Lao vs. Laos — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 13, 2023
Lao refers to the ethnic group or language of Laos, while Laos is the name of the Southeast Asian country itself.
Difference Between Lao and Laos
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lao is primarily an adjective describing the dominant ethnic group in the country of Laos. It also pertains to anything related to this ethnic group, including their language and culture.
Lao is spoken by the Lao people and is the official language of Laos. This tonal language is central to the country's identity and plays a significant role in its culture and traditions.
Laos, a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, has a rich history with influences from multiple neighboring nations. Meanwhile, the Lao people, forming the majority of the country's population, contribute significantly to this shared history.
Laos is known for its scenic beauty, with lush landscapes and the Mekong River flowing through. The Lao culture, including its festivals, cuisine, and traditions, is deeply interwoven with the nation's landscape and environment.
The capital city of Laos is Vientiane. Here, you'll find a blend of French colonial architecture and traditional Lao temples, highlighting the nation's past and the prominence of the Lao culture.
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Comparison Chart
Type
Adjective/Ethnic Group/Language
Noun (Country)
Refers to
People, language, and culture
Southeast Asian country
Usage
Descriptive term
Geographic term
Example
Lao language, Lao cuisine
"I visited Laos last summer."
Associated With
Ethnic majority of Laos
The nation as a whole
Compare with Definitions
Lao
Relating to the culture and traditions of the Lao people.
Lao festivals are vibrant and colorful.
Laos
A nation bordered by Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, and Myanmar.
Laos has diverse cultural influences from its neighboring countries.
Lao
Pertaining to anything native or indigenous to Laos.
The market sells Lao handicrafts.
Laos
A landlocked country in the Indochinese peninsula.
Despite being landlocked, Laos boasts the Mekong River which plays a pivotal role in its geography.
Lao
Describing the cuisine of the Lao people.
Lao food is known for its bold flavors.
Laos
A nation with a mix of ethnicities, but predominantly Lao.
While Laos is diverse, the Lao people form the ethnic majority.
Lao
The dominant ethnic group in Laos.
The Lao people have a rich cultural heritage.
Laos
The country with Vientiane as its capital.
Vientiane is the bustling capital city of Laos.
Lao
The official language spoken in Laos.
She is fluent in Lao and English.
Laos
A Southeast Asian country.
Laos is known for its picturesque landscapes.
Lao
A member of a traditionally Buddhist people inhabiting the area of the Mekong River in Laos and Thailand.
Laos
Laos ( (listen), ; Lao: ລາວ, Lāo [láːw]), officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao: ສາທາລະນະລັດ ປະຊາທິປະໄຕ ປະຊາຊົນລາວ, Sathalanalat Paxathipatai Paxaxôn Lao), is a socialist state and the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. At the heart of the Indochinese Peninsula, Laos is bordered by Myanmar and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the southeast and Thailand to the west and southwest.
Lao
The Tai language of the Lao.
Laos
A country in Southeast Asia.
Lao
Of or relating to the Lao or their language or culture.
Laos
A mountainous landlocked communist state in southeastern Asia; achieved independence from France in 1949
Lao
A member of a Buddhist people inhabiting the area of the Mekong River in Laos and Thailand and speaking the Lao language; related to the Thais
Lao
The Tai language of a Buddhist people living in the area of the Mekong River in Thailand and Laos
Lao
Of or relating to a member of the Buddhist people inhabiting the Mekong river in Laos and Thailand
Common Curiosities
What's a famous river in Laos?
The Mekong River is a significant and famous river flowing through Laos.
Are all residents of Laos considered Lao?
No, while the Lao are the majority ethnic group, Laos is home to multiple ethnicities.
How is Lao cuisine?
Lao cuisine is flavorful, often incorporating fresh herbs, sticky rice, and fish sauce.
What's the capital of Laos?
The capital city of Laos is Vientiane.
Are the terms Lao and Laotian interchangeable?
Generally, yes. Both refer to the dominant ethnic group of Laos, but "Lao" is more common.
How does Lao culture differ from its neighbors?
While there are similarities due to shared histories, Lao culture has unique elements in its festivals, arts, and traditions.
Is Lao the official language of Laos?
Yes, Lao is the official language spoken in Laos.
Is the Lao language tonal?
Yes, Lao is a tonal language, meaning the pitch can change the meaning of a word.
What is the Lao?
Lao refers to the major ethnic group, their language, and culture in Laos.
What's a prominent festival in Laos?
The Lao New Year, or Songkran, is a major and festive event in Laos.
Is Laos a tourist destination?
Yes, Laos is known for its scenic beauty, historic temples, and cultural experiences.
How is the climate in Laos?
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.
What religions are practiced in Laos?
The predominant religion in Laos is Theravada Buddhism, deeply integrated into Lao culture.
Can you describe Lao textiles?
Lao textiles are renowned, especially for their intricate patterns and silk weaving, reflecting the rich Lao cultural heritage.
How does Lao music sound?
Lao music is diverse, ranging from traditional folk melodies to popular modern tunes, often featuring unique instruments.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
