn’t got the good fortune which comes from
high status.
tsæo m\o f\u tsæÉï t\o ts|ö. Excuse me for saying my father’s name.
Ycl Qai Ycl Jbi f\u lВ«i f\u tО”В«o Vbewildered, as the result of something
completely unexpected
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
291
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Ycl Qci
Ydh
Ydh
Ydi
Ydl Ydl
Yel Qem
YfPh
YfPh
W
x
X
h
Y
f
f\u l«î f\u tΔ«o ¯å t«∑
f\u lВ«u
N
p|ГҐ l|Г® f\u lВ«u
f\u lВ«u nГҐ \o
f\u lВ«u be
f\u l«u pæj|å kæ\∑
f\u l«u pæö
f\u lВ«u d\Г¶ ГҐ.
f\u lВ«u tsГҐ
f\u lВ«u lГЎ lГЎ
å dÔå f\u l«u
f|y
NS
j|Г® f|y
f|y
V
je o. He ran away bewildered and surprised.
gourd, gourd pipe musical instrument
soprano pipes
bass pipes
gourd with a curved neck
gourd ladle without a neck
the gourd on a set of pipes
Gourds are bearing.
gourd vine
tenor pipes
water gourd
foam
foam
leafy and shady, overshadowed, choked
with weeds, also h~ yВ«
The weeds were so tall,
m\o n|ГЎ ~h|Г® ВЇi,
f|y ΔÉï o.
they choked the plants to death.
j|î pæj\å f|y lå å.
It is becoming leafy and shady.
m\o å\ kæ|∑ ná å,
If the weeds are thick,
f|y ΔÉï o.
it will die from lack of sun.
f|y l\y l\y
very leafy, of trees
fВ«y
V
fry vegetables, broil
w\o pæj\å f«y dz\å å. He’s broiling vegetables to eat.
ko d\Г¶ fВ«y ГҐ.
She’s undergoing the “steam-bath” ceremony.
f\y f\y
A
with puffing
He was blowing it with puffs.
f\y f\y my ГҐ.
f\∑ l\∑
A
sound of slurping up food (noodles)
f\∑ l\∑ f\∑ l\∑ by å. He is going slurp slurp.
f\∑ l\∑ f\∑ l\∑ dz\å m»å.
Eat up quickly!
f|ГЊn
V/C share, portion, reason out (C), also f|e/f|Г®
one quarter
li f|Ìn tæ\î f|Ìn
nu ©\∑ tæ\î f|Ìn,
One portion for you,
≥wå ©\∑ tæi f|Ìn.
and one for me.
f|ГЊn
NS fertiliser , powder(C) , also f|e/f|Г®
fertiliser
j|Г® f|ГЊn
j|Г® f|ГЊn s\o
natural fertilizer, manure
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
292
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Zh
Zh
Zh J\j
Zh Oam
Zi
w|ГҐ
V
shade, hold up, shelter under
He is holding up an umbrella.
s\å w|å tΔ«å å.
≥wå h~ i w|å då å må the one which hangs over my house
w|ГҐ l\ГҐ l\ГҐ
covering
s«∑ pjö w|å l\å l\å då å. The brushes covered it.
j\î p|u w|å tΔ«å å.
He is wearing a rain cape.
w|ГҐ
V
fertile
The soil is fertile.
n|Г¶ h~ Г¶\ w|ГҐ ГҐ.
w|ГҐ tО”ГҐ
N
bride’s relatives (C), also w|åj tΔå
p\ГЊ tО”ГҐ w|ГҐ tО”ГҐ
bride’s and groom’s relatives
w|ГҐ m\Г®
VS mate-word for tО”Г¦w\ГҐ m\Г® spread news,
broadcast, in tО”Г¦w\ГҐ m\Г® w|ГҐ m\Г®
w«å
N
aphrodisiac, charm for guarding against
damage or theft
He has an aphrodisiac.
He planted a charm to bring catastrophe to crop
thieves.
w«å dÔo å.
w«å t∑ o.
Zi
Zi
Zi
Zi
N
N
I
N
w«å \≥ kæu tΔ|u å.
wГҐ
V
wГҐ \ГҐ m\ГҐ wГҐ ГҐ\ .
w_ГҐ le o.
wГҐ
VV
wГҐ dГ”e ГҐ.
dГ”e wГҐ ГҐ.
wГҐ
V
dzГҐ m\ГҐ wГҐ h~ e\ .
wГҐ mГҐ
wå tsÉï
wå tsÉï tæ\î kæ«o
wГҐ
N
¯«å wå
l\ГҐ wГҐ
~h«á wå
Jcj w«å tΔu
Maj w«å tsÉï
Q`k w«å lö
Uel Hck w«å \≥ kæu
Zj
Zj
Zj
Zj
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
bamboo, usually må kæw\å, also må då
socks (C)
Hey (to friend)
hole in the ground, pit, also w«å l\å kæu
He is digging a hole.
get
Did you get any or not?
I got some.
be allowed to (preverbal), get to (postverbal)
You are allowed to go.
You get to go.
winnow milled grain
She hasn’t winnowed the rice yet.
winnowing tray
bamboo sieve
one bamboo sieve
snares, traps
bird trap
tiger trap
rat trap
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
293
Southern Lisu Dictionary
~hö wå
ditch trap
wå pæj\ö
braided noose for deer snare
wГҐ l\ГҐ be
noose (usually for a snare)
wГҐ О”\Г® j|Г® wГҐ l\ГҐ b\e dГ”o ГҐ. A bird snare has a noose.
wГҐ bj\Г¶ d\ГҐ ГҐ.
He is setting a noose.
wГҐ О”i
type of bird snare
j|î p\o xw«å wå tæu å. He tried to trap him with words.
j|î wå tæ\î må tæu å. He is setting a trap.
Zj
wГҐ
PN locative marker, also ГҐ/kwГҐ
kæ\∑ så mi wå tΔ«å å. He is at/in the corn fields.
s«∑ g\∑ tæ\á ΔÉï wå above the box/on top of the box.
w\ГҐ dz\ГЇ wГҐ dГЎ je ГҐ. He is going up into the mountains.
ГҐ li t|ГҐ wГҐ dГ”e \ГҐ. Where are you going?
Zj E`k wå tæö
V
grumble, gossip
wå tæö l\á xo
complain about/gossip about one another
Zj [_l wГҐ О”\e
V
be off work (C)
j|Г® ВЇГҐ m\ГҐ l|uj,
He isn’t suffering,
wГҐ О”\e ГҐ.
he is off work.
Zj Zj wГҐ wГҐ
AS pat mouth with hand while saying aah
ГҐ wГҐ wГҐ
pat mouth with hand while
saying aah
ГҐ wГҐ wГҐ je ГҐ.
Pat your mouth while saying aah.
Zk Dah wГҐ t|Г®
N
king, ruler, authority, also w\å tsÉï
wГҐ t|Г® mГҐ
queen
Zk P\aj wГҐ ВЇi
N
day after tomorrow
Zl
w\ГҐ
N
mountains; snow/hail
mountain parrot
w\ГҐ bГҐ dГ”\ГЇ
w\å pæ\e
mountain pass
w\å kæ|u
ice (�mountain lump’), also ¯i/ni/ne kæ|u
w\ГҐ dГ”\e
concave mountain
w\å dÔÉï å
snow melts
w\ГҐ dГ”\ГЇ
mountains, also w\å tsÉï/w\å tΔe
w\ГҐ tО”e
mountains, also w\å tsÉï/w\å dÔ\ï
w\ГҐ dz\ГЇ
mountains with level tops, also w\ГҐ dГ”\Г®
all mountains
w\ГҐ dz\ГЇ w\ГҐ mГҐ
w\å dz\ï l\å tsæo
hill people
w\å tsÉï
mountains
w\å ¯«å
kind of small migratory mountain bird
w\ГҐ l|Г¶
hill, peak, convex mountain
w\ГҐ l|Г¶ w\ГҐ mГҐ
mountains of uneven height
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
294
Southern Lisu Dictionary
w\å s\∑
w\å s\∑ tsæe å.
w\ГҐ
C
NS
tsæo z\å w\å z\å
nu w\ГҐ
z\å nö så w\å
j|Г® w\ГҐ
w\ГҐ
N/C
w\ГҐ by ГҐ
sГҐ w\ГҐ by dГҐ ГҐ.
w\ГҐ d\e ГҐ.
w\ГҐ k|o ГҐ
w\ГҐ k|o t|ГҐ su
w\ГҐ k|o su
w\å tΔ«ö å
w\ГҐ tО”В«o l\ГЎ xo
w\ГҐ tО”o ГҐ
w\ГҐ mo dz\ГҐ
w\ГҐ mo dz\ГҐ su
Zl
Zl
hail
Hail is falling.
human, also zo
pair word for tsæo �person’, Pro plural
ordinary people
you (plural)
three children
they
day’s labour, work in fields
owe labour debts
I owe him three day’s labour
beg for work
hire
hired help
employer
repay labour, to work for on exchange basis
work for each other on exchange basis
go on a work party
hire oneself out for wages
hired help, hired hands,
people who work for wages (employed or
otherwise)
worker, servant
Make up a work-party.
Zl
w\ГҐ z\ГҐ
w\ГҐ x\o ГҐ.
Gbi w\ГҐ kВ«o
V
report
He reported it.
w\å k«o ©\∑ å.
w\ГҐ kВ«o l\ГЎ xo ГҐ.
They reported to each other.
Hck w\å kæu
N+V pray (Christian word)
J\h w\ГҐ tО”|ГҐ
N
shelf for bowls/pots/food, also w\ГҐ tО”|ГҐ
Kcl w\ГҐ tО”Г¦\u
N
vengeance
He didn’t wreak vengeance.
w\å tΔæ\u m\å tΔ«ö.
Zcl Hbi w\å w\u kæ«o
V
have confidence in
[`k w\ГҐ О”Г¶
V
laugh
w\ГҐ О”Г¶ lВ«e je m\ГҐ nГҐ o. It was very funny.
w\å Δö ≥\o d\∑ å.
They are telling jokes.
P\aj w\ГҐ ВЇi
V
mighty, strong
@
b
A
p
Zl
Zl
Zm
Zl
Zl
Zl
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
295
Southern Lisu Dictionary
w\ГҐ
N
fish net (C)
tsæ_ïÉ w\å
dip net
s«å w\å
throw net
s«ï w\å
gill net
Zm
w_ГҐ
N
ruler, authority, king (C), also w\å tsÉï/wå t|î
j|Г® w\_ГҐ
the king
j|Г® w\_ГҐ p\o lГҐ ГҐ.
He became king.
w\å tsÉï
king
w\å tsÉï pæ\å
king
w\å tsÉï må
queen
Zm Qm
w\ГҐ l\ГҐ
N
bat
w\å l\å ≥å må s\∑ dz\å tΔ«å å. Bats are eating the bananas.
mj\Г¶ w\ГҐ l\ГҐ
gibbon
Zm Ym
w_\ГҐ f_\ГҐ
N
tin roofing (C)
Z]ah J\j w|ГҐj tО”ГҐ
N
wife’s relatives, (C), also w|å tΔå
husband’s and wife’s relatives
p\ГЊ tО”ГҐ w|ГҐj tО”ГҐ
Z]ah Ubl w|åj ≥\o
N
parables, secret language (C)
Don’t use secret language.
w|åj ≥\o tæ\å d\∑
_ .
Z]al
w\ГҐj
V
wind around
tsæÉï z\å tæe w\åj t|å å. A rope was wound around it like this.
Z]al
w\ГҐj
V
semi-circular, also w\ГЎ
j|î w\åj dÔo å./w\åj w\åj l\e k«å å. It is semi-circular.
Z^i Gh Rel w«á k|å s\∑ N
kind of large wild fruit
Z^j
wГЎ
V
carry, pick up (baby talk)
Z^m
w\ГЎ
NS/P pig
w\á kæ\o
Year of the Pig
s«∑ w\á dzÉï
kind of palm tree with inedible stem
|ГҐ w\ГЎ
pig
|ГҐ w\ГЎ t|Г®
wild boar
Z_h J_j w|e tО”e
N
MSG (C), also wВ«ej tО”e/tО”|u l|o (T)
Z_h Q_h w|e l|e
A
high pitched buzz, see also w|∑
bj\å må w|e l|e w|e l|e bjö lå å. The bees were making a high-pitched
Zm
buzz as they came.
type of honey bee with high-pitched buzz
bj\ГҐ w|e l|e
we
N/V flower; to flower
tО”|ГҐ lo we
orchid flower
s«∑ we
flowers
s«∑ we pæ\o å.
Its flower is opening (she is blossoming out/
Z_j
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
296
Southern Lisu Dictionary
growing beautiful - said of a young girl at puberty).
flower (as opposed to leaf, stalk, etc.)
The flower is flowering.
Z_j
j|Г® we
j|Г® we we ГҐ.
we
AS adverbial marker (used after NP plus VP)
j|î tæe tΔ«å å, |å Δ\ï|e m\å tΔæ\ö tΔæ\ö we. He just sat here, saying nothing.
j|î tæe dÔe å, su l|á h~ ∑ h~ ∑ we. He just went from here, angry with
everybody.
N
N
V
xw\ГҐ w\e dz\ГҐ ГҐ
Z_m Q_m w\e l\e
V
Z_k Tl we z\ГҐ
Z_k Ebi w\e tæ«u
Z_l
w\e
Z_m
Zbh
husband
mother’s older sister/father’s older brother’s wife
also å wo father’s younger brother/mother’s
younger sister’s husband
Zbh Fbm Oj w|o g\o mГҐ N
Zbh O_l w|o m\e
N
Zbj
@
b
A
p
boil meat for a long time to eat it
springy, bouncing up and down,
limp and withering, without vigour
g\o dzö w\e l\e w\e l\e k«å å. The bridge is bouncing up and down.
m_å kæw\å po w\e l\e w\e l\e k«å å. The bamboo clump sways in wind.
m\o ¯å w\e l\e w\e l\e\ k«å å.
The weeds are limp and withering.
w\e l\e w\e l\e tæ\å j_e m\å. Don’t act so lifeless.
w_e\
N
leech, land leech
zÉï w\e
giant water leech (�liquid leech’)
å dÔå w\e
water leech
w\e nГЎ
water leech (�black leech’)
w|o
NP father’s brother/mother’s sister’s husband
father’s older brother/mother’s older sister’s
w|o pæ\å
w|o mГҐ
w|o wo
Zbi
guest
Indian jackal
boil slowly and allow to gel
large night hawk
quail-like bird which lives on the ground,
also w|u m\e/w|o m\e\ГҐ/w|o m\e z\ГҐ
fierce, disputatious, pair word for bá �say’
wВ«o
V
tsæo w«o
bully, disputatious person
m\ГҐ wВ«o
silently
z\å nö tæe må w«o ts\ï_ le o. This child is too much of a daredevil.
\å kæ|∑ m\å w«o.
Not very fierce.
wo
V
hold onto, keep balance, embrace
C
for armfuls
The bridge has no hand-rail.
g\o dÔö wo gu m\å dÔo.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
297
Southern Lisu Dictionary
tæ\î wo m\å tsæÉï
tæ\î wo wo t«á lå.
wo t«á lå.
wo m\ГҐ pe.
wo l\ГЎ xo ГҐ.
Zbj
wo
V
m\∑ kæ\u wo å.
xw\å tsæ∑ p|å wo å.
xw\å wo tΔ«å å.
Zbj Qbj wo lo
V
wo lo tΔ«å å.
Zbj
wo
NS
NS
ГҐ wo
wo
N
wo d\ГҐ mГҐ
wo b\o lo z\ГҐ
wo pæ\å
wo m\ГҐ ВЇ|Г®
wo m|∑ k|å
wo å| ≥\å
|ГҐ n\ГҐ wo
Zbk Cbm wo d\o
N
Zbk Gbh wo k|o
N
Zbk Naj wo tsæÉï
N
wo tsæÉï dÔ\á l\á
Zbl
w\o
N
n|ГҐ w\o
w\o pjГҐ lГЎ
w\o pæ\å
w\o pæi
w\o pæu
w\o pæj\å
w\o d\o
kæ\∑ så w\o d\o
w\o t|å tsæ«o
w\o tæ«ö
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
slice across the grain , also ©∑
She’s dicing tobacco.
She’s dicing fat.
She’s dicing meat.
grouped around
Gather around.
father’s younger brother/mother’s younger
sister’s husband, also w|o wo
also w|o wo father’s younger brother/mother’s
younger sister’s husband
bear, Bear clan
Zbk
W
x
It had a circumference greater than I could get my
arms around.
Bring one armful.
Bring an armful.
My arms won’t reach around it.
They embraced each other.
large bear
sun bear, also wo pæ\å dÔ\á l\á
male bear, man of Bear clan
moon bear
binturong
Himalayan black bear (�water buffalo bear’)
sloth bear (�dog bear’)
walnut
wisdom tooth (�wild bear’)
leopard cat, Leopard Cat clan, also wo tО”Г¦i
leopard cat
vegetable, Vegetable clan
spinach (�ear vegetable’)
type of mustard green with wide flat leaves
man of Vegetable clan
mustard greens
Chinese cabbage
vegetables, dishes eaten with rice
cobs
corn cobs
type of mustard green with large edible root
cabbage, also w\o kæ|u
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
298
Southern Lisu Dictionary
w\o tО”Г¶
w\o dz\ГЇ
w\o mГҐ
w\o n|ГҐ b\e di
w\o ВЇГҐ tsГҐ
pickled vegetables
turnip
woman of Vegetable Clan
earthworm
type of vine said to be an antidote to food
poisoning
type of lettuce which exudes white sap and has a
large edible root
juice, gravy, soup from vegetables
its juice
type of mustard green
type of mustard green with tattered leaves
cauliflower
preserved dried vegetables
w\o s\o
w\o zÉï
j|î w\o zÉï
w\o zÉï gu
w\o x«å l\á
w\o we
w\o ji
Zbl
w\o
V
blazing
|ГҐ t|o w\o bjГҐ lГҐ ГҐ. The fire is blazing.
ГҐ| t|o w\o w\o bjГҐ ts_e. Make the fire blaze.
w\o l\o l\o
blazing, roaring, of fire
|ГҐ t|o w\o l\o l\o bjГҐ ts_e. Make the fire blaze.
Zbl
w\o
NP on the downhill side, usually w\o
Zbl Ael w\o p\∑
V
solemn, sacred
Zbl B_l Rh P\aj w\o pæ\e s|å ¯i N nonsense, foolishness,
unreasonableness, also w\o pæ\å ¯i
w\o pæ\e s|å ¯i bá å. He is speaking nonsense/He is being irrational/
He is being unreasonable.
w\o pæ\e s|å ¯i tæ\å je. Don’t be foolish or unreasonable.
NS
j|î w\o to tæ\î tæ«∑
j|Г® w\o to dГ”o ГҐ.
Zbl Tkl w\o zГҐ\ГҐ
V
w\o zå\å k«å \å.
Zbm
w\o
V
bj\ГҐ s|o w\o ГҐ.
tsæÉï z\å_ w\o å.
Zbm
w\o
N
li w\o
w\o tæ\î tæ«∑
w\o nГҐ kГҐ
w\o je ГҐ
Zbl Dbj w\o to
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
bone
one bone
He has bones (rude way of saying he is dead).
distant, usually ©\∑ z\å
Is it very far?
roll/twist multiple skeins together
He rolls beeswax between the palms of his hands.
He is friction-spinning thread.
needle
necklace
one needle
eye of a needle
start litigation, be the first to make accusations
(�do the needle’)
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
299
Southern Lisu Dictionary
w\o
V
be shady
b\y w\o
termite (�shady insect’)
mi w\o mi
shady field
≥wå å mi tæe kæ|∑ m\å w\o. My field isn’t too shady.
w\o
NP downhill side, also w\o
w\o pö
on the downhill side (in a small specific area)
w\o pö ΔÉï
on the downhill side (in a small specific area)
w\o p|o
downhill from (over a large area)
w\o po ΔÉï
from there on down; on the downhill side of
w|u
NP head, top, beginning , also w|o
baby’s fontanelle
w|u b\e ¯«î
w|u b\∑
skull
w|u b\∑ kæw|å
adult fontanelle
w|u p|∑
comb
w|u pæu
white hair, elder person
|å g\u w|u pæu
white-headed dove
w|u pæj\ö
braids
w|u d\Г®
bald head
w|u dy
head, top
w|u d\y
pair word for j\_Г® mjГҐ/d\e mjГҐ dream
w|u d\y lВ«o ГҐ
A dream is fulfilled.
w|u tu
start, begin, usually just tu
dГ”e w|u tu lГҐ o
He has begun going.
w|u tæ«Ì
turban
w|o tæ«Ì m\å tæ«Ì.
She isn’t wearing a turban.
w|u tæ«Ì mj|å
turban decorations
w|u g\o lo
pillow, headrest
w|u g\o lo g\o ГҐ.
place something under the head as a pillow
w|u g\u
at the top, of something on a slope
kæ«å w|u g\u wå
at the top of the village
ГҐ mi w|u g\u wГҐ
at the top of the field
w|u k|o t|o
crest of a bird
w|u kВ«o
comb of a chicken
w|u k«o pæjå pæjå l\e wide, erect comb
w|u kВ«o t|o t|o l\e
crest, an erect pointed comb
ГҐ| j|ГҐ w|u kВ«o
cock’s comb
w|u ko mГҐ
hair of the crown of the head/queue
w|u k∑ l∑
crown of the head
w|u kæ«o
headdress
å\ kæ\å må w|u kæ«o Akha women’s headdress
Zbm
Zbm
Zch
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
300
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Zch
@
b
A
p
w|u kæ«o lo
s«∑ dzÉï w|u kæ«o lo
h~ i w|u kæ«o lo
w|u tО”В«o
dzГҐ w|u tО”В«o
w|u tΔæ«ö
w|u tsæÉï
å| tsæ«o w|u tsæÉï
tsæ«e w|u tsæÉï
å| ¯\î w|u tsæÉï
w|u me tsæ∑ s\∑
w|u m\e
w|u mjГҐ
w|u nö
dzå w|u nö
må kæw\å w|u nö
å| tsæ«o w|u nö
w|u n|∑
w|u lВ«o
w|u l|u
w|u w\y
w|u w\y kæ«o
su w|u w\y tæ\å kæ«o.
|å tæ\å w|u pæ«î
w|u
NS
pæå w|u tæ\î må
dzГҐ w|u
lВ«o w|u
lo w|u
j|Г® w|u
j|Г® tО”e j|Г® w|u
j|Г® w|u tu ГҐ.
j|Г® dГ”e w|u tu ГҐ.
j|Г® w|u m\ГҐ tu.
j|î w|u tæ\á
j|î w|u tæ\î må
j|î w|u j|î m|∑
j|Г® w|u wГҐ
\ГҐ d\ГҐ w|u
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
ridge of roof, tree top
tree top
top of a house
small white stalk adhering to grain
small white stalk inside rice husk
hair on the head, also w|u tΔæi/tsæö
horn, also w|u tΔæÉï
cross axe
sambhar deer horn
cow’s horn
coconut (�head smear oil fruit’)
dandruff
fontanelle, also w|u b\e ¯«î/w|u b\∑ kæw|å
green tip of a plant
tip of a rice stalk
tip of a bamboo stalk
Thai-style hatchet
brain
up to the top
knot of hair, bun
head (song language)
commit adultery (�cross the head’)
Don’t commit adultery with another’s wife.
short pointed knife
beginning, first, top
first one
first rice of the season
upriver people, Northern Lisu
upriver
start, first
the beginning, the creation
Make a start.
He began to go.
He didn’t start.
at first, in the beginning
first one
beginning and end (�head tail’)
at the top
cricket, usually ГҐ
\ d\ГҐ l|u
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
301
Southern Lisu Dictionary
w|u
V
w|u le o.
m\y w|u le o.
w|u
V
Zch
Zch
crazy
He has gone crazy.
He has lost his sense of direction.
signify desire to take a girl as wife
by giving a gift of silver or a bracelet
He has signified his desire to take a girl as his wife
by giving her a gift.
z\å m∑ w|u å.
w|u
NP frog
frog
w|u p|ГҐ
w|u p|å bjö
flying frog
w|u p|ГҐ dz\ГЇ О”e
toad
w|u p|å ¯«î tΔæ\ï
large green edible frog
w|u p|ГҐ fu
frog eggs
w|u p|ГҐ \o \o
Asian bullfrog
w|u ly
tadpole
Zch
w|u
N
size, see w\u/wu, in
\ГҐ w|u wu
extremely big
tö w|u\å
equally big
Zch Dah w|u t|Г®
N
downward, upside down
w|u t|Г® w|u pГҐ/w|u t|Г® pГҐ upside down
w|u t|î kæ|o då
inverted
w|u t|î så m|∑ kæ|o på je å. It tumbled over and over.
w|u t|Г® j\ГҐ ГҐ
go downhill
Zch P\aj w|u ВЇi
N
reason, cause
|å Δ\ï w|u ¯i m\å dÔe o. Why didn’t you go?
≥wå k|o ko m\å tΔ«å w|u ¯i, Because my elder brother isn’t home,
dГ”e m\ГҐ dГҐ.
I can’t go.
Zcj Gcaj wu kuj
N
tortoise (C)
Zcj
wu
NS/P size, see w\u/w|u
wu zГҐ
size
ГҐ li wu zГҐ dГ”o \ГҐ. How big is it?
tæe wu zå.
This big.
ГҐ wu tО”Г¦i dГ”o \ГҐ.
How big is it?
\ГҐ w|u wu
extremely big
ГҐ wu wu
very big
ГҐ li wu dГ”o \ГҐ.
How big is it?
tö wu
equally big, also tö w|u\å
tæe wu
this big
ГҐ| m\o wu
the size of a horse
Zch
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
302
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Zcj
wu
PN vocative particle used with groups
b«å b\å m|å må k|o ko tΔ|e tΔ\e wu \o. Father, mother, older brothers and
z\å nö z\å_ wu.
Zck
wu
V
mГЊ wu ГҐ.
Zck
wu
NS/P
tО”Г¦\Г® wu ts|ГЇ nГҐ ГҐ
wu b\e
wu b\y
wu tΔ«ö b\e di
dzГҐ wu
j|Г® wu
j|Г® wu d\ГҐ mГҐ
j|Г® wu b\e b\e
ГҐ| w\ГЎ wu
Zck @_m wu b\e
N
Zck-Rj WusГҐ
N
older sisters!
Children!
buy
He’s buying cloth.
intestines
have piles
intestinal parasites
stomach worms, roundworms
millipede
rice straw (�rice intestine’), usually t|å tsæ\åw
intestines
large intestine
small intestine
pig’s intestines
small Indian civet
God, sky spirit, creator; in traditional stories,
he engages in a losing battle with the orphan who is
aided by a magic buffalo. Christian word for God
Wuså å| tæ\å pj«å gu type of tree bearing long scabbard-like fruit
Zck
Zcl
Zcl
Zcl
@
b
A
p
wu
NS
zÉï wu
w\u
V
mГЊ w\u su
w\u
V
tæe tæ\î må w\u å.
d\y w\u
tsæo w\u
dÔö w\u må
z\ГҐ w\u
~hi w\u
w\u tО”Г¦u
|ГҐ j|ГҐ w\u tО”Г¦u
w\u ts\_ГЇ le o.
j|î go d\y tæe w\u å.
j|Г® z\ГҐ w\u ГҐ mГҐ
w\u
NS
s«∑ w\u
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
large clay water storage jar
large clay water storage jar, written ÂÉï wu
sell
cloth sellers
big, adult, see also wu/w|u
This one is bigger.
entrance
adult
crane (large migratory water bird)
first son
big house (of father)
giant, big and well-built
giant rooster
It’s too big.
His body is this big.
oldest son
felled logs
cut logs
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
303
Southern Lisu Dictionary
w\u
|ГҐw\u
|åw\u pæ\å
|ГҐw\u mГҐ
≥w|åw\u
|ГҐko w\u
Zcl B_l w\u pæ\e
w\u pæ\e ¯i je.
Zcl Cak w\u di
w\u di tæ\î s\∑
Zcl Wek w\u x∑
Zcl
NS
fifth in birth order (C), also t\î/kæ\u
fifth-born
fifth son, also ГҐ
| t\i
fifth daughter, also ГҐ
| w\u m|î/|åkæ\u
fifth-born son of Fish clan
fifth-born elder brother
A
continuously/completely (+ Verb)
Do it completely.
N
kidneys
one kidney
V
tired, exhausted, puffing and panting,
also ©\∑ x∑
m\å w\u x∑.
Zcaj
wuj
NS
j|Г® wuj dГ”o ГҐ.
j|î wuj j«å å.
Zdh Zdj w|y wy
N
Zdm
ГҐ wy
wy
nu wy ВЇ_i.
wy m\ГҐ k|u.
w\y
b\ГҐ w\y
tΔæ«å w\y
l\ГЎ w\y
å| tæ\å w\y
|å tΔæ«o w\y
w_y\
p\å t«Ì j|î w\y
tsæÉï w\y
l\ГЎ w\y
w\y
Zdm
n\e w\y ГҐ.
w\y
Zdk
Zdl
Zdm
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
awesomeness, majesty, aura (C), also j|Г® ku
He inspires awe.
It is awesome.
mother’s brother, father’s sister’s husband
(marriageable cross-cousin’s father), also å wy
mother’s brother, father’s sister’s husband
(marriageable cross-cousin’s father), also w|y wy
marriageable cross-cousin’s father, also w|y wy
read, count, written y
NS
wy
Zdj
I’m not tired/I don’t get tired.
\
j
]
Г·
V
You read it/You count them.
I can’t read.
N
handle (of tools), also w\y
beard on cheeks (�cheek handle’)
stock of crossbow
handle (of a tool)
knife handle
axe handle
NS
forearm, lower leg
legs of a chair
lower leg, below knee
forearm
^
ГЎ
V
placate spirits by guaranteeing a sacrifice,
V
clutch, hold with both hands, swoop on prey
_
e
placing joss sticks (unlit) on the shrine
make a joss down payment to spirits
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
304
Southern Lisu Dictionary
dÔö m
\ pæ\å m\o å| j|å tæ\î må w\y t«á je o.
A hawk has swooped
down on a chicken and taken it off.
The tiger came charging.
Zeh
Zei
Zel
@
b
A
p
l\ГҐ mГҐ w\y fu lГҐ ГҐ.
w|∑
I
sound of small bee buzzing, also w|e l|e
w«∑
V
restrain oneself and bide one’s time
(when hunting)
Don’t wait, biding your time.
nu tæ\å w«∑.
w\∑
V
relaxed, untroubled, calm, at peace
His heart is at peace.
¯«î må w\∑ w\∑ ¯i k«å å.
¯«î må \å kæ|∑ w\∑ å. He doesn’t get worried.
w\∑ w\∑ ¯i tΔ«å.
Keep calm, be at peace.
w\∑ w\∑ ¯i je.
Relax.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
305
Southern Lisu Dictionary
[
[]bm Nah
[^h
[^hm Oeh
®å
О”\ГҐw ts||ГЇ
О”|ГЎ
Δ|á\á m|∑
V
V
N
[^m
[_h
[_h
О”\ГЎ
О”|e
О”|e
N
V
V
see sГҐ/swГҐ
jealous (C)
come alive, be alive, usually О”|ГҐ, also s|ГЎ
burning firewood still only partly burnt,
usually Δ|å\å m|∑ tæö
voice, strength, breath, usually О”\ГҐ, also s\ГЎ
attach, cement, glue together, also s|e
castrate (polite when applied to chickens, vulgar
when applied to other animals), usually О”|Г®
bad emotions, temper, also Δ|î tsÉï
mill grain, usually Δ«î
V
V
dzå pæu Δ«e dz\å å. They are milling rice.
[_i
О”В«e
Num hundred thousand (T)
200,000
ВЇ\Г® О”В«e
[_j
О”e
V
be animated, go ahead, be alive, also se
z\å nö tæe må Δe så å. This child is progressing quickly.
Δe s∑
fortune teller
sw|å m|î Δe s∑
fortune teller of all kinds
О”e О”e
with life, fresh, vigorous
|å Δ\ï t∑ x∑ Δe Δe l\e.Whatever I planted grew vigorously.
Δe Δe je m»å.
Do it with vigour, put some life into it.
j|Г® ВЇГҐ О”e ГҐ.
He is full of life.
[_j
О”e
NS
main joint of limb and trunk, also se/ΔÉï
pæ\e Δe
hip-joint
tsæÉï Δe
thigh
l\ГЎ О”e
shoulder
[_Pj J\j О”en tО”ГҐ
N
prophet, seer, hermit (C), also О”i tО”ГҐ
О”en tО”ГҐ p\o ГҐ.
He is prophesying (under the influence of a spirit).
[_l
О”\e
V
behave
j|î w\u pæ\e ¯i Δ\e å. He is misbehaving.
j|Г® О”e ГҐ.
He is behaving well.
j|Г® О”e dГ”o ГҐ.
He is well-behaved.
j|Г® О”e m\ГҐ dГ”o.
He isn’t well-behaved.
[_l
О”\e
V
stay at home and rest, be free of work (C)
¯|î me wå Δ\e å ≥o. I will be able to stay home today.
h~ i kæ\u å Δ\e wå å. You must stay at home and rest.
[_l Q_l О”\e l\e
V
ticklish, also О”\Г® l\e
[_h Maj Δ|e tsÉï
[_i
О”В«e
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
306
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
N
V
l|á w\å |å m|e Δ\e ©∑.
ГҐ| w\ГЎ ГҐ| m|e О”\e dz\ГҐ.
x\e tæ«î
N
О”|Г¶
V
m\ГҐ О”|Г¶ l\ГЎ xo.
О”|Г¶ ГҐ.
О”|Г¶ О”|Г¶
~hi О”|Г¶ О”|Г¶ w\u ГҐ
Δ|ö Δ|ö å ≥o.
~hГҐ mГҐ О”|Г¶ О”|Г¶ w\u ГҐ.
О”|Г¶
N
О”|Г¶
NS
|ГҐ m\o w|u О”|Г¶
[_l Rj О”\e sГҐ
[_l Tbi О”\e zВ«o
[_m
О”\e
[_m Eai
[`h
[`h
[`h
infertile sandy mountain country (C)
laxative (C)
kill, also s\e
Put out the lamp.
Slaughter the pig to eat it.
very rich person, also s\e tæ«î, usually tsæo bo
similar, like
They are not similar to one another.
It is similar.
as big as a
It is as big as a house
They are the same.
as big as an elephant
name of a Lisu clan
whorl
a horse’s curlicue of fur (usually on forehead);
once, a horse with one or three of these was OK.
but one with two was taboo.
V
suffer, see also s|o ts|Г¶
V
pity, feel compassion for, also k«å b\å
j|î z\å l|á m\å Δ|ö z\å. He doesn’t feel any compassion for his son.
Δ«ö
N
pair word for ©\∑ �blessing’
©\∑ d\o Δ«ö d\o
blessing
Δ«ö
V
touch with hand, stroke
Don’t touch.
tæ\å Δ«ö.
О”Г¶
V
shrink, criticize, gossip, libel
su l|á tæ\å Δö.
Don’t gossip about people.
s«∑ kæw|å Δö le o. The planks have shrunk.
w\o pæj\å j|î ¯\î tsæå Δö le o. The vegetables have boiled dry.
å dÔå Δö le o.
The river has gone down.
О”Г¶
V
wedge in, feed by hand into mouth
j|Г® n|o dz\u ГҐ| m|e О”Г¶. Put in the wedge.
О”Г¶
V
place the palms of the hands together in
[`h J`h О”|Г¶ tО”|Г¶
[`h Tm О”|Г¶ z\ГҐ
[`i
[`i
[`j
[`j
[`j
l\á pjå Δö ©\∑ å.
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
a gesture of respect
He placed the palms of his hands together in a
gesture of respect.
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
307
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
О”Г¶
[`j
make symbolic payment to t|ГҐ we spirits:
burn chicken’s tail feather with joss stick, then
release the chicken.
I must make a symbolic payment to the t|ГҐ we spirits.
t|ГҐ we l|ГЎ О”Г¶ wГҐ ГҐ.
[`j
О”Г¶
N
name of a Lisu clan
[`k
О”Г¶
NS
laugh
a laugh
w\ГҐ О”Г¶
w\å Δö l«î å
let out a laugh
[`l
О”\Г¶
V
walk
He’s too weak to walk.
Δ\ö m\å kæu.
n\∑ Δ\ö
go courting (�relative walk’)
n\∑ Δ\ö m\o gw\å
courting song
[`l
|О”\Г¶
V
play the rock-scissors-paper game
play the rock-scissors-paper game:
|ГҐ dГҐ О”\Г¶
b∑
one finger (beats flat hand)
pæj«å
flat hand (beats knuckles)
g∑
knuckles (beats finger)
[`m Q`m О”_Г¶ l\Г¶
V
fidget, wriggle around a lot
j|Г® z\ГҐ ВЇГҐ О”Г¶ l\Г¶ ГҐ.
His son can’t lie/sit still.
[ah
О”|Г®
V
divert a stream
≥w|å k|å Δ|î dz\å å. They are diverting the stream in order to catch fish.
[ah
О”|Г®
V
cement, glue together, solder, also s|e≥
He is glueing the box.
s«∑ g\∑ Δ|î å.
О”|Г® zВ«o
flux for solder
j|î kæu h~ ö« å ¯å Δ|î wå å.
If it has a hole in it you must solder it.
|å tæ\å Δ|î å.
He is cementing the knife blade to the handle.
[ah
О”|Г®
V
castrate, also s|e≥ (polite when applied to chickens,
vulgar when applied to other animals)
He is castrating chickens.
|å j|å Δ|î tΔ«å å.
|ГҐ j|ГҐ О”|Г® tО”_i
a capon, also ГҐ
| j|ГҐ О”|e tО”i
[ah
О”|Г®
N
wide, see О”i
tö Δi
equally wide, also tö Δ|î\å
\ГҐ О”|Г® О”i
extremely wide
[ah Maj Δ|î tsÉï
V
bad emotions, temper, also Δ|e tsÉï
Δ|î tsÉï ~h|î å.
He is bad tempered.
j|î Δ|î tsÉï tæ\î må dÔo å.
He has a bad temper.
[ah
О”|Г®
V
be shocked, get a shock, also ~h|Г®
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
308
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Δ«î
V
dzå pæu Δ«î dz\å å.
[ai Maj Δ«î tsÉï
N
[ai Wcaj Δ«î xuj
N
[aj
О”i
V
[ai
mill rice, also О”В«e
They are milling rice.
grass or reed mat (C)
lime (C), used in preparing betel, also Δ«ï xuj
be animated, make progress, full of
life, see also О”e
wide, also h~ i/kæw\å/kæw\å≥
О”_i
V
\å kæ|∑ m\å Δi.
It’s not very wide.
ГҐ li tО”Г¦i О”i \ГҐ.
How wide is it?
tö Δi
equally wide, also tö Δ|î\å
tæe Δi
this wide
ГҐ О”|Г® О”i
extremely wide
ГҐ О”i О”i
very wide
ГҐ О”i tО”Г¦i dГ”o \ГҐ.
How wide is it?
[aj
О”i
N
pair word for m\y �country’
tæ\î m\y tæ\î Δi
the whole country
[aj J\j О”i tО”ГҐ
N
prophet, seer, hermit (C), also О”en tО”ГҐ
[ak Gh О”i k|ГҐ
N
stem of a banjo, also tsæÉï b∑ Δi k|å
[ak [ak WZk WZk О”i О”i xwГҐ xwГҐ
V troubled, chaotic
[aUj
Δi≥
AP adverb prefix, usually tΔi≥
Δi≥ x«å lá
spread-eagled
Δi≥ x«å l\á
tattered
Δi≥ x«o dÔ\å
pants about to fall down
Δi≥ x\∑ l\∑ z\å
slightly ill
[al Ebl Δ\î tæ\o
N
behaviour, action, normal habits
He does not behave well; he is a bad character.
j|î Δ\î tæ\o m\å xå.
[al Q_l О”\Г® l\e
V
ticklish, also О”\e l\e
[al WZ_h О”\Г® xw|e
V
good fortune, luck (C)
You are fortunate, your luck is in.
nu О”\Г® x|Г¶ О”ГҐ ГҐ.
О”\Г® xwГҐ/s\ГЇ xwГҐ
be happy, glad
j|î Δ\î tæ\o m\å Δå.
He does not behave well.
[am
О”\i
V
thirsty, also s\Г®/О”\ГЇ
å dÔå Δ\î å.
I’m thirsty.
[b
В®o
see so
[c
В®u
see su
[aj
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
309
Southern Lisu Dictionary
О”|ГЇ
V
show whites of eyes
look out corner of eyes in anger
mjå pæu Δ|ï å
[dh
О”|ГЇ
V
twist in the hands, turn around
Don’t twist it too hard.
kå p»e tæ\å Δ|ï.
Δ|ï d«å å.
He was turning his head around to see.
О”|ГЇ l\y l\y
twisted
Δ|ï fu ©∑.
Twist it.
[dh
О”|ГЇ
V/N sow seed broadcast; a seed
seed rice
dzГҐ О”|ГЇ
w\o pæi Δ|ï
mustard green seed
j\å j«î Δ|ï
seed potatoes
j|Г® О”|ГЇ О”|ГЇ ГҐ.
He is sowing seed broadcast.
[dh
О”|ГЇ
V
put to bed, put to sleep
|å m|e dÔe Δ|ï ©\∑. Take him and put him to bed.
[dh
О”|ГЇ
N
grass, thatch; Grass clan
kind of thin grass-like bamboo
mГҐ О”|ГЇ
О”|ГЇ p|Г® du
grass roof
|ГҐ m\o О”|ГЇ
horse grass (type of bamboo creeper)
[dh
О”|ГЇ
N
stud animals, written О”|ГЊ
I’m going to breed from it.
j|Г® О”|ГЇ tО”|Г¶ ГҐ.
j|Г® О”|ГЇ je ГҐ.
I’ll keep it for breeding, not for the table.
|ГҐ m\o О”|ГЇ
stud stallion
|ГҐ w\ГЎ О”|ГЇ
stud pig
[dh
О”|ГЇ
C
for siblings, spouses
the five brothers and sisters
j|î w\å ≥w\å Δ|ï
¯|î Δ|ï l\å tsæo
a married couple
[dh
О”|ГЇ
V
smoke
|å t|o m\∑ kæ\u Δ|ï å. The fire is smoking.
[dh
О”|ГЇ
NP three ago, also ΔÉï w\u
О”|ГЇ me
two days before yesterday
Δ|ï ¯«î
three years ago
[dh
О”|ГЇ
N
long, see ΔÉï
tö Δ|ï\å
equally long
\å Δ|ï ΔÉï
extremely long
[dh Cbm О”|ГЇ d\o
N
type of arrow poison
[dh P\i Lk Bck Δ|ï ¯«å dzå pæu
N
minivet (bird)
[dh
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
310
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Δ«ï
V
~hi Δ«ï tΔ«å å.
[di
Δ«ï
V
z\ï Δ«ï ©∑ å
z\ï Δ«ï tΔæ\ö n\ö å.
[di
Δ«ï
NS
\åΔ«ï
\åΔ«ï pæ\å
\åΔ«ï må
Δ«ï ji
[di Qai Δ«ï l«î
N
[di Wcaj Δ«ï xuj
N
[di [dl Δ«ï Δ\ï
N
[dj
ΔÉï
NP
ΔÉï me
ΔÉï ¯«î
[dj
ΔÉï
N/V
ΔÉï d\u
ΔÉï ΔÉï å.
j|î ΔÉï ΔÉï
[dj
ΔÉï
VS
dÔe ¯«î ΔÉï å.
dÔe ¯«î m\å ΔÉï.
[dj
ΔÉï
V
¯«î kæw\å m\å ΔÉï.
[dj
ΔÉï
V
tö ΔÉï
tæe ΔÉï
tsæÉï ΔÉï ¯«å
\å kæ|∑ m\å ΔÉï.
å li ΔÉï dÔo \å.
å ΔÉï tΔæi dÔo \å.
\å Δ|ï ΔÉï k«å å.
å ΔÉï ΔÉï k«å å.
[dj
ΔÉï
V
zÉï kæw\å tæ\o ΔÉï tΔ«å
[di
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
sweep
She is sweeping the house.
wet the pants, wet the bed, urine, urinate
urinate accidently
Where he wet smells.
tenth in birth order (C)
tenth-born
tenth son
tenth daughter, also ГҐ
\ Δ«ï m|î
eleventh in birth order
spot, mark, stain
lime (C), used in preparing betel, also Δ«î xuj
Chinese goldthread, Coptis chinensis
two ago, in
day before yesterday
year before last/two years ago
gold/yellow
gold mine
It’s yellow.
yellow
want to, in phrase ¯«î ΔÉï
I want to go.
I don’t want to go.
have satisfaction, in phrase ¯«î kæw\å ΔÉï
I’m not satisfied.
long (length, not time)
equally long, also tö Δ|ï\å
this long
stork, long-legged sea bird
It isn’t very long.
How long is it?
How long is it?
It is extremely long.
It is very long.
extend or erect bamboo aqueduct
ГҐ. They are extending/erecting an aqueduct.
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
311
Southern Lisu Dictionary
[dj
[dj
[dj
[dj
[dj
[dj
[dk
[dk
[dl
[dl
W
x
X
h
ΔÉï
V
j|î k«u dzÉï ΔÉï tΔ«å å.
ΔÉï
PN
bå ΔÉï/bå kå ΔÉï
tå tå ΔÉï
t«á d\á ΔÉï
t«á kæw\å ΔÉï
t|o t|o ΔÉï
g\å p|o ΔÉï
k|å ¯|å ΔÉï
k|∑ k|∑ ΔÉï
k|∑ ts|ï ΔÉï
dÔ\ö dÔ\ö ΔÉï
m«e m«e ΔÉï
m\î tæ\á ΔÉï/w\o p|ö ΔÉï
m\o m\o ΔÉï
l\á jå ΔÉï
l\á ©|∑ ΔÉï
w\o p|o ΔÉï
w|u t|î ΔÉï
Oj ΔÉï må
N
O_k ΔÉï me
N
ΔÉï ¯«î
[dj ΔÉï ΔÉï
A
[dj Lak ΔÉï ΔÉï dzÉï
ΔÉï
V
ΔÉï d\u
ΔÉï k|u så ~hj\å
ΔÉï tΔæu tΔæ«e
ΔÉï mo
|å m\o ΔÉï
[\i Rel ΔÉï Δ«å s\∑ N
О”\ГЇ
NS
tsæÉï Δ\ï
l\ГЎ О”\ГЇ
О”\ГЇ
V
О”\ГЇ dГ”\u
О”\ГЇ mo nГҐ
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
strip bark, skin, peel off a thin strip
He is stripping off the skin.
direction marker, also sÉï
beside, on the same level
upward
in an uphill direction
on one’s back
upside down
on the uphill side
behind
on the upper side
above
on side
backward
ahead, in front
face down to ground, forward
to right, also l\á dÔå ΔÉï
to left
on the downhill side
downhill
blowflies
day before yesterday
year before last
slowly and carefully, also ГҐ\ zГҐ zГҐ
N
small berry-bearing tree
die
the underworld, the abode of the dead
three night wake in dead person’s house
die off completely
corpse
rainbow (�dead horse’)
pear
nails, also О”\ГЊ/О”\Г¶
toenails
fingernails
blood, red, also ВЇi
vein/artery
high blood pressure
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
312
Southern Lisu Dictionary
[dl
[dl
[dl
[dl
[dl
[dl
[dl
j|Г® О”\ГЇ do ГҐ.
It is bleeding.
j|î Δ\ï Δ\ï tæ\î må
red one
|ГҐ m\o О”\ГЇ О”\ГЇ
red horse
О”\ГЇ
V
test, try out
promise
kæ\∑ Δ\ï
О”\ГЇ ВЇi
test, try out
bj\å pæö dÔe Δ\ï ¯i å. I am going to test a hive (if the bees are angry).
О”\ГЇ
N
dawn
at the time of dawn
Δ\ï tæ\á
О”\ГЇ
NS
kind, type, clan
these sorts of people
l\å tsæo tæe Δ\ï
О”\ГЇ tsГҐ
clan geneology
ГҐ li О”\ГЇ
what sort?
|ГҐ О”\ГЇ
what?
|å Δ\ï m\å kæo
It’s OK./It doesn’t matter.
О”\ГЇ
N
liver, usually s\ГЇ, also О”\ГЇ
j|Г® О”\ГЇ
liver
j|Г® kГҐ О”\ГЇ
liver
О”\ГЇ
PF
final particle, denotes explanation
≥wå m\å s|Ì Δ\ï.
I didn’t understand.
О”\ГЇ
Num seven
seven things
О”\ГЇ mГҐ
Bbh Δ\ï pæ|o
V
become disaffected, disillusioned
j|î w\å ¯å Δ\ï pæ|o l\á xo å. They have become disaffected with each
other.
N
N
[dl Di Obl Δ\ï t«å m\o
[dl Kdl О”\ГЇ tО”Г¦\ГЇ
[dl
[dl
[dm
[dm
[dm
[dm
@
b
A
p
otter (C), also zÉï h~ á
В«
a bruise
He has a bruise.
О”\ГЇ tО”Г¦\ГЇ l|Г¶ ГҐ.
Oak Mah О”\ГЇ mi ts|ГЇ N
all kinds of, everything, also О”\ГЇ me ts|ГЇ/tО”|e
everything
О”|ГЇ mi О”\ГЇ ts|ГЇ
Tl WZh Tl О”\ГЇ z\ГҐ xwГҐ z\ГҐ N
relatives
j|Г® О”\ГЇ z\ГҐ xwГҐ z\ГҐ mj\ГҐ ГҐ. His relatives are numerous.
О”\ГЇ
V
new
j|î Δ\ï tæ\î w\å
one new person
О”\ГЇ
V
thirsty, also О”\Г®/s\Г®
О”\ГЇ
N
liver, usually s\ГЇ, also О”\ГЇ
I\j Δ\ï dÔå
V
feel nostalgic, miss, long for, also О”\ГҐ_ /s\ГЇ dГ”_ГҐ
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
313
Southern Lisu Dictionary
A
lots of cheeping, squeaking, moving things
j|î z\å Δ\ï l\y l\y tΔ«å å. Its chicks were everywhere, cheeping and
[dm Qdm Qdm О”\ГЇ l\y l\y
running around.
N
N
V
[fi
Δ«Ì
[Zm Tbi О”w\ГҐ zВ«o
[\h
О”|ГҐ
character, usually pæ\î tsæ|ï
love potion for woman (C)
come alive, also О”|ГЎ/s|ГЎ
tá ©∑ Δ|å å.
t∑ ©∑ Δ|å å.
Δ|å tΔ«å å
Δ|å tsæ\ï
Δ|å ΔÉï
О”|ГҐ j\_Г® lГҐ o.
Δ|å\å m|∑ tæö
I planted it and it started to grow.
I planted it and it started to grow.
the live ones
medicine to bring the dead alive (song)
long life
It came alive again.
sticks or pieces of firewood which have been or are
in the fire, firewood with the end �alive’ or burnt,
see also О”|ГЎГЎ
\ m|∑
Δ«å
V
dzå Δ«å g\∑ dz\å å.
