What does "lah" mean?
Alternative spelling of la.
Lah
/lɑː/ name, noun, particle
name, noun, particle ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Alternative spelling of la.
- Grammar: lah is listed as name, noun, particle.
- Nearest alternatives: la.
- Usage evidence: Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]
How to use "lah"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "lah" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "lah" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "lah" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "lah" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "lah" is acting as name, noun, particle in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "la" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "lah", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Alternative spelling of la. alt-of, alternative
- 2 Initialism of lithium aluminium hydride. abbreviation, alt-of, initialism
- 3 the syllable naming the sixth (submediant) note of a major or minor scale in solmization wordnet
- 4 Initialism of licentiