How to pronounce Laos
Say it like LAH-ohs. Laos has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Laos. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAH
- ohs
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Laos pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- ohsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of Laos
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: LAH-os.
Other ways to say Laos
Laos also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- LAY-ohs /ˈleɪoʊs/
What does Laos mean?
- a mountainous landlocked communist state in southeastern Asia; achieved independence from France in 1949
Questions about saying Laos
How do you pronounce Laos?
Say LAH-ohs. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɑoʊs/. In British English it is /ˈlɑːɒs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Laos?
Laos has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAH). Broken into parts: LAH · ohs.
Is Laos pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈlɑːɒs/ (LAH-os).