~hi Δ«å å.
Δ«å bá m\å.
Δ«å su m\å dÔo.
[\i
Δ«å
V
[\i Hbi Δ«å kæ«o
V
≥wå Δ«å kæ«o tæ\î gu
Δ«å kæ«o l\á xo å
[\i
\å Δ«å
NS
\å Δ«å
\å Δ«å pæ\å
\å Δ«å må
[\j
О”ГҐ
V
[\j
О”ГҐ
V
О”ГҐ dГҐ
О”_ГҐ dГҐ t|o ГҐ.
О”ГҐ tО”Г¦w\ГҐ
О”_ГҐ xwГҐ s\u
j|Г® b\y О”_ГҐ ГҐ.
[\j
О”ГҐ
V
[\j JZi Δå tΔw«å
N
Δå tΔw«å d∑ å
make, fix, do again, prepare food
[\i
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
He prepared food and gave it to him to eat.
He is building/fixing his house.
Say it again.
There isn’t anyone who can make/fix them.
wait, rest
tease
ГҐ. I am only teasing.
fooling around together
great great grandparent
great great grandparent
great great grandfather
great great grandmother
show off, behave badly
sweet-smelling (C)
joss sticks, incense, also s|o/О”|o
Burn the joss sticks.
lemongrass
perfumed ointment, hair cream
It has a nice smell.
telling baby to urinate or defecate
name divined by using cowrie shells
divine a child’s name, using cowrie shells.
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
314
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Δå tΔw«å m\å
[\j Mam Oj О”ГҐ ts\ГЇ mГҐ
[\j Mbi О”ГҐ tsВ«o
[\j Q_m О”ГҐ l\e
dГ”o.
N
N
N
N
[\jq[\j О”ГҐ О”ГҐ
[\k
[\:
A
p
fresh water prawn (C)
metal tripod (C), also sГҐ tsВ«o
liquorice-flavoured herb used in various
Lisu dishes
Central Lisu
Δå Δå ≥\o
Central Lisu dialect
О”ГҐ
V
tell joke, be good at explaining
joking language
Δå ≥\o
О”\ГҐ
V
clean, healed, at ease in heart, peaceful
¯«î må ¯å m\å Δ\å. My heart is troubled.
¯«î må Δ\å l\e k∑ le o. His heart was soothed, comforted/He was
Δ\å l\e k∑ le o.
О”\ГҐ О”\ГҐ mu
[\m
О”\ГҐ
N
mi tΔæå Δ\å
zÉï l\ö Δ\å do å.
f\u lВ«u m|y О”\_ГҐ
Δ\å dÔå
Δ\å pæ\á
m\å Δ\å pæ\á.
j|î Δ\å pæ\á å.
Δ\å dÔå l\á xo å.
О”\ГҐ ts|ГЇ pВ«e ГҐ
О”\ГҐ m\ГҐ dГ”o.
О”\ГҐ mjГҐ
О”\ГҐ mjГҐ m\ГҐ dГ”o.
О”\ГҐ ~hГҐ m\ГҐ bi.
j|Г® О”\ГҐ bГЎ dz\ГҐ ГҐ.
j|Г® О”\ГҐ by ГҐ.
|ГҐ t|o О”\ГҐ
[\m
О”\ГҐ
N
|ГҐ j|ГҐ О”\ГҐ dГЎ ts|ГЇ
[\m Ebm Δ\å tæ\o
N+V
[\m Qbm О”\ГҐ l\o
N
[\bj
О”jo
N
@
b
He has no sons.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
healed (emotionally, spiritually)/What was wrong
in his heart was put right.
It became clean, it has healed.
proudly, daringly
voice, breath, sound, strength, also О”\ГЎ/s\ГЎ
“ground power” responsible for swollen feet.
The steam is rising.
sound of pipes
feel nostalgic about, miss, long for, also Δ\ï dÔå
throttle, choke, suffocate
He is not suffocating.
He is suffocating.
They are missing each other.
rigor mortis
He has no strength.
life force
It hasn’t any life force.
He can’t breathe properly.
I heard his voice.
It makes a noise.
“fire power” - swollen red, hot swelling
place where chickens perch
time of day when chickens perch
pair word for ¯«î tæ\o keepsake
last son of a family, last-born son
saltpetre (C)
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
315
Southern Lisu Dictionary
\h
\h
\h
\h
\h
\h
j|ГҐ
NS/P chicken, also В©|ГҐ
chicken, also ГҐ
| В©|ГҐ
|ГҐ j|ГҐ
hen
|ГҐ j|ГҐ mГҐ
j|å kæ\o
Year of the Rooster
j|ГҐ
C
for wedge-shaped strips
one strip
tæ\î j|å
\å pu tæ\î j|å
one wedge of cucumber
j|ГҐ
N
check-point (T)
the check-point guards
j|Г® j|ГҐ k\ГҐ su
Geh Qeh j|å k|∑ l|∑ N
Karen (T)
GZj j|ГҐ kwГҐ
N
fork in a tree, contraction of j|Г® ГҐ| kwГҐ
Maj j|å tsÉï
V
appearance of, beauty, (C) also j«å tsÉï
j|î j|å tsÉï t«ö ¯i å ¯å, When you look at his appearance,
j\å pæ|î tsæ\ï pæ\å Δ|ö å. he looks like an opium smoker.
j|î j|å tsÉï Δ«å m\å k|u. She doesn’t know how to make herself look
beautiful.
j|å tsÉï m\å bi.
Her appearance is not beautiful.
j|î ¯å j|å tsÉï Δ«å tΔ«å å. She is beautifying herself, dressing up.
j«å
V
place on top of, keep from moving (C)
Put something on top to keep it down.
|å t|î j«å ©∑.
j«å
V
warn
j|î l|á j«å ©\∑ ©∑ h~ î| ¯i,Since I have already warned him,
j|î tæe je å.
I can fine him if he does that.
j«å
V
deposit money with, as betrothal
gift given to a girl to signify that a suitor desires
j«å j\î
\i
\i
\i
to take her as wife (usually silver rupees, or a
bracelet)
He has given a gift to his girl as a sign that he
wants to marry her.
j«å j\î j«å ©\∑ o.
\i
\i J_j
\i Eabm
\j
W
x
X
h
Y
f
j«å
j|î wuj j«å å.
j«å tΔe
\å kæ|∑ j«å tΔe
j«å tæ\îw
jГҐ
l\á jå ΔÉï
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
V
be awesome (C)
His majesty is awesome.
V
ГҐ mГҐ
N
NS
be important (C), also j«åw tΔe
the very important one
battens which hold thatch down (C)
right side, also dÔå
right hand side
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
316
Southern Lisu Dictionary
jГҐ
V
develop bad habits, also j\ГҐ
≥u tsæ«ï å må |å t|î jå le o. She has developed the bad habit of crying
\j
whenever she can’t get her own way.
He has a bad habit.
harmful lies, libelous stories, false witness
j|Г® ВЇГҐ jГҐ le o.
zÉï jå
\j Q^j jГҐ lГЎ
V
loose, of a tooth about to come out
s\ï tsæÉï jå lá jå lá k«å å. His tooth is loose.
jГҐ lГЎ jГҐ lГЎ
moving up and down
\l
j\ГҐ
N
Yang clan (C), also j\ГҐ
j\å tΔ|å pæ\å
man of the Yang clan
\: Abk j\ГҐ po
N
kerosene tin, bucket
\l Bah
j\å pæ|î
N
opium (C), also l\å pæ|î
knife for scoring opium pods
j\å pæ|î ©∑ du
j\å pæ|î kw«å du
knife for collecting opium from outside of pod
j\å pæ|î m\o du \å go small hoe for weeding opium
\l Gl Ok Lak j\å k\å må dzÉï N
ironwood
\l Gbj j\ГҐ ko
N
cooking pot
\l Jbl j\ГҐ tО”\o
N
large balance scale, also j\ГҐ tО”w\e
j\å tΔ\o ¯å j|î tæ«ö tΔæe du ≥o. A large balance is for weighing things of
1.6 kg. or more.
j\å tsæ\ï
N
j\å tsæ\ï pæj|å
j\å tsæ\ï tsæÉï pæj|å
Wbl j\ГҐ x\o
N
j\ГҐ x\o dГҐ
Qaj Lak j\å li dzÉï N
\`l j\ГҐ j\Г¶
N
j\ГҐ j\Г¶ m\y
j\ГҐ
V
N
j\ГҐ po du
j\ГҐ du
j\ГҐ t|e
j\ГҐ k|u du
j\å kw\å pæ\î
\l Nal
\l
\l
\l
\m
j\å kæ|o l|ö tæ\u
j\å kæ∑
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
silver Burmese rupees, also j\ГҐ tО”Г¦\e
rupees
ten silver rupees
matches
matchstick
type of riverside tree with large white flowers
Indian, also k\ГҐ l\ГҐ
India
weave
rough home-woven cloth, see also mГЊ
spindle for pulling across threads
loom
indigo dye
stick at unfinished end of cloth, held by weaver
belt of loom which passes around the back, against
which wearer leans to keep warp taut
string holding threads of warp at weaver’s end
skeins of thread placed on loom
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
317
Southern Lisu Dictionary
j\å kæ∑ tæ\ö å.
j\å dÔ\î h«∑
j\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ ГҐ.
j\å tsæÉï go
j\ГҐ mГҐ
j\å m|∑ du
The skein has knots in it.
loom belt, around back of weaver
weave cloth
treadles on treadle loom
wooden frame of loom
sticks set into the ground to help set warp when
weaving
shuttle of loom, also j\ГҐ n|Г®/ВЇ|Г®
the part of a loom which raises and lowers thread
sticks around which warp is wound
rolled up woven cloth, homespun
blade of wood used for tamping thread
loom stick (holding cloth at finished end)
vertical posts of loom
bamboo stick for keeping threads apart
make up warp patterns, set the warp
j\ГҐ n|e
j\ГҐ n|e j\ГҐ mГҐ
j\ГҐ l\Г¶ dГҐ
j\å l|ö tæö
j\å s«∑ pæ\î
j\å s«∑ då
j\å zÉï kæu
j\å x|o l|o tæu
j\ГҐ fu ГҐ.
j\ГҐ
V
hit the mark, be correct, refer to, also j\ГЎ
b∑ m\å j\å.
He shot but missed.
m\ГҐ j\ГҐ.
It missed, it’s not correct.
j\ГҐ le o.
It hit the mark.
|å Δ\ï l|á x∑ bá m\å j\å. It doesn’t refer to anything.
j\ГҐ
V
go down, develop bad habits, also j\ГЎ
|ГҐ m|e j\ГҐ lГҐ.
Come down.
≥u tsæ«ï å må |å t|î j\å le o. She has developed the bad habit of crying
\m
\m
whenever she can’t get her own way.
He has a bad habit.
Carry him down.
j|Г® ВЇГҐ j\ГҐ le o.
|å m|e t«á j\å ©∑.
\m
j\ГҐ
N
Yang clan (C), also j\ГҐ
\m D_j j\ГҐ te
N
nails (C), also j\ГҐn te/tВ«e ts\ГЇ
\m J
j\ГҐ tО”ГҐ
N
type of wild plant bearing fruit
j\å tΔå s\∑
fruit of this plant
j\å tΔå pjö
field of this plant
\m \ai j\å j«î
N
potatoes (C), also j\å/j\å≥ j|î/x\∑ b\î
j\å j«î s\∑
potatoes
j\å j«î pjö
potato plants
\]Uh Geh Qeh j|å≥ k|∑ l|∑
N
Karen people, also j|å k|∑ l|∑
\]bi J_j j«åw tΔe
V
be important (C), also j«å tΔe
\å kæ|∑ j«åw tΔe å må the very important one
\]bm J\j jГҐw tО”ГҐ N
The Yao
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
318
Southern Lisu Dictionary
j\ГЎ
V
descend, go downwards, usually j\ГҐ
|ГҐ m|e j\ГЎ lГҐ.
Come down here.
\^m
j\ГЎ
V
be correct, hit the mark, refer to, usually j\ГҐ
b∑ j\á le o.
He shot and hit the mark.
ji pæ\y sw|å m\å j\á. He reckoned the price incorrectly.
|ГҐ О”\ГЇ bГЎ j\ГЎ ГҐ.
What does it refer to?
\_h
j|e
V
be unconscious (C)
He is unconscious.
j|e le o.
\_h Rcah j|e s|uj
N
coriander (C), also l\∑ Δ|ö
\_j
je
V
do
tæ\å je m\å.
Don’t do it.
mjГҐ je m\ГҐ nГҐ o.
There couldn’t be more.
mj\Г¶ je dz\ГҐ wГҐ ГҐ. We have to farm.
≥wå tæe je å.
I did this.
xГҐ je m\ГҐ nГҐ o.
It couldn’t be better.
je dz\ГҐ
work for a living
\_j
je
VV away
má t«á je å.
He carried it away.
j|Г® k|ГҐ mj|ГҐ g\ГҐ je ГҐ. He followed him (i.e. away from speaker)
\_j Wbi je xВ«o
N
small box
pæu je x«o
silver box (for betel, tobacco etc.)
ts|ГЇ je xВ«o
lacquer box
\_k
je
V
firm, steadfast, also ze, written Г‚e
tsæÉï z\å tæe må m\å je. This string breaks easily.
j|î l\á tså dÔ\u m\å je. He hasn’t got a strong grip (lit. his wrist tendons
\^m
aren’t strong).
\_k
\_l
\_l
\_l
\_l
@
b
A
p
je
V
ts|ГҐ je
j\Г¶
V
j\e
N
j\e
C
sГҐ j\e
j\e
V
m\Г® dz\ГЇ j\e ГҐ.
mj\Г¶ bj\Г¶ j\e ГҐ.
m\å tæå s\∑ j\e å.
ji j\e ji j\e
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
sprout, usually jo, also jö, written Âö
father of spouse, also ts|å jö
use, also z\e, written Г‚\Г¶
spot
ten million (C)
30,000,000
flash
The lightning flashed.
The lightning flashed.
The flashlight was flashing around.
flashing around in different directions
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
319
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
long drawn-out notes in songs or exclamations
\_l Lk
j\e dzГҐ
\`h
j|Г¶
V
accept, confess, also z|ГЊn, written Г‚|ГЊn
If you took it, confess.
nu t«á je å ¯å |å t|î j|ö ©\∑.
j|Г¶
V
mark change in kinship relations by
\`h
publicly offering a drink or calling the person by
the new relationship term, usually done at
weddings, when for example a person who has
been w|y wy is now called b«å b\å
\`h
\`h
\`h Ol
\`i
\`k
\`l
\ah
X
h
j|Г¶
j|Г¶ me t|ГҐ.
j|Г¶
j|ö l\á ¯i k«Ì
j|Г¶ m\ГҐ
j|Г¶ m\ГҐ m\ГҐ.
j|Г¶ m\ГҐ le o.
j«ö
j«ö le o.
j«ö l\ö l\ö
jö
dzå jö lå å.
ts|å jö
N
j\Г¶
V
hard surface, applied to something
It is surfaced (with plaster, gum, tar, pitch, etc.).
N
jade (C), also j|uj
jade ring
V
certain.
I am uncertain.
I made certain.
V
dented
It is dented.
dented
V
sprout, also je/jo/Âö
The rice is sprouting.
father of spouse, usually ts|ГҐ je
use, hold office, perform function of,
also Г‚\Г¶
m«∑ m«∑ pæ\å j\ö å. He is village traditional priest
l\å tsæo j\ö å
behave as a human should; live
l\å tsæo j\ö m\å k|u. misbehaving, immoral
xw\å tæu pæ\å j\ö å. He is headman.
j\Г¶ dz\e j\Г¶ m|Г®
tools and utensils, household goods
j|Г¶ tsВ«o ГҐ mГҐ
useful, necessary
j\Г¶ m\ГҐ k|u.
I don’t know how to use it.
j\Г¶ m\ГҐ nГҐ.
It is unuseable.
j\ö x«o å/j\ö kæ\o å
handy, efficient
j\Г¶
V
stammer, argue (of children)
bГЎ j\Г¶ ГҐ
stammer
z\å nö z\å j\ö l\á xo å.The children are quarelling.
j|Г®
Pro he, she, it (animate), also Г®| /|e
of his/her own volition
j|Г® dГҐ j|Г®
\`l
W
x
indicating emotion
m\o gw\ГҐ j|Г® j\e dzГҐ m\ГҐ dГ”o. The song has no emotional notes.
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
320
Southern Lisu Dictionary
j|Г® dГҐ j|Г® dГ”e ГҐ.
He went of his own volition.
j|î då j|î ΔÉï o.
It died by itself (i.e. was not killed).
j|Г® w\ГҐ
they, them, also j|Г® ГҐ
\
they, them, contracted; also j|Г® w\ГҐ
j|Г®\ГҐ
j|Г®
NP/VP nominalising prefix, also Г®| /|e
j|î p|åw k«u tsæ\å
small parcels of tea and tobacco for forest spirits
j|Г® pВ«e
a form
j|î pæ\å
a male
j|î pæj\å
a leaf
j|Г® d\ГҐ mГҐ
spirit which lives in ГҐ pГҐ m\o ~hi
\ah
the greatest of all traditional spirits
j|î tæ\o x«o
pink, cerise
j|Г® dГ”\\ГЇ
authority, political power, leadership
j|Г® dГ”\ГЇ dГ”o ГҐ.
