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Definition 2024


Lai

Lai

See also: lai, lái, lǎi, lài, lại, and l-ai

English

Proper noun

Lai

  1. A Tibeto-Burman language of India and Burma.

See also

Anagrams


Saterland Frisian

Alternative forms

Noun

Lai m

  1. lightning

lai

lai

See also: lái, lǎi, lài, lại, l-ai, and Lai

English

Noun

lai (plural lais)

  1. (historical) A mostly North European form of medieval song, with stanzas that do not repeat.

See also

Anagrams


Aromanian

Alternative forms

Etymology

Uncertain. Compare Daco-Romanian lai, Albanian ljaj.

Adjective

lai

  1. black
  2. (figuratively) poor, miserable, unfortunate
  3. (figuratively) wicked, bad

Synonyms

  • (black): negru
  • (poor, unfortunate): mãrat, curbusit, stuhinat, scurpisit, buisit, vãpsit
  • (wicked, bad): arãu, slab, urut, cãtrãcearcu, afischcu, tihilai, blãstimat

Related terms


Estonian

Adjective

lai (genitive laia, partitive laia)

  1. wide

French

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /lɛ/

Etymology 1

From Middle French lai, from Old French lai (song, lyric, poem), from Old Frankish *laik, *laih (play, melody, song), from Proto-Germanic *laikaz, *laikiz (jump, play, dance, hymn), from Proto-Indo-European *loig-, *(e)laiǵ- (to jump, spring, play). Akin to Old High German leih (a play, skit, melody, song), Middle High German leich (piece of music, epic song played on a harp), Old English lācan (to move quickly, fence, sing). More at lake.

Noun

lai m (plural lais)

  1. (historical) lai (a mostly North European form of medieval song, with stanzas that do not repeat).

Etymology 2

From Old French lai, from Latin lāicus. Doublet of laïque.

Adjective

lai m (feminine singular laie, masculine plural lais, feminine plural laies)

  1. lay, equivalent to French laïc, laïque (relating to laypersons as opposed to clerical).
    Only used in the phrase "frères lais"; means religious servants not (yet) having been admitted to the priestly dignity.

Anagrams


Istriot

Noun

lai

  1. side

Adverb

lai

  1. here (this place)
    • 1877, Antonio Ive, Canti popolari istriani: raccolti a Rovigno, volume 5, Ermanno Loescher, page 40:
      Vuoltite biunduleîna inverso lai,
      Turn around towards this place, little blonde,

Latvian

Etymology

Traditionally, lai is derived from the imperative form of the verb laist (to allow, to permit) (quod vide): laidlai, an evolution reminiscent of Russian пускай (puskaj), пусть (pustʹ, let, so be) from пускать (puskatʹ, to allow, to permit). The form laid is indeed attested as a conjunction in the earliest sources. This view, however, has been recently criticized on the basis that Latvian lai, Lithuanian laĩ are clearly related to Old Prussian -lai, which is added to (usually infinitive) verbs to indicate volitive or conditional mood. This suggests a Proto-Baltic form *lai, probably related to the final -le of Latvian reinforcing particles jele ~ jel, nule, and (dialectal) nele, and to Old Prussian -le, apparently a variant of -lai. This *le would then have the same origin as Proto-Slavic *li (compare Polish li (only) Russian ли (li)), with cognates in other languages (Albanian, Tocharian) from a basic Proto-Indo-European *l-. After this criticism, the relationship between lai and laist has become unclear. Maybe Proto-Indo-European *l- was an old verb, or maybe laist was derived from an older particle.[1]

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): [laî]

Conjunction

lai

  1. with the conditional, indicating purpose, sometimes cause; sometimes correlating with tāpēc, tādēļ in the main clause; so that, in order to, in order that
    lai varētu labāk pārredzēt apkārtni, bija jāuzkāpj tornīin order to be able to see the surroundings better, it was necessary to climb the tower
    kad viņa, laimīgi smiedamās, pacēla savu glāzi, lai saskandinātu ar viesiem, es noraudzījos ar klusu skaudību ― when she, laughing happily, lifted her glass, in order to clink glasses with the visitors, I watched with quiet envy
    gājējiem jāraugās, lai dēļa vaļējais gals neiesistu pa pieri ― the passers-by must be careful, so that the free end of the log does not hit them on the forehead
    apģērbam un apaviem jābūt ērtiem, lai tie netraucētu kustības ― clothes and shoes must be comfortable, so that they don't disturb (one's) movement
    kafiju nedrīkst vārīt, lai tā nezaudētu aromātu ― coffee should not be boiled, so that it doesn't lose its aroma
    es mācos tikai tāpēc, lai labāk noderētu lielajā cīņā ― I learn only so that I can serve better in the great fight
    studēt es gribu tikai tādēļ, lai pati vairāk zinātu un lai iegūtās zināšanas varētu atdot citiem ― I want to study only so that I will know more and so that the knowledge gained can be given to others
  2. indicating concession, especially in the combinations lai gan, lai arī; though, although, even though
    lai cīņas būs grūtas, mēs uzvarēsimthough the fight will be difficult, we will win
    un, lai ļaudis sacījuši ko sacīdami, jaunā sieva katru sliktu vārdu atvairījusi ― and, although the people said what(ever) they wanted, the young wife deflected every bad word
    pēc teātra Vilis Virpuls palika uz deju, lai gan nekad nedejoja ― after the theater Vilis Virpuls stayed at the dance, even though he never danced
    viņš atbrauca ātri, lai gan ceļš bija slikts ― he came quickly, although the road was bad
    lai arī dārzs ir mazliet nolaists, tas tomēr ir skaistsalthough the garden is a little neglected, it still is beautiful
  3. indicating strong concession, in combination with arī, nu, vai and with interrogative pronouns like cik, kāds, kurš, kas, kur; no matter how, which, who, what, where; however, wherever, whichever, whoever, whatever, wherever
    viņa bija viņam iedvesusi ticību, ka viņš skatīs sauli, lai arī cik grūti būtu pašreiz ― she had inspired in him the belief that he would look at the sun, no matter how difficult this would be now
    mēs visi būsim kopā, lai kā mums kuram ies ― we will all be together, no matter how it goes for us
    lai vai kā, es tomēr runāšuno matter how (= whatever happens), I will still speak
    lai kur kāds runā, viņš tūdaļ pretī ar savuwherever someone speaks, he immediately (goes) against him with his (words, opinions)
    lai nu tālu, tomēr kādos svētkos raudzīšu attikthowever far (it may be), I will still try to be at the celebration
  4. after certain verbs, introducing a direct object clause; that, for ... to, to
    zīlītes vairs negaidīja, lai Ilzīte viņas baro ― the titmouses no longer waited for Ilzīte to feed them
    nē, viņa lūdza, lai es apturu mašīnu ― no, she asked that I stop the car
    vai nevajadzētu paziņot, lai atbrauc viņa piederīgie? ― couldn't (you) have informed (us) that his people would come back?
    bērnu stomatoloģiskajā poliklīnikā galvenokārt rūpējas par to, lai zobi tiktu savlaicīgi salaboti ― in the children's dental clinic, one cares primarily that the (children's) teeth will be repaired in time
  5. indicating manner and/or purpose, usually correlating with an adverb like (like that) in the main clause; so that, such that, in such a way that
    runā, lai var ko saprast ― speak so that (= in such a way that) one can understand something
    lampu novietu tā, lai gaisma krīt no augšas un kreisās puses ― the lamp (is) placed in such a way that the light falls from the top and (from) the left side
    tu centies to pateikt saudzīgi, tā, lai mani nesāpinātu ― you try to say it gently, in such a way that it won't hurt me
  6. indicating consequence, especially with tik (so (much)), pārāk (too much) and an adjective or participle in the main clause; so that, so ... that, too (much) ... for, to, that
    pie debesīm stāvēja pusmēness, izplatīdams pietiekošu krēslu, lai celiņu uz riju varētu redzēt ― on the sky (there) was a half moon, spreading enough light (lit. dawn), so that one could see the little path to the barn
    aitas bijušas tik vājas, lai vējš apgāztu ― the sheep were so weak that the wind (would) turn them over
    zemnieki bija pārāk iebaidīti, lai nakts laikā rādītos ārpus mājām ― the peasants were too intimidated to show themselves outside during the night
    nebija vēl noadīti tik biezi cimdi, lai tagad, laukā braucot, nesaltu rokas ― (one) had not yet knit such thick gloves that, going out now, (one's) hands wouldn't freeze

Particle

lai

  1. used to express an optative (wish) nuance: may, may it be that
    lai dabas spēkus gurds cilvēks veicmay the wise person lead the forces of nature
    lai visas dienas labus vārdus teicmay all days bring (lit. say) good words
    lai viss sils izdegtu!may the whole (pine) forest burn!
    lai dzīvo! ― (long) may he live! hooray!
    tie ir trakāki par baroniem... velns lai viņus parauj! ― those (people) are crazier than the barons... may the devil take them!
  2. used to express encouragement, agreement: let
    ja tu, Zane, nevari, lai paliek šovakar govis neslauktas ― if you, Zane, can't (do it), let the cows remain unmilked tonight
    draugi mani atkal uzaicināja medībās: “labi”, es teicu, “lai notiek; bet pēdējo reizi!” — friends invited me again to hunt: “OK,” I said, “let it happen (= I'll go); but (for) the last time!”
  3. used to mark third person imperative forms of verbs; sometimes used with the first person also: let
    lai taču viņš iet”, Aina saka; “lai viņš iet, es arī neturēšu viņu, lai iet, lai iet” — “but let him go,” Aina said, “let him go, I also won't keep him, let (him) go, let (him) go”
    lai vēlam putnam laimīgu lidojumu!let us wish the bird a happy flight!
  4. used to give a nuance of indecision or doubt, especially in a question should, could
    ko lai viņam saku, kādu padomu lai dodu? ― what should I say to him, what advice should I give?
    man vajadzīgs padoms; es nezinu, pie kā cita lai griežos ― I need advice; I don't know who else I could turn to (but you)
    es prasu zemei, kur meklēt lai eju ― I ask the earth, where should I go to look for (it)?
  5. (colloquial) used to add strength to a word or expression, to link it more tightly to the rest of the sentence
    Soklēns gribēja savus viesus uzjautrināt ar pajāšanos; segli lai bija iegādāti ― Soklēns wanted to cheer his guests up with some (horse) riding; the saddles were even ready (already)
    vasarā, kad būs āboli, vai tad nāksi ciemos? ar medu lai pacienāšu, jā? ― during the summer, when there will be apples, maybe then you will come visit? and I will also treat you with honey, yes?
  6. used to reinforce a word, highlighting it among others
    tūliņ svied tās meijas nost un meklē rīksti rokā! vai lopi līdz vakaram lai kūtī stāv? ― throw those boughs away right now and go get your rod! are the animals really going to stay in the barn till night?
  7. used, sometimes with nu or ir, to indicate tolerance of, or agreement with, someone else
    protams, mājās būs vēl nepatīkamāka saruna, to es zinu pavisam skaidri, bet lai! ― of course, at home there will still be an unpleasant talk, I know that very well, and how (= boy do I)!
    lai nu, lai nu, Birkenbaum,” Grīntāls mierināja ― “OK, OK, Birkenbaum,” Grīntāls comforted (him)
    “esi gan tu muļķa meitene”, Karlīne zobojās; “a, lai ir!” Annele spītīgi atcirta ― “you are indeed a stupid girl,” Karlīne mocked; “ah, so be it!” Annele snapped angrily back
    lai jau būtu ― let it be, so be it

References

  1. Karulis, Konstantīns (1992), lai”, in Latviešu Etimoloģijas Vārdnīca (in Latvian), Rīga: AVOTS, ISBN 9984-700-12-7

Lojban

Cmavo

lai

  1. short for «lu'o la»: indicates that a name follows, and that the speaker means the mass composed of constituents bearing that name

Usage notes

  • A sumti phrase begun with lai can be ended (if necessary) with the elidable terminator ku.

Related terms

Rafsi

lai

  1. rafsi of klani.

Mandarin

Romanization

lai

  1. Nonstandard spelling of lái.
  2. Nonstandard spelling of lǎi.
  3. Nonstandard spelling of lài.

Usage notes

  • English transcriptions of Mandarin speech often fail to distinguish between the critical tonal differences employed in the Mandarin language, using words such as this one without the appropriate indication of tone.

Maroon Spirit Language

Etymology

From English lie.

Noun

lai (plural lais)

  1. lie (intentionally false statement)

Old French

Noun

lai m (oblique plural lais, nominative singular lais, nominative plural lai)

  1. lai (Medieval text)

Adjective

lai m (oblique and nominative feminine singular laie)

  1. ugly

Descendants


Romanian

Alternative forms

  • lău

Etymology

Uncertain. Several explanations exist. One derives it from Albanian ljaj, itself possibly from Latin flavus, but this is uncertain, and it may be that the Albanian is derived from Proto-Romanian (or Aromanian- compare the cognate laiu, lae in this language). Other theories suggest a Romanian root *gălai, from Latin galla or alternatively an etymology from labes (fault, defect), extending the meaning to "spot" and hence, "black" or "dark", but as it is a secondary meaning in Latin, this is not very likely. A more likely explanation may be a relation to the verb la (to wash), as lai is used mostly to describe the natural color of wool resulting from washing (compare the similar secondary senses of Spanish crudo, French écru). [1]

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /laj/

Adjective

lai m, n (plural lăi, feminine singular laie)

  1. (popular) black (or black mixed with white), gray

Declension

Synonyms

References

  1. lai in DEX online - Dicționare ale limbii române (Dictionaries of the Romanian language), 2004-2016

Romansch

Etymology 1

From Latin lacus.

Noun

lai m (plural lais)

  1. lake
Alternative forms
  • (Sursilvan, Sutsilvan) lag
  • (Sutsilvan) laitg
  • (Puter) lej

Etymology 2

From Latin lectus.

Noun

lai f (plural lais)

  1. (Vallader) marriage, matrimony
Alternative forms
  • (Rumantsch Grischun, Sursilvan, Surmiran) lètg
  • (Puter) alach
  • (Sutsilvan) letg

Welsh

Adjective

lai

  1. Soft mutation of llai (smaller).

Mutation

Welsh mutation
radical soft nasal aspirate
llai lai unchanged unchanged
Note: Some of these forms may be hypothetical. Not every
possible mutated form of every word actually occurs.

Zhuang

Pronunciation

  • (Standard Zhuang) IPA(key): /laːi˨˦/

Etymology

Compare Lao ຫຼາຍ (lāi).

Adjective

lai (Sawndip forms 𫯓, , 𡥧, 𡃤)

  1. many, much, a lot

Derived terms

  • geijlai
  • haujlai