Meaning & use
Laos
Last updated
UK/laʊs/
US/laʊs/
Meaning
proper nounproper
A landlocked country in Southeast Asia, bordered by Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Myanmar, with Vientiane as its capital.
Grammar: Used without the: she visited Laos, not the Laos.
Patterns
- travel to Laos
- in Laos
We traveled to Laos to see the waterfalls near Luang Prabang.
Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia.
Rice is a staple food in Laos.
Common combinations
- travel to Laos
- Many backpackers travel to Laos by river from Thailand.
- capital of Laos
- Vientiane is the capital of Laos.
- in northern Laos
- They hiked through villages in northern Laos.
- people of Laos
- The people of Laos celebrate New Year in April.
- border with Laos
- The river forms part of the border with Laos.
Synonyms and how they differ
- Lao PDR
- Is the short official name used in formal and diplomatic documents, whereas Laos is the everyday English name.
Word family
Commonly confused: Laos or Lao?
Laos vs Lao
Lao is the adjective and the language, while Laos is the country; avoid saying Laos food and prefer Lao food.
Practice
Which phrase is correct?
Choose one answer.
Country names like Laos take in and no article. The Laos is wrong, and at or on do not suit a country.
Make it your own
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