He is a leader
j|Г® dГ”\ГЇ j\Г¶ ГҐ.
He is in a position of authority.
j|Г® nГЎ tО”Г¦\ГЇ
dark colour
j|î s\∑
a fruit
j|Г® О”В«e
registration of name or census (C)
I will register my name.
≥wå ¯å j|î Δ«e bo å ≥o.
\ah
j|Г®
V
take off (clothes, etc.), also z|ГЇ
\ah P`k \ah Wbl j|î nö j|î x\o Vdeservedly
j|î nö j|î x\o kæ\o ©\∑ å. He deserved to be bitten.
\ah \]bj Oj j|Г® jГҐw mГҐ N type of cicada - from its noise
\ahnm Q_j j|Г®\ГҐ le
PNF however, but
\ai @dj j«î by
N
blanket, also z«ï by/å by
\ai Fcj j«î gu
N
spoon, also z«ï gu
\ai Gbj j«î ko
N
tobacco, cigarettes, also jВ«e ko
j«î ko tæ\î må tΔæ\ï o. He smoked a cigarette.
\ai HZl j«î kæw\å
N
artemisia, usually l«o/z«o kæw\å
\ai Qdm j«î l\y
V
slippery, smooth, fluent, eloquent,
usually z«ï l\y
\ai \^m j«î j\á
N
type of small parakeet, also j«î ji\å
\ak
ji
N
liquid, water, usually zÉï
\ak
ji
V
striped, patterned
\ak Gbk ji ko
N
merit, gained from semi-ceremonial trail clearing
\ak Hck ji kæu
N
house post, pillar, usually zÉï kæu
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
321
Southern Lisu Dictionary
\ak Tal
V
ji z\ГЇ
myriads of small objects moving around
in confusion
There are swarms of them all moving around.
ji z\ï ji z\ï tΔ«å å.
\al Yi
j\î f«å
N
satisfaction (C)
≥wå j\î f«å m\å dÔo. I have no desire/satisfaction for it .
\al Rdh j\Г® s|y
N
onion flower, used as flavouring, also l\Г® s|y
\al Tbi j\Г® zВ«o
N
emetic, laxative
\am
j\Г®
V
return, go back, also \Г®/\e/l\e
do j\Г®
go back down to the bottom
j\Г® dГ”e
go back
j\Г® lГҐ
come back
\am
j\Г®
V
drunken, drugged, addicted, dizzy, also z\ГЇ
dzÉï pæ\∑ j\î å .
He is drunk.
j|Г® j\Г® dГ”o ГҐ.
It is addictive.
j|Г® j\Г® mГЎ ГҐ.
He has an addiction.
\am
j\Г®
V
sleep, also Г®\ /\e, rarely z\ГЇ
j\Г® t|ГҐ
sleep, lie down
j\î mjå kæo å
dream, also d\e mjå fu/w|u d\y kæo
j\î m∑ å
sleep
j\î m∑ le å.
He has fallen asleep.
j\î m∑ o.
He slept.
m\å j\î m∑
not asleep
j\î ≥\o
talking or moving in sleep, delirious speech
j\î ≥\o d\∑ å.
He is talking in his sleep.
j\î ≥\o m\å dzÉï
in one’s sleep
j|î j\î ≥\o m\å dzÉï dzÉï dÔe å. He walked in his sleep.
\am Ach j\Г® p|u
N
rain cape (C), also j\Г¶ p|u
j\î p|u w|å tΔ«å å.
He is wearing a cape.
\am Rcam E_j j\î s\uj tæe N
rainy season (C), also e\ s\uj tæe/~hå ts|ï
\am Y]Uj j\î få≥
N
Southern Central Lisu
\am
j\Г®
N
elder brother, usually ГҐ| ko/k|o ko
|ГҐ j\Г®
elder brother
\aUj
ji≥
V
pickle (C), also ГЎ
\bi \al jВ«o j\Г®
I
interjection at beginning of love songs
\bi
jВ«o
NS sixth son, usually å\ l«u pæ\å
sixth son, usually ГҐ
\ l«u pæ\å
\ГҐjВ«o
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
322
Southern Lisu Dictionary
|ГҐ
N
type of tattoo safety charm
|ГҐ
I
OK
|ГҐ
DemP aforementioned (anaphoric), also j|Г®
this (aforementioned), this near you
å| tæe
|å tæå/tæwå
here (aforementioned), there by you
|ГҐ go
that (aforementioned), same level
|ГҐ gwГҐ
there (aforementioned), same level
|å dÔö
that (aforementioned), lower level
|å dÔwå/dÔåw/dÔo there (aforementioned), lower level
|ГҐ dzwГҐ/dzГҐw
there (aforementioned), lower level, see ГҐ
| dГ”wГҐ
that (aforementioned), higher level
|å nö
|ГҐ nwГҐ/no/nГҐw
there (aforementioned), higher level
]h @l
|ГҐ b\ГҐ
N
father (baby talk), usually b«å b\å/\å b\å
]h @_h ГҐ| b|e
N
eldest son, also å\ b|e, see also å\ t|å/|åpæu
]h @_l |ГҐ b\e
N
squirrel, also h~ ГЎ
В« b\e
bushy-tailed squirrel
å| b\e m|∑ k|å
]. @bi |ГҐ bВ«o
N
name for fat person
]. @bm |ГҐ b_\o
N
type of ground-feeding brown bird
]h @dl |ГҐ b\y
N
baby (baby talk), also ГҐ| w\o
|ГҐ b\y wГЎ
come and be carried (baby talk)
]h A^i |å p«á
N
friend (song word), see tsæ\o pæ«á
]h A`j |å pö
N
swaddling cloth, also h~ å« pö
]h Aah P^m |ГҐ p|Г® n\ГЎ
V
small, also zo
]h Abm |ГҐ p\o
N
man’s name
]. Acj |ГҐ pu
N
porcupine (Hystrix hodgsoni), also h~ ГЎ
В« pu
|ГҐ pu p|ГҐ t|Г®
type of porcupine
ГҐ pu n|ГҐ g\o
type of porcupine
]h Aej |å p∑
N
yoke, also å| p∑ tΔ|å, see tΔ|å p∑
å| kæ\å å| p∑
carrying yoke
å| w\á å| p∑ tΔ|å
yoke put on pigs to keep them from going through
].
].
].
fences
]h A\j Oj |ГҐ pjГҐ mГҐ N
]h A\m |ГҐ pj\ГҐ
N
]h Bak |åpæi
N
]h Bal J_l Lak |å pæ\î tΔ\e dzÉï
]h Bbl |å pæ\o
N
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
shorty (girl’s nickname)
nickname for man who tells fantastic lies
ninth son, usually å\ tΔ\u pæ\å
N
small leafy shrub
mother’s mother and her sisters
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
323
Southern Lisu Dictionary
]h Bcj å| pæu
N
]h Bck O_h å| pæu m|e N
]h Bdl |å pæ\y
N
eldest son, usually å| b|e, also å| t|å pæ\å
nickname for fair-skinned girl
pumpkin
å| pæ\y pæj\å
å| pæ\y m∑
å| pæ\y s\∑
å| pæ\y w|o n|o
]h Be
|å pæ|∑
N
]h Bem |å pæ\∑
N
|å pæ\∑ tΔæ\î l«å ts\ï
]h Ch
|ГҐ d|ГҐ
N
]h Cj [`l |ГҐ dГҐ О”\Г¶
N+V
b∑
pæj«å
g∑
]h C^l_h |ГҐ d\ГЎ|e
A
ГҐ| d\ГЎe| xГҐ o.
]h Cl
|ГҐ d\ГҐ
N
|ГҐ d\ГҐ so ГҐ.
ГҐ| d\ГҐ l\ГҐ dz_ГЇГ‰ je ГҐ.
]h Cl Ok |ГҐ d\ГҐ mГҐ
N
pumpkin leaf
large green squash (Chinese nangua)
pumpkin
kind of pumpkin
N
]h Cl [dh |ГҐ d\ГҐ О”|ГЇ
]h
]h
]h
]h
]h
]h
]h
]h
W
x
|å d\å Δ|ï s\∑
C^l Cdl ГҐ| d\ГЎ d\y N
Cal
|ГҐ d\Г®
A
|ГҐ d\Г® xГҐ ГҐ.
Cbj Cbj Oj ГҐ| do do mГҐ
Cch |ГҐd|u
N
Ceh |åd|∑
N
Dj
|ГҐtГҐ
N
D^hm ГҐ| t|ГЎГЎ
\
A
Dah
|ГҐ t|Г®
A
|å t|î bá ©\∑ m\å
|å t|î g\∑ do m\å
|ГҐ t|Г®\ГҐ m\ГҐ dГ”o.
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
district (Thai, amphur)
mice, rats, also h~ ГЎ
« pæ\∑
small hot chillie (�rat feces chillie’)
man’s name
play the rock-scissors-paper game:
one finger (beats flat hand)
flat hand (beats knuckles)
knuckles (beats finger)
a bit exceptionally, contraction of ГҐ| d\Г®e|
exceptionally good
a slide
slide on a slide
He is sliding along on his bottom.
the Great One, the king, the Supreme
Spirit, also j|Г® d\ГҐ mГҐ
a plant (Viburnum cylindricum)
fruit of this plant
type of bamboo rat, also h~ ГЎ
В« d\ГЎ d\y
extremely, the most, see de le
It is extremely good/It is the best.
N
corn beetle
fourth daughter, usually ГҐ\ s|ГЇ mГҐ
second son, usually å\ l«e pæ\å
seventh daughter, usually å\ tsæ«ï må
a little bit, contraction of ГҐ| t|Г® z\ГҐ
a little, used in polite requests
Please tell him for me.
Please give him some to drink.
I haven’t even got a little.
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
324
Southern Lisu Dictionary
|å t|î n|î \_å/|å t|î n»á
ГҐ| t|Г®\ГҐ dГ”o ГҐ.
|ГҐ t|Г® z\ГҐ
|ГҐt\Г®
N
|ГҐ to
N
|ГҐ t|o bo lo
å| t|o pæö
å| t|o m\u kæ\u
|å t|o m\u kæ\u Δ|ï o.
|å t|o lå lö
|å t|o x\o tæ|å
|å t|o lo bo dzÉï
|å tæå
N
]h Dam
]h Dbh
|
]h Ek
]h El
]h E^k
]h E^l
@
b
A
p
a small one
I have a little.
a little bit, also å t|îå
\ /|ГҐ t|ГЎГЎ
\
fifth son, usually å| w\u pæ\å
fire, lamp, light, flame
kind of tree
stove, furnace, car battery, generator
smoke
It is smoking.
flames, also ГҐ
| t|o lГҐ li
ember
shrub with leaves like elephant ears
here (aforementioned), there by you,
also rarely ГҐ
| tæwå
He isn’t right here.
|å tæå m\å tΔ«å.
|å tæ\å
N
knife
large knife
|å tæ\å p|å
|å tæ\å p\å p«å
large machete
|å tæ\å pæj«å gu
scabbard
å| tæ\å d\ö du
sword
|å tæ\å dÔ\ö
side of blade
|å tæ\å tΔæ«ö
straight pointed knife
|å tæ\å m|∑ d\u
short flat machete
å| tæ\å nu
blunt back edge of knife
å| tæ\å l\e
small whittling knife
|å tæ\å s\ï n\e
cutting edge of knife
|å tæ\å xw«å m\∑ g\o_ curved machete
å| tæ\å w|u pæ«î
pointed dagger
å| tæ\å w|u dy
tip of knife
|å tæá
N
then, next, so
So we went.
|å tæá dÔe å.
|å tæ\á
N
when?
When did you come?
|å tæ\á lå \å.
å| tæ\á mo å å| tæ\á g\å_ å. He chases it whenever he sees it.
å| tæ\á m∑ tæ\á
when?
å| tæ\á x∑
At any time, all the time.
|å tæ\á j\_î dÔe \å.
When are you going back?
å| tæ\áe|
(not) ever
|å tæ\áe| m\å mo.
I haven’t seen it at any time.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
325
Southern Lisu Dictionary
Dem this (aforementioned), that by you,
C
and so, and then
å| tæe/|å tæe ≥o bá å ¯å And so ...
å| tæe t|o wå
Here, at this place.
å| tæe tæ\á
At that time ...
å| tæe kÌ le o ≥o.
That’s how it happened.
|å tæe må ≥o.
This is it, right here.
å| tæe ≥å ¯å
If that is so....
å| tæe je å.
That’s how he did it./That’s what he did.
å| tæe ©∑ ¯å
And then ...
]h F^l ГҐ| g\ГЎ
N
seventh son, usually å\ tsæ«ï pæ\å
]h Fl Oj |ГҐ g\ГҐ m_ГҐ
N
type of embroidery - zigzig design used
]h E_k
|å tæe
in bag decorations and women’s leggings
]h
]h
]h
ГҐ| g\ГҐ mГҐ g\ГҐ ГҐ.
She is embroidering zigzags.
F_h ГҐ| g|e
N
ninth daughter, usually \ГҐtО”\u mГҐ
Fbk |ГҐ go
N
that (aforementioned), see go
Fbl Oai |å g\o m«î N
a swing, also å| g\o m«∑/|å g\u m«î
swing on a swing
|å g\o m«î s«∑ å.
Fbm |ГҐ g_\o
N
type of spirit; turns people into witches
|å g\o pæ\å
man who has bene turned into a witch
|ГҐ g\o mГҐ
woman who has been turned into a witch
Fck |ГҐ gu
N
spoon (baby talk), see j«î gu
Fcl |ГҐ g\u
N
dove
emerald dove
pæ\å b\y |å g\u
|å g\u p«Ì tå
seesaw (for children to play on)
|å g\u tΔå kå tæ\u
smallish type of dove
ГҐ| g\u nГЎ
dark grey dove
|å g\u ¯«î tΔæ\ï
green dove
å| g\u w|u pæu
large white-headed dove
|ГҐ g\u О”\ГЇ О”\ГЇ
reddish type of dove in plains
Feh |åg|∑
N
eighth daughter, usually å\ p«å må
Fej |å g∑
N
kind of vine
Fej Pej |å g∑ n∑ N
hand, fingers bent at first joint, ready for knocking
|å g∑ n∑ ts|ï fu ©∑. Knock him with your knuckles.
Fej Fej Rel |å g∑ g∑ s\∑ N
type of fruit not found in Thailand
FZk |ГҐ gwГҐ
N
there (aforementioned), also ГҐ| go kwГҐ
Gh @bm Qbj ГҐ k|ГҐ b\o lo
N
butterfly, also ГҐ| k|ГҐ b\u lo
W
x
X
h
]h
]h
]h
]h
].
]h
]h
]h
]h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
326
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
N
]h Gh A`j |å k|å pö
]h Gbj |ГҐ ko
]h GZj
]j Haj
]h Hbh
|ГҐ ko lВ«e
|ГҐ kwГҐ
N
s«∑ å| kwå pæ\e
|åkæi
N
å kæ|o
N
]h HZh
|å kæ|o s\u l\u
|å kæ|o z\å
|å kæ|o\å
å| kæ\u
N
|å kæ\∑
N
h~ i å| kæ\∑ d\u
å| kæ\∑ kæu
å| kæ\∑ tsæÉï m\∑
|å kæw|å
N
]h I`k
]h Ibm
]h Icj
]h Idl
]h IZk
|ГҐ
|ГҐ
|ГҐ
|ГҐ
|ГҐ
]h J_j
]h Jdi
|ГҐ tО”e
|å tΔ«ï
|å tΔ«ï po
|å tΔ«ï tæ\î b\å nå å.
|å tΔ«ï w|u dy
|å tΔ«ï zÉï
|å ¯\î |å tΔ«ï tæ\î k|åj
|å tΔæå
N
|å tΔæå dÔö å.
|åtΔæå
N
|å tΔæ«o
N
]h Hcl
]h Hel
]h K\j
]h K\j
]h Kbi
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
E
tæ
second-born elder brother
fork in a tree
fork in a tree.
third son, usually ГҐsГҐ
round silver ornament sewn onto clothes,
also |å kæw|å/|å kæ|o z\å/|å kæ|o\å
silver neck ring with dangling ornaments
round silver ornament on clothes
round silver ornament on clothes
fifth daughter, usually ГҐ| w\u mГҐ
door, also kå kæ\∑
outside the front door
door opening
threshold
round silver ornaments sewn onto clothes.
also |å kæ|o/|å kæ|o z\å/|å kæ|o\å
Dem that down below(aforementioned), see dÔö
A
for no reason, carelessly, song pair for ГҐ\ to
N
chopsticks, also ГҐ| dzu
N
parrot
Dem there down below(aforementioned), also
|å dÔåw/|å dÔo/|å dzwå/|å dzåw, see dÔö
N
elder sister (C), also tΔ|e tΔe/|å tsÉï
N
breast
dÔö
dГ”\o
dГ”u
dГ”\ГЇ
dГ”wГҐ
D
t
type of reed
elder brother (C), also k|o ko/|ГҐ j_\Г®
F
g
G
k
udder
One breast is painful.
nipple/teat (�breast head’)
milk
a tin of cow milk
mourning wail, dirge
She is wailing the dirge.
third daughter, usually ГҐsГҐ mГҐ
axe, usually å| tsæ«o
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
327
Southern Lisu Dictionary
]h Kbl
]h Kdh
]h Kdm
N
|ГҐ tО”Г¦\o
|å tΔæ«o må
|ГҐtО”Г¦|ГЇ
|ГҐ tО”Г¦_\ГЇ
|å tΔæ\ï t|î s\∑
|ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ n|ГҐ
|ГҐ dzu
|ГҐ dzwГҐ
cross cousin who is courting (song word),
also tΔæ«o tΔæ\o, see tΔæ\o pæ«á �friend’/l\o pj\åw
female cross cousin courted, also tΔæ«o tΔæ\o må
sixth daughter, usually ГҐ\ lВ«u mГҐ
goat
N
N
small edible red fruit
castrated goat
N
chopsticks, also ГҐ| dГ”u
Dem there down below(aforementioned),
also |å dÔwå/|å dÔåw/|å dÔo/||å dzåw, see dÔö
]h Mah
|ГҐ ts|ГЇ
I
exclamation of pain: Ouch! It’s very cold.
]h Mah Mah |ГҐ ts|ГЇ ts|ГЇ
I
exclamation of pain: Ouch! It’s very cold.
]h Maj
|å tsÉï
N
elder sister, also ГҐ| tО”e/tО”|e tО”e
å| tsÉï m|e
girl’s name (originally eldest sister, see å
| m\Г®)
]h Mak
|å tsÉï
N
personal appearance; looks, beauty (C)
His elder sister looks very
j|î tΔ|î tΔ\_î |å tsÉï å kæ|∑ bi å ≥o.
]h Lcj
]h LZk
attractive.
j|î ¯å j|î |å tsÉï Δ«å tΔ«å å. She’s getting dressed up/She’s beautifying
herself.
j|î |å tsÉï dÔo dÔo Δ\ï one that has a good appearance; a good-looking
one
j|î |å tsÉï |å t|î m|å ©\∑ . Show us what it looks like.
]l Nbi
]h Oj
]h O]ah
]h Oal
]h O_h
W
x
X
h
Y
f
å\ tsæ«o
N
axe, also å| tΔæ«o/å tsæ«o
å| tsæ«o p«e pæ\u
Lisu hatchet
å| tsæ«o w|u tsæÉï
cross axe
å| tsæ«o w|u n∑
Thai-style hatchet
|ГҐ mГҐ
N
mother, also å må, usually m«å må
|ГҐ m|ГҐj
I
exclamation of shock
|ГҐ m\Г®
N
daughter, eldest daughter
daughter of same-sex sibling
|ГҐ m\Г® du
|ГҐ m\Г® mГҐ
eldest daughter, also ГҐ
\ t|ГҐ m\Г®/|ГҐnГҐ
|å m\î l|á l|á dzÉï
tall tree with reddish leaves and small nuts
j|Г® |ГҐ m\Г®
his daughter, daughter
|å m\î l|á l|á dzÉï
tall tree with reddish leaves and small nuts
|ГҐ m|e
N
soon (softens commands), also ГҐ| m|Г®
Eat up.
|ГҐ m|e dz\ГҐ.
|å m|e m\å dÔe ¯å m\å pe. If you don’t go soon, you won’t get there.
ГҐ| m|e m|e
very soon
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
328
Southern Lisu Dictionary
]h Obl
]h Pj
]h Pl
]h P^j
]h P`k
]h Pbj
@
b
A
p
|å m|e m|e lå ≥å å.
ГҐ| m|e lГҐ.
|ГҐ m\o
N
|ГҐ m\o kw|ГҐ py
|ГҐ m\o by
|ГҐ m\o b\y
|ГҐ m\o p|ГҐ
å| m\o tsæ«e
|ГҐ m\o mГҐ
|å m\o m|∑
|ГҐ m\o n|ГҐ
|å m\o l«o tsÉï
å| m\o s\∑
ГҐ| m\o sw|ГҐ
|ГҐ m\o z\ГҐ
å| m\o w\u tsæu
|ГҐ m\o О”|ГЇ
|å m\o ΔÉï/|å m\o ji ΔÉï
|å m\o ΔÉï må
å| m\o å kæ\o
|ГҐnГҐ
N
|ГҐ n\ГҐ
N
ГҐ| n\ГҐ bu we
|ГҐ n\ГҐ p|ГҐ
|ГҐ n\ГҐ k|o
|å n\å k\Ì t«∑
|å n\å tΔæ«e x∑ dzÉï
|ГҐ n\ГҐ mГҐ
|å n\å lå tΔæö bj\å
|ГҐ n\ГҐ ГЎ
« l«á
|ГҐ nГЎ
N
|ГҐ nГЎ tО”Г¦\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГҐ
|å nö
Dem
|å nö t|å wå
å nö t|åw
|ГҐ no
N
|ГҐ no pГҐ pГҐ
|ГҐ no pjГҐ pjГҐ
å| no tæ\u
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
Come very soon, won’t you?
Come.
horse, written a| m\u
crowpheasant
mane of horse
hoof of horse
male horse
stallion
mare
spring onion/scallion
gelding, usually ГҐ
| m\o sw|ГҐ
mule
amphetamine (�horse fruit’)
gelding, also ГҐ
| m\o n|ГҐ
foal
giant horse
breeding stallion
rainbow
jewel beetle
pack saddle
eldest daughter, usually ГҐ| m\Г® mГҐ, also \ГҐt|ГҐ m\Г®
dog, see also kæ\∑
marigolds
male dog
wild dog
dog tick
wild castor bush
female dog
type of small red hornet (�dog tongue bee’)
ant lion
crow
large kind of sparrow
that up there (aforementioned), see nö
up there (aforementioned)
up there (aforementioned)
beans, peas
type of green bean
peas
bean pod
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
329
Southern Lisu Dictionary
]h
]h
]h
]h
]h
]h
]h
]h
]h
å| no dzÉï
bean curd
å| no tsæ∑
bean oil
å| no tsæ\ï
fermented beans
å| no tsæÉï t\e
small flat pea
ГҐ| no s\ГҐ l\ГҐ
long beans
å| no s«∑ dzÉï
small green bean, climbs on other plants, edible
å| no wå t|∑
Chinese peas (C)
PZk |ГҐ nwГҐ
Dem up there (aforementioned), see nö
P\j |ГҐ ВЇГҐ
N
father’s sister/mother’s brother’s wife,
also ВЇ|ГҐ ВЇГҐ/\ГҐВЇi
P\aj |ГҐ ВЇi
N
second daughter, usually ГҐ\ lВ«e mГҐ
P\al |ГҐ ВЇ\Г®
N
cow
bull
|ГҐ ВЇ\Г® p|ГҐ
|ГҐ ВЇ\Г® mГҐ
cow
|ГҐ ВЇ\Г® k|o
wild cattle
|å ¯\î kæ\o
Year of the Cow
|ГҐ ВЇ\Г® l\Г¶ mГҐ
barren cow
|ГҐ ВЇ\Г® mГҐ l\Г¶
young heifer, not yet fertile
|å ¯\î s«∑ dzÉï
banana (�cow fruit’), see also ≥å må/©å må
|å ¯\î ≥w|å
large catfish (�cow fish’)
|ГҐ ВЇ\Г® ~h\e mГҐ
jackfruit (�cow stomach’)
|å ¯\î h~ e\ må dzÉï
jackfruit tree
å| ¯\î h~ e\ må s\∑
fruit of a jackfruit
Qh
|ГҐ l|ГҐ
I
dismay or pain
Q_l Uj Rel |å l\e ≥å s\∑
N
wild berry, grows on large tree
Qbh |ГҐ l|o
I
expression of surprise and dismay
Qbhn |ГҐ l|o ГҐ
N
from where? (contraction of ГҐ li kwГҐ ts|o)
Qbj |ГҐ lo
N
barbet (fruit-eating bird)
å| lo s«∑ s\∑ tså
vine which bears scarlet flowers and large redorange fruit which barbets eat
N
N
N
]h Qbm |ГҐl\o
]h Qbm O_h |ГҐ l\o m|e
]h Qbm O_i |ГҐ l\o mВ«e
|ГҐ l\o mВ«e mГЊ
|ГҐ l\u
N
|å l\u pj«å
|å l|∑
I
]h Qcl
]h Qeh
W
x
X
h
address term for last son
address term for last daughter
mole
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
kind of cloth
pot, wok
frying pan
Ouch! (exclamation of pain)
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
330
Southern Lisu Dictionary
ГҐsГҐ
N
åså pæ\å
ГҐsГҐ mГҐ
|ГҐsГҐ m|Г®
]h Rbh O_h ГҐ| s|o m|e N
]h Tl
|ГҐ z\ГҐ
N
]h Um
|å _≥\å
N
|å ≥\å b\o lå z\å
]j Rj
|å ≥\å p|å
å| ≥\å ≥\å tsæÉï w\o
|å ≥\å tæ\å
|å ≥\å l\o tæ\å
å| ≥\å k|o
å| ≥\å s|å
]h Wbi |ГҐ xВ«o
N
]h Wei ]h Q_m å| x«∑ å| l\e V
]h Ycj |ГҐ fu
N
|å fu pæ\å \o
|ГҐ fu mГҐ \o
]h Zm Qal Rcah |ГҐ w\ГҐ l\Г® О”|uj
]h Z^m
]h
]h
]h
]h
]h
@
b
dwarf buffalo - a mythical type of buffalo having
magical powers
male water buffalo
grass
buffalo wallow, also ГҐ
| ≥\å l\o tæ\å
buffalo wallow, usually ГҐ
| ≥\å tæ\å
wild gaur (Bos gaurus)
buffalo territory (boggy country)
giant beans (baby talk) for l|ГҐ/lГҐ xВ«o
live at ease
address term for parent of child’s spouse
fellow father-in-law
fellow mother-in-law
N small shrub with spiky aromatic leaves,
used as a food flavouring; liquorice-like flavour
|ГҐ w\ГЎ
N
pig
ГҐ| w\ГЎ p|ГҐ
hog, male pig
ГҐ| w\ГЎ t|Г®
wild boar, also w\ГЎ t|Г®
ГҐ| w\ГЎ k|o
wild pig
å| w\á kæw\å kæw\å dzÉï small thorny tree bearing small round green
fruit used in flavouring food
pig fat
sow, also w\ГЎ mГҐ
breeding boar
å| w\á tsæ∑
ГҐ| w\ГЎ mГҐ
|ГҐ w\ГЎ О”|ГЇ
Z_j |ГҐ we
Z_ah |ГҐ w|ej
Zbm |ГҐ w\o
Zbm Oj |ГҐ w\o mГҐ
Zcl |ГҐw\u
å| w\u pæ\å
|ГҐw\u mГҐ
A
p
third in birth order, also å| så/|åkæi/|åtΔæå
third son, also ГҐ
| kæi
third daughter, also ГҐ
| så m|î/|åtΔæå
third daughter, usually ГҐsГҐ mГҐ
a girl’s name
father’s mother and her sisters
water buffalo
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
N
N
N
N
N
G
k
flower (baby talk)
perfumed gin (C), also ГҐ\ w|Г®, used as medicine
baby (baby talk), usually ГҐ| b\y
long-tailed black and white bird, also k|ГҐ w\o mГҐ
fifth in birth order (C), also å| t\i/|åkæ\u
fifth son, also ГҐ
| t\i
fifth daughter, also ГҐ
| w\u m|î/|åkæ\u
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
331
Southern Lisu Dictionary
]h [\m
]h [di
]h [dl
]h \h
]h \am
]h em
]h gh
]j
]j
]j
W
x
|ГҐw\u m|Г®
fifth daughter, usually ГҐ
| w\u mГҐ
Cbhl |ГҐ О”\ГҐ dВ»o A
silently, making no noise
j|î ¯å |å Δ\å d»o tΔ«å å. He kept silent.
[dl |å Δ«ï Δ\ï
N
all kinds of things, see О”\ГЇ
|ГҐ О”\ГЇ
N
what? also |ГҐ mi (song language)
|å Δ\ï tæe kæ|∑
How ..... ! (exclamation) , What ..., Why .. ?
|å Δ\ï tæe kæ|∑ ~h|î å. How ugly!
|å Δ\ï tæe k|æ∑ xå å. How nice!
|å Δ\ï dÔo å, |å Δ\ï g\∑ å. We gave whatever we had.
|å Δ\ï ≥å \å.
what is it?
|å Δ\ï ≥\o \å.
What’s wrong?
|å Δ\ï x∑
everything
|ГҐ О”\ГЇ w|u ВЇi/|ГҐ О”\ГЇ w|u why?
|ГҐ О”\ГЇ О”\ГЇ
all sorts or what sort
|å Δ\ï |å Δ\ï/|å Δ«ï Δ\ï all kinds of things
|å Δ\\ï|e m\å ≥å.
It isn’t anything.
|ГҐ j|ГҐ
N
chicken, also å| ©|å/©å
|å j|å bö
chicken pen
|å j|å pæ\å
rooster, also ГҐ
| ©|å pæy/©å pæy
|ГҐ j|ГҐ dГҐ w\o
type of fern
|ГҐ j|ГҐ mГҐ
hen
ГҐ| j|ГҐ Mis_ГЇГ‰ mГҐ
scarab beetle (�chicken Sky Goddess’)
|ГҐ j|ГҐ fu
chicken egg
|ГҐ j|ГҐ w|u kВ«o
comb of chicken
|ГҐ j_\Г®
N
elder brother (archaic) , usually k|o ko/|ГҐ ko
|ГҐ j\_Г®
friend, (term of address for strangers), cousin
|å j\î_ pæ\å \o
I say, friend, ....
|å ©\∑
N
steam
zÉï l\ö |å ©\∑ dÔo å. The hot water is steaming.
|ГҐ В©|ГҐ
N
chicken, also å| j|å/©å
ГҐ
V
glide, float on the surface
dzö m\∑ pæ\å m\o bjö å tΔ«å å.
The hawks were gliding around.
j|î tæ\á ΔÉï å då å.
It can float on the surface.
ГҐ
PF
final indicating positive declarative mood
ГҐ
PN
p|å ts_Éï å tΔ«å å.
ГҐ mi ГҐ dГ”e ГҐ.
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
locative/allative, also wГҐ/kwГҐ
He lives on the plains.
He is going to the fields.
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
332
Southern Lisu Dictionary
]j
]j @j
]j @aj
ГҐ
NP
å tæu
å tæu tæu
ГҐ mo
ГҐ mo mo
å m∑
å m∑ m∑
ГҐ mjГҐ
ГҐ mjГҐ mjГҐ
ГҐ n|ГЎ
ГҐ wu
ГҐ wu wu
å ΔÉï
å ΔÉï ΔÉï
ГҐ О”i
ГҐ О”i О”i
å ©∑
å ©∑ ©∑
ГҐ bГҐ
N
å bå tsæÉï
ГҐ bГҐ ВЇ\Г® mГҐ
ГҐ bi
N
ГҐ bi o\
]j @dj ГҐ by
]j Aj
ГҐ pГҐ
ГҐ pГҐ m\o ~hi
]j A\j ГҐ pjГҐ
]j Ccl ГҐ d\u
]j Ccl Rel å d\u s\∑
]j D^h K`l ГҐ t|ГЎ tО”Г¦\Г¶
]j Dbh
@
b
A
p
N
N
in extent questions/augmentatives
how thick? (many speakers reject this form!)
very thick (many speakers reject this form!)
how high/tall?
very high/tall
how long time?, also å m∑ ΔÉï
very long time, also å m∑ ΔÉï ΔÉï
how many?
very many
how deep?, also ГҐ
\ n|ГЎ
how big?
very big
how long?
very long
how wide?
very wide
how far? , also å ©∑
very far? , also å ©∑ ©∑
month, moon, also ~hГҐ bГҐ
moon
two months
term of address for z\ГҐ du nephews who are
children of a sibling of one’s own sex
My nephew!
blanket (baby talk), usually j«î by/z«ï by
grandfather
grandfather shrine (main village shrine)
N
N
N
N
a name (male or female)
house or village site, also h~ ГҐ d\u/~hi ГҐ d\u
tomatoes, also h~ å d\u s\∑
which direction, some direction,
also å li t|á tΔæ\ö/å t|á ΔÉï
å t|á tΔæ\ö å dÔ»e \å. Which direction did he go in?
å t|á tΔæ\ö å dÔe å m\å s|Ì. I don’t know which direction he went in.
ГҐ t|ГЎ tО”Г¦\Г¶|e m\ГҐ dГ”e. He did not go in any direction.
ГҐ t|o
N
where? (specific), here
å t|o å dÔe »å.
Where are you going to?
å t|o å tΔ«å su m\å s|Ì. I don’t know where they are from.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
333
Southern Lisu Dictionary
å t|o å s«∑ m|∑ d\u tæå d«å å. There was a tree stump right here.
]j FZj ГҐ gwГҐ
N
where?, also ГҐ kwГҐ, usually ГҐ li kwГҐ
]j Gj
ГҐ kГҐ
N
burial hill, also ГҐ\ gГҐ
]j GZj ГҐ kwГҐ
N
where?, also ГҐ gwГҐ, usually ГҐ li kwГҐ
]j
ГҐ
N
pack-saddle (C)
å kæ\o
horse pack-saddle
ГҐ tО”|ГҐ
wooden frame for horse’s pack-sadde
]j I\j å dÔå
N
water, also ji/zÉï dÔå
å dÔå pæö
a spring
å dÔå f\u l«u
water gourd/water flask
å dÔå |å m|e do.
Drink some water.
]j K\j Qbj Afi å tΔæå lo p«Ì« N small bow for shooting clay balls at birds
]j Oj ГҐ mГҐ
N
mother, also |å må, usually m«å må
å må b«á
stepmother
]j Oaj ГҐ mi
N
hill fields, also h~ å mi (clf kæw\å)
å mi tæ\î kæw\å
one hill field
ГҐ mi tО”|e ts|ГЇ
Time for clearing new fields from the jungle.
ГҐ mi ГҐ dГ”e ГҐ.
I am going to the hill-fields.
]j Oej å m∑
N
now, also h~ å m∑
å m∑ s\å
now
]j Pcl ГҐ n\u
Pro we (exclusive), usually ≥wå n\u
]j Qj
ГҐ lГҐ
N
where? (non-specific), contrast ГҐ t|o
ГҐ lГҐ dГ”e \ГҐ.
Where are you going?
ГҐ lГҐ dГ”\o ГҐ lГҐ
everywhere, all over the place
å lå dÔ\o å lå tæ\å dÔe. Don’t go wandering all over the place.
ГҐ lГҐ ts|o
from where?, also ГҐ li kwГҐ be/ts|o
ГҐ lГҐ|e/ГҐ l|ГЎ
nowhere
ГҐ lГҐ|e m\ГҐ dГ”e.
I’m not going anywhere.
]j Qaj ГҐ li
N
which? also ГҐ le
å li tæ\î t|o å
At which specific place?
ГҐ li kwГҐ ts|o
from where?, also ГҐ lГҐ ts|o/ГҐ li kwГҐ be
ГҐ li mГҐ.
Which one?
ГҐ li le je ГҐ\ .
How do you do it?
ГҐ li ГҐ
Where?
ГҐ li je ГҐ\ .
What (activity) are you doing?
]j Qbj ГҐ lo
I
exclamation (mild surprise and pleasure)
]j Tbj ГҐ zo
N
sheep, written Г‚o
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
334
Southern Lisu Dictionary
V
]j Zj Zj ГҐ wГҐ wГҐ
ГҐ wГҐ wГҐ je ГҐ.
]j Zbj ГҐ wo
N
N
NP
]j Zdj ГҐ wy
]l
\ГҐ
\å tæ|u thu
\ГҐ m|o mo
\ГҐ mj|ГҐ mjГҐ
\ГҐ n|ГЎ n|ГЎ
\ГҐ w|u wu
\å Δ|ï ΔÉï
\ГҐ О”|Г® О”i
\å ©|∑ ©∑
\ГҐ
tæe le å\
ВЇ\Г® zo \ГҐ
\ГҐ
]l
]l
]l
]l
Pat your mouth while saying aah.
father’s younger brother/mother’s younger
sister’s husband, also w|o wo
cross-cousin’s father, also w|y wy
in superlative extent forms
extremely thick
extremely high/tall
extremely many
very/extremely deep
extremely big
extremely long
very wide
extremely far
PN
only
only this much
only two people
PNF
åså pæå do je å\ ,
\ГҐ
PV
tæe wu å\
\ГҐ
PF
]l
pat the mouth with the hand while
saying aah
PF
\ГҐ
as soon as with pre-verbal marker pæå; before
and after verbs in embedded time clauses
As soon as Asa went out, .....
as ,,, as, co-occuring with preverbal tæe �this’;
as big as this
question, also ГҐВ» /ГҐ/l\ГҐ/l\ГЎ
clause final marker co-ocurring with
enumerator tæi �one’. Whole construction
means �of one ...’ or �the same .. as’.
¯\î zo må ¯å tæ\î tΔ\o \å.
These two people were of one clan.
]l
]l
]l @l
PV
-\ГҐ
nu t«ö ¯_i \å.
\ГҐ
\ГҐ b\ГҐ
\å b\å b«á
\ГҐ b\ГҐ m|ГЎ
You have a look.
N
N
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
mouth (baby talk)
father (formal), usually b«å b\å
stepfather
person given the responsibility of naming a child;
by doing this he forms a relationship with the child;
also, man who ties strings on a sick baby’s neck.
father and his brothers
father and his brothers-in law
ГҐ\ b\ГҐ ГҐ wo
ГҐ\ b\ГҐ ГҐ wy
@
b
imperative post-verbal marker, also ГҐ_\
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
335
Southern Lisu Dictionary
]l @\k
]l @\j
]l @el
N
N
N
\ГҐ bjГҐ
\ГҐ bjГҐ
\å b\∑
large carrying bag, see l\ГҐ bjГҐ
spicy thing (baby talk)
strangers, foreigners (archaic), neighbours,
friends (song language), see l\å b\∑
eighth in birth order (C), also å| tsæÉï/|åg|∑
eighth son, also ГҐ
| tsæÉï
eighth daughter, also ГҐ
\ p«å m|î/|åg|∑
eighth daughter, usually ГҐ
\ p«å må
cucumbers, melons, also ГҐ_\ p_u
\åp«å
N
\åp«å pæ\å
\åp«å må
\åp«å m|î
]l Ack \ГҐ pu
N
\ГҐ pu tО”|Г¶
ГҐ| pu tsГҐ
n|å m\∑ pu
]l B^i \å pæ«á
N
]l B^i \å pæ«á
N
]l Bal
\å pæ\î
N
\å pæ\î må
\å pæ\î dzÉï
\å pæ\î n\∑ n\∑ dzÉï
]l Bch \å pæ|u
N
]l Bdl ]j Aj \å pæ\y å på
å\ pæ\y å på m\å tΔ\e,
\å z\o x∑ m\å tΔ\e.
]l Cl Qch \ГҐ d\ГҐ l|u
N
]l Cak \ГҐ di
V
]l Dh
\ГҐ t|ГҐ
N
\å t|å pæ\å
\ГҐ t|ГҐ m\Г®
]l Dh
\ГҐt|ГҐ
N
]l Dbj \ГҐ to
A
\ГҐ to to
\å to to m\å g\∑.
å\ to tæ\å bá.
]l Ai
å\ to tæ\å je.
å\ to å\ ≥o
]l E^hnl \å tæ|á \å
]: E_k \å tæ\e
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
type of cucumber
cucumber vine
sweet melon
hand (baby talk) see l\á pæ«á
friend, usually tΔæ\o pæ«á
great grandfather
great grandmother
small tree which bears edible berries
small tree with red berries and small serrated leaves
Kachin, usually tΔæ\o pæ\å
N
ancestors (song language), also pæ\y på
If this wasn’t right for our ancestors,
it’s not right for us.
cricket, also ГҐ\ d|ГҐ w|u
pair word for b\e di insects
eldest (C), see also å| b|e/|åm\î må/|åpæu/|ånå
eldest son, usually ГҐ
| b|e
eldest daughter, usually ГҐ
| m\Г® mГҐ
eldest son, usually å| b|e, see also å| pæu
for no reason, carelessly, see also ГҐ| dГ”\o
improperly, rudely, carelessly, needlessly
He didn’t give it in the proper way.
Don’t talk nonsense/Don’t say things you don’t
mean.
Don’t do it carelessly.
needlessly
I
I
^
ГЎ
I told you so!
There it is by you!
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
336
Southern Lisu Dictionary
\ГҐ g|ГҐ
N
a man’s name
\ГҐ gГҐ
N
burial hill, usually ГҐ kГҐ
\ГҐ g\ГҐ
N
spider, also ≥|å må
\ГҐ g\ГҐ mГҐ
house spider (webless)
å\ g\å må tsæÉï t|∑
spiderweb
]l Fbi \ГҐ gВ«o
N
fuzz of pig
]l Fbk \ГҐ go
N
hoe
one hoe
|å go tæ\î p\å
|å go m|∑ dÔ\e
short-handled hoe
]l Hh
\å kæ|å
N
gecko, lizard
house gecko
å\ kæ|å b|e b|e
å\ kæ|å bjö
flying lizard
å\ kæ|å b|e b|e
house gecko
\å kæ|å d\å må
crocodile, also s|ï tΔ«åw s\ï (C)
\å kæ|å må
lizard
]l Hl
\å kæ\å
N
The Akha
]l Heh \å kæ|∑
A
intensifier (very, often)
I go often.
\å kæ|∑ dÔe å.
å\ kæ|∑ xå å.
It’s very good.
]l Idl \å dÔ«ï
N
all
all of us (exclusive)
≥wå n\u \å dÔ\ï
\ГҐ dГ”\ГЇ su dГ”e o.
Everybody went.
]l J\cl \ГҐtО”\u
N
ninth in birth order (C), also å| pæi/|åg|e
ninth son, also ГҐ
| pæi
|åtΔ\u pæ\å
ninth daughter, also ГҐ
| tО”|u m|Г®/|ГҐg|e
|ГҐtО”\u mГҐ
|ГҐtО”\u m|Г®
ninth daughter, usually ГҐ
| tО”|u mГҐ
]l K`j \å tΔæö
N
long-nosed squirrel, smaller than h~ ГЎ
В« b\e
]l K\l \ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГҐ
N
tree similar to olive tree
]l K\l Wbl \ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГҐ x\o N
dragonfly, also tВ«o tО”Г¦\ГҐ mГҐ
\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГҐ x\o mГҐ
dragonfly, also tВ«o tО”Г¦\ГҐ mГҐ
]l Mj
\ГҐ tsГҐ
N
type of small bird (white-eye)
]l Mhl
\ГҐ ts|ГҐ\ГҐ
A
soon
]l Mbhl \ГҐ ts|o\o
A
firmly
]l Nah Nal \å tsæ|ï tsæ\ï A
truly, really, also å tsæ|ïå\
It’s really so.
å\ tsæ|ï tsæ\ï ≥o.
\å tsæ|ï tsæ\ï dÔe å ≥o. He will really go.
]l Fh
]l Fj
]l Fl
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
337
Southern Lisu Dictionary
å\ tsæ«ï
N
seventh in birth order (C), also ГҐ| g\ГЎ/|ГҐtГҐ
å\ tsæ«ï pæ\å
seventh son, also ГҐ
| g\ГЎ
seventh daughter, also ГҐ
\ tsæ«ï m|î/|åtå
å\ tsæ«ï må
\åtsæ«ï m|î
seventh daughter, usually ГҐ
\ tsæ«ï må
]l Nak å\ tsæÉï
N
eighth son, usually å\ p«å pæ\å
]l N_j å\ tsæe
N
fourth son, usually å\ s|ï pæ\å
]l Ok
\ГҐ mГҐ
N
who?
Who came?
\ГҐ mГҐ lГҐ \ГҐ.
ГҐ\ mГҐ l|ГЎ po,
About whose gun it was,
\ГҐ mГҐ tО”o l\ГЎ xo ГҐ they were arguing with each other.
\ГҐ mГҐ ~hi \ГҐ mГҐ j\_Г® dГ”e o.
They each went to their own home.
\å må x∑
whoever
\ГҐ mГҐ|e m\ГҐ lГҐ.
Nobody came.
]l O_k \ГҐ me
N
yesterday, also \ГҐ ВЇi/\ГҐ ВЇi
ГҐ\ me m\o lo
yesterday in the day time
ГҐ\ me n\ГЎ
yesterday morning
å\ me m\∑ kæ\∑
last night
\å me Δ_Éï me
a few days ago
]l O\h \ГҐ mj|ГҐ
N
extremely many
]l O\i \å mj«å
N
very many, a lot
]l O\j \ГҐ mjГҐ
N
many
\ГҐ mjГҐ ВЇГҐ dГ”o ГҐ.
Yes, there are a lot.
]l O\.: \å mj»å
N
very many
]l P^h \ГҐ n|ГЎ
N
how deep?, also ГҐ n|ГЎ
\ГҐ n|ГЎ tО”Г¦i dГ”o \ГҐ.
How deep is it?
\ГҐ n|ГЎ n|ГЎ
very/extremely deep
]l P`k \å nö
N
very long time ago, also å\ nö
å\ nö tæ\á
in the distant past
\å nö nö tæ\á
in the far distant past
]l P\i Maj \å ¯«å tsÉï
N
cat
]l P\ai \å ¯«î
N
last year/in the past, less than å\ nö, also å\ n«î
last year
\å ¯«î tæ\î kæ\o
]l P\ak \ГҐ ВЇi
N
yesterday, also \ГҐ me/\ГҐ ВЇi
]l P\ak \ГҐ ВЇi
N
father’s sister/mother’s brother’s wife,
usually ВЇ|ГҐ ВЇГҐ/ГҐ ВЇГҐ
]l Qk
\ГҐ lГҐ
A
almost, but didn’t
\ГҐ lГҐ dГ”e \ГҐ m\ГҐ dГ”e \ГҐ. Are you ready to go or not?
]l Na,
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
338
Southern Lisu Dictionary
\å lå ΔÉï o.
]l Q^i \å l«á
]l Q_i \ГҐlВ«e
å\ l«e pæ\å
\ГҐlВ«e mГҐ
\ГҐlВ«e m|Г®
]l Q_l Lak \å l\e dzÉï
He nearly died, but didn’t.
N
N
N
I
N
]l Qbinl \ГҐ lВ«o \ГҐ
]l Qci \ГҐlВ«u
great great grandfather
second in birth order, see also å| d|∑/|å¯i
second son, see also ГҐ
| d|∑
second daughter, see also ГҐlВ«e m|Г®/|ГҐВЇi
second daughter, usually ГҐlВ«e mГҐ
type of tree with soft edible bark, eaten
with betel, see ГҐ
\ l\e k«o dzÉï
exclamation (of nostalgia)
sixth in birth order (C), also ГҐ\ yВ«o/|ГҐtО”Г¦|ГЇ
sixth son, also ГҐ
\ yВ«o
sixth daughter, also ГҐ
\ lВ«u m|Г®/|ГҐtО”Г¦|ГЇ
sixth daughter, usually ГҐ
\ lВ«u mГҐ
expression of anger
lizard, skin used for guitar head, also k\o k«åj
fourth in birth order (C), also å\ tsæe/|åd|u
fourth son, also ГҐ
\ tsæe
fourth daughter, also ГҐ
\ s|ГЇ m|Г®/|ГҐd|u
fourth daughter, usually ГҐ
\ s|ГЇ mГҐ
a while ago, already, more than ГҐ\ so
å\ l«u pæ\å
\ГҐlВ«u mГҐ
\ГҐlВ«u m|Г®
]l Qehnl å l|∑ \å
I
]l Q\h ГҐ lj|ГҐ
N
]l Rah
\ГҐs|ГЇ
N
å\ s|ï pæ\å
\ГҐs|ГЇ mГҐ
\ГҐs|ГЇ m|Г®
]l Rbh \ГҐ s|o
N
He went a while ago.
å\ s|o tæ\á dÔe o.
]l Rbk \ГҐ so
N
short while ago, already, less than ГҐ\ s|o
He went a short time ago.
å\ s|o tæ\á dÔe o.
ГҐ\ s|o mГҐ
the one just recently discussed
]l Ti Tm \å z«å z\å
N
carefully and slowly, usually ГҐ\ zГҐ
]l Tk
\ГҐ zГҐ
N
carefully and slowly, also ГҐ\ zГҐ
\ГҐ zГҐ zГҐ
carefully and slowly
\ГҐ zГҐ \ГҐ zГҐ
carefully and slowly
\ГҐ zГҐ \ГҐ zГҐ dГ”e.
Go carefully. (Lisu farewell)
]l T.:
\å z»å
A
restrained, a little
så s\o tΔ«o å, å\ z»å m\å ≥å. It was eroded, and not just a little either.
\å z»å m\å ≥å.
There’s no holding it (i.e. It was very bad).
]l Tbl \ГҐ z\o
Pro we (inclusive of hearer), also ГҐ\ w\u/z\o/Г‚\o
we three (you two and me)
ГҐ\ z\o s\ГҐ zo
]l WZi \å xw«å
N
a short time in the future
]l Yci ГҐ fВ«u
N
a man’s proper name
@
b
A
p
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
339
Southern Lisu Dictionary
N
N
A
\å Δ_Éï Δ_Éï tæ\î må
\å Δ_Éï Δ_Éï je.
]l [di \åΔ«ï
N
\åΔ«ï pæ\å
\åΔ«ï må
\åΔ«ï m|î
]l \i Tm \å j«å z\å
N
]l \am Oj \ГҐ j\Г® mГҐ
N
]l \bi \ГҐjВ«o
N
]l ]i
\å «å
N
]m
\ГҐ
PF
perfumed gin (C), also ГҐ| w|ej, used as medicine
quite a while ago, already, more than ГҐ\ s|o
extremely long, unhurriedly, see О”_ГЇГ‰
_\ГҐ
PF
tæ\å dÔÉï \_å.
]m
_\ГҐ
PN
z\ГҐ tО”Г¦\ГЇ \ГҐ
m\ГЎ ГҐ\
]m Mch Tak Hck å\_ ts|u zÉï kæu
imperative marker
]l Zah \ГҐ w|Г®
]l [`h \ГҐ О”|Г¶
]l [dh [dj \å Δ|ï ΔÉï
One was long.
Don’t be in a hurry.
tenth in birth order (C)
tenth son
tenth daughter, also ГҐ
\ Δ«ï m|î
tenth daughter, usually ГҐ
\ Δ«ï må
type of lizard, lives in holes in the ground
girl’s name
sixth son, usually å\ l«u pæ\å
meat (baby talk), also ГҐ\ ГҐВ« , see xw\ГҐ
question, also ГҐВ» /\ГҐ/l\ГҐ/l\ГЎ
]m
]m ]i
]hl
]eh
\å «å
Ȍ
N
PF
|∑
I
Don’t believe it.
diminutive or lack of respect, also z\ГҐ
orphan
soldiers
N
short side posts in Lisu house, also
å î_\ ts|u zÉï kæu
meat (baby talk), also ГҐ\ ГҐВ« , see xw\ГҐ
question, also ГҐ\ /\ГҐ/l\ГҐ/l\ГЎ
word said when passing something to
somebody, �Here you are.’
Num two (C), in
|∑ lj\å
|∑ tΔ|o zÉï khu
small house post at lower sides of house
|∑ lj\å
horizontal beam under roof studs
|∑ x|åw
number two, medium-sized
w\u å m\å ≥å, zo å m\å ≥å, It is neither big nor small,
|∑ x|åw.
but medium-sized.
|∑ w\u |∑ w\u
undecided, torn two ways
∑
| w\u ∑
| w\u k«å å be undecided and scared
]em
\∑
V
burp, belch
nu ∑
\ ∑
\ je å må, k|å p|e tæ\å \∑.
Don’t burp too loudly.
]Zi Qh Qh «åw l|å l|å
V
yelping (C)
]eh
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
340
Southern Lisu Dictionary
å« w l|å l|å go t«á je o. He dragged it along, with it yelping all the time.
ГЎ
В«
N
duck
wild duck
ГЎ
В« k|o
ГЎ
В« d\ГҐ mГҐ
goose, also o
В«
ГЎ
« l«á
NS ant lion
ant lion
|å n\å «á l«á
ГЎ
I
here it is! (when giving something)
ГЎ
V
pickle , usually ji≥
ГЎ
V
put baby on one’s back, also ©\∑ ©«∑
|ГҐ b\u ГЎ ГҐ
put baby on one’s back to carry it
ГЎ
\
V
dead
ГЎ
\ k_ГЊ le o.
It died.
\á ΔÉï o.
It died.
^i
^i Q^i
^j
^j
^k
^m
\á «á
^m ^i
_h
_h
_h
N
Pro
NP/VP
NS
e|
e|
e|
|ГҐ О”\ГЇ|e
\ГҐ mГҐ|e
tæ\î w\å|e
_h
e|
_i _l
В«e \e
_m Rcam E_j \e s\uj tæe
_j Gm
e k\ГҐ
_m
e\
nothing
no one
not one person
I
I
N
N/C
V
å| m|e e\ Δ\e ©\∑.
_m
_m
_m
_m Abj
_m _i
_hl
@
b
A
p
e\
e\
e\
e\ po
e\ eВ«
e| e\
m\ГҐ dГ”o |e\e.
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
something dirty (baby talk), also e\ e
В«
he/she/they, usually j|Г®, also Г®|
nominaliser, usually j|Г®, also Г®|
(not) at all, sometimes h~ Г®|
hey
introduces new section of song
rainy season (C), also j\î s\uj tæe
acre (B)
smack, beat with small stick, versus t|Г®
beat with big stick, pound
Beat it to death.
V
sleep, usually j\Г®_ , also Г®\
V
go back home, usually j\_Г®, also \Г®/l\e
N
N
AIDS (English), also Δ«å m\å då å må nå
small-bore muzzleloader, also i\ po
N
PF
something dirty (baby talk), also ГЎ
\ «á
final indicating friendliness, also Г¶| Г¶\
There isn’t any.
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
341
Southern Lisu Dictionary
|Г¶
VP/S down there, see also Г¶
|Г¶ Г¶\ГҐ
down there
|ö ö\å tæ\î ~hi
the house down there
Г¶ |Г¶\ГҐ
down there
\ö |öå
down there
`i
В«
Г¶
V/C scoop with two hands toward oneself
one double handful scoop of rice
dzå tæ\î «ö
dzå «ö kÌ t|å.
Serve the rice.
å dÔå «ö do.
Dip up some water to drink.
«ö lö lö
ladle-shaped
`j
Г¶
V
short in height, low, see also Г¶| /\Г¶
tæe kæ|∑ m\å ö.
It’s not too low.
ö ö l\e k«å å.
He is short.
Г¶ Г¶ mu
short
|Г¶ Г¶\ГҐ
down there
ö |öå\
down there
`j
Г¶
V
chronic, long-standing (of slight illness),
Г¶ nГҐ ГҐ.
He has been slightly ill a long time.
`l
\Г¶
V
off; spoiled (of food)
dzГҐ Г¶\
spoilt and smelly rice
\ö tΔæ«ö mö o.
It smells off.
`l
\Г¶
I
yes, OK
`l Maj \ö tsÉï
N
large bamboo grain bin
`l P\aj \Г¶ ВЇi
V
surround, also \Г¶ n\Г¶
|ГҐ m|Г® tО”o je Г¶\ ВЇi. Go around and surround it.
`m
\Г¶
VP/S down there, see also Г¶
\ Г¶ | Г¶ \ГҐ
down there
`hl
|Г¶\Г¶
PF
final indicating friendliness, also e| e\
m\ГҐ dГ”o |Г¶\Г¶.
There isn’t any.
ah
|Г®
Pro he/she/they, usually j|Г®, also e|
ah
|Г®
NP/VP nominaliser, usually j|Г®, also e|
ai
«î
V
be shortened by compression
kæ«å tæu tæ\å î« le tsÉï. Don’t squash the basket (from top to bottom).
|å tæ\å |å t|î d\∑ «î le tsÉï.
Please hammer the end of this knife to
`h
make it shorter and thicker.
_i
V
place for eating use, serve dishes on table
på t«Ì å| m|e i ©\∑ . Give him a stool to sit on.
aj
W
x
X
h
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
342
Southern Lisu Dictionary
al Kdl
am
am
am
am Abj
bh
s|ГҐ lГҐ i.
Put the table in place for eating and set it.
sГҐ tsВ«o g\ГҐ g\ГҐ l\e i t|ГҐ ГҐ. The tripod was placed down, all spider-like.
|ГҐ m|e lГҐ, dzГҐ i kГЊ t|ГҐ o. Come and eat, the food is served.
ГҐ| l\u i ts|ГЇ
Time for putting on the pot.
\Г® tО”Г¦\ГЇ
A
shuffling and panting, doing very slowly
She shuffled along panting.
\Г® tО”Г¦\ГЇ \Г® tО”Г¦\ГЇ
\Г®
V
hit, also e_\
t\ГҐ \Г® О”\e
Don’t beat it to death.
\Г® po
home-made muzzle loader
Г®\
Г®\
V
V
\Г® po
N
|o
V
j|Г® b\y tО”Г¦\Г¶ n\Г¶ |o ГҐ.
j|Г® b\y |o tu lГҐ ГҐ.
|å t|o m\∑ kæ\u |o å.
bh
|o
I
bi
В«o
N
bj
o
V
j|î tsæÉï pæ«á o lå å.
bj
o
PF
bj
o
I
bj
o
N
bj Oj Mh o mГҐ ts|ГҐ
N
bl bl
\o \o
NS
w|u p|ГҐ \o \o
bm
\o
V
sleep, usually j\Г®_ , also e\
go back home, usually j\_Г®, also \e/l\e
small-bore muzzleloader, also e\ po
give off strong smell
It stinks and the smell is strong.
It is starting to give off a smell.
The house is full of smoke and smells bad
oh
goose, also ГЎ
В« d\ГҐ mГҐ
swollen in places
His feet are swollen in places.
completed action
is that so?
zero, usually o\ , also j|Г® g\o
OMF (Overseas Mission Fellowship) (E)
Asian bullfrog
Asian bullfrog
last out, of tops spinning, flashlight
batteries, etc.
å\ kæ|∑ m\å \o.
It didn’t last out.
å| m\o tæe må dÔe m\å o\ . This horse won’t last the distance.
bm
bm
bm bi
bm bl
@
b
A
p
\o
V
må tΔæÉï bj\å \o å
kæ\∑ så dÔÉï o\ å
\o
N
\o В«o
N
\o \o
I
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
cook a liquid until it thickens into a paste/dough
boil raw sugar syrup until it solidifies
boil corn flour gruel until it forms a paste
zero, also o/j|Г® g\o
fruit (baby talk)
exclamation surprise and pleasure
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
343
Southern Lisu Dictionary
I
I
N
I
V
NS
ch cl
|u \u
c. \bl |u j\o
cj P\i Oj u ¯«å må
ck ch
u |u
dj
y
eh
©|∑
l\á ©|∑ ΔÉï
on the left hand side
©|∑
V
wrestle
They are wrestling.
©|∑ l\á
_ xo ГҐ.
©|∑ xw|å le o.
He wrestled and won.
©|∑
N
distance, see ©\∑/©∑
tö ©|∑\å
equal distance, also tö ©∑
\å ©|∑ ©∑
extremely far
©«∑
V
swing, shake, wobble, also ©«Ì
small parrot, cuckoo discards its eggs, leaving own
dÔ\ï ©«∑ må
z\å nö ©«∑ du
cradle (thing for swinging a child)
©«∑ l∑
wobbling
©«∑ l∑ ©«∑ l∑ d«å å. It is wobbly.
©«∑
V
throw away
Throw it away.
|å m|e ©«∑ f_u ©∑.
©«∑ n\∑
N
bird lime made from bark, or a type of tuber
©«∑ n\∑ tΔ\_ï å
�pull’ bird lime to make it sticky
©∑
N
distance, see ©\∑/©|∑
tö ©∑
equal distance, also tö ©|∑\å
tæe ©∑
this distance
å ©∑ tΔæi dÔo \å.
How far is it?
å ©∑ ©∑
very far
©∑
V
slice off a piece, accidentally cut into, see wo
©∑
N/C burden, heavy load
He has carried a load on his back
tæ\î ©∑ má t|å å.
©∑ má å
carry a heavy load on his back.
©∑ l|ö å
take a heavy load off the back
©∑
PV past action (sequential), also kГЊ
dzå dz\å ©∑ å e_\ dÔe o.
He ate and then went.
|å m|e d\∑ ©∑.
Now he has beaten it.
|å m|e Δ«å ©∑.
Now he has fixed it.
|å m|e ©«∑ fu ©∑. Now he has thrown it away.
eh
eh
ei
ei
ei Pem
ej
ej
ek
ek
W
x
X
h
Lisu dog call
Lisu horse call, also u| j\e/|u j\ГҐw
type of small bird
exclamation indicates apology
read/count, usually wu
left
Y
f
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
344
Southern Lisu Dictionary
ek
ek Vk
ek Q^m
el
el
el
el
el
el
el Wej
el Qel
em
@
b
A
p
©∑
V
get dark, be shadowed/shady
It has got dark.
©∑ le o.
j|î ©∑ dzÉï
willow (�shaded tree’)
©∑ ≥\o
shadow, reflection
©∑ ~hå
N
soul, see h~ ГҐ
©∑ l\á
N
trade, debts
©∑ l\á by å.
He owes debts.
©∑ l\á je å.
He trades, he is a trader.
©\∑
NS possessed object
≥wå ©\∑
mine, my own
j|î ©\∑
his own, his possessions
j|î ©\∑ m\å dÔo.
He hasn’t got one of his own.
©\∑
PV marks benefactive action; also g\∑
j|î l|á py ©\∑ m\å då. It is not good to keep urging him.
|å t|î pj\î m|å ©\∑.
Please explain to me.
|å m|e d\∑ ©\∑.
Hit it/Hit it for me.
|å m|e dÔe bá ©\∑. Go and tell him.
©\∑
V
distant, far, also ©∑/©|∑
\å kæ|∑ m\å ©\∑.
It is not very far.
©\∑ z\å
distance
©\∑
V
crack
It has developed a crack.
j|î tΔ|ö ©\∑ le o.
©\∑
PNS for, on behalf of, in place of
for me, on my behalf, in my place
bö ©\∑
©\∑
NS paper, book, writing
paper, book, writing
tæ\o ©\∑
©\∑ x∑
V
out of breath, tired, usually w\u x∑
©\∑ l\∑
A
indistinctly
©\∑ l\∑ ©\∑ l\∑ k«å å. It is indistinct.
©\∑ l\∑ ©\∑ l\∑ mo å. I saw it indistinctly.
©\∑
N
good things, blessings, potential good fortune
pæu ©\∑ ΔÉï ©\∑
invisible silver and gold, source of real in future
©\∑ kæ\∑
words of blessing
©\∑ d\o Δ«ö d\o
blessing (Christian term)
dÔ\ö ©\∑ dzå ©\∑
invisible anmals and crops, source of real
©\∑ dÔo Δ«ö dÔo å. He is blessed (with things that will materialise).
©\∑ z\å Δ«ö z\å
material blessings
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h
345
Southern Lisu Dictionary
em
em
em
em Qem
em ei
fh \_j
fi
W
x
X
h
Y
f
©\∑
V
dzå ©\∑ ts|ï
|å m\o Δ|ï ©\∑ wå å.
å| ©\∑
©\∑
V
©\∑
NS
å| ©\∑
©\∑ l\∑
V
tæ\î ¯i ©\∑ l\∑
©\∑ ©«∑
V
В©|ГЊ je
N
©«Ì
V
©«Ì l∑
Z
w
[
О”
\
j
]
Г·
^
ГЎ
_
e
reap by cutting, cut along grain
harvest time
I must go and cut some horse fodder.
last son, usually О”\ГҐ l\o
put on lower clothing, usually gw\ГҐ
steam, in
steam
shaking
shaking all day
put baby on one’s back (baby talk)
festival seven days after March full moon (C)
shake, swing, usually ©«∑
wobbling
`
Г¶
a
b
i/Éï o
c
u
d e
y/Éï ∑
f
ГЊ
g
В©
h
|ГҐ
i
«å
j
ГҐ
k
ГҐ
l
\ГҐ
m
ГҐ\
346
Southern Lisu Dictionary
В©|ГҐ
NS chickens, also ©å, usually j|å
dГ”\Г¶ О”|ГЇ В©|ГҐ О”|ГЇ tО”|Г¶ ГҐ. He breeds livestock and poultry.
В©|ГҐ bu
chicken thigh bone omens
©|å bu tsæ«o å
divine chicken thigh bone omens
©|å d\á tΔæ\u dzÉï
a thorny climbing shrub (�cockspur thorn tree’)
В©|ГҐ tО”o pГҐ
wild rhubarb (a wild shrub with a very sour edible
gh
stalk and pink flowers, �chicken edible tip’)
©|å må k|å ¯|å ©|å z\å (�after the hen the chick’) in one generation, a clan
paid bride price to another clan; the same price will
be returned by the other clan in the next generation
В©|ГҐ О”|ГЇ
breeding chickens
gh
gi
gi Q^l
gj gj
gj
gj Oj
gl Q^l
gm
gm
gb
@
b
A
p
В©|ГҐ
N
rock/cliff; Rock clan (said to be witches)
type of bee which builds hive in rock crevices
В©|ГҐ bj\ГҐ
©|å pæ«y
pile of rocks
В©|ГҐ tГҐ
karst formation
©|å kæu
a cave
В©|ГҐ tО”|Г¶
crack in rock
©|å tsæÉï
rocks, also ©|å tΔæi/©|å tsæÉï p|å
В©|ГҐ mj\Г¶
large monkey which lives on cliffs
В©|ГҐ О”\ГЇ
rock blood (a kind of medicine)
В©|ГҐ ~hГҐ bГҐ
rock moon (famous Lisu site in China)
В©|ГҐ ji tО”Г¦e
rocky waterfall, also ©|å zÉï tΔæe
©«å
V
separate
Separate them.
©«å fu ©\∑.
Q^l ©«å l\á l\á
V
full of very big holes, also В©\ГҐ l\ГЎ l\ГЎ
j|î mjå ©«å l\á l\á k«å å. They are full of very big gaps.
©å ©å
V
buzz, of blow-flies
ΔÉï må ©å ©å d«å å. Swarms of blow-flies were buzzing around.
©å
NP chicken, usually j|ГҐ/В©|ГҐ
©å pæ\å ©å må
rooster and hen, usually |å j|å pæ\å å j|å må
©å må
N
banana, also ≥å må
Q^l В©\ГҐ l\ГЎ l\ГЎ
V
full of big holes, also ©«å l\á l\á
В©\_ГҐ
V
weave basketwork from bamboo or rattan strips
pj«å ©\å
small woven ritual tray
k|æå« tæu ©\å_ å.
He is weaving a back basket.
В©\_ГҐ
V
summon people
summon people to come together
В©\_ГҐ dz\ГЇ ГҐ
В©o
see wo
B C
pæ d
D
t
E
tæ
F
g
G
k
H I J
kæ dÔ tΔ
K L M
tО”Г¦ dz ts
N O
tsæ m
P
n
Q
l
R
s
S
Г‚
T
z
U
≥
V
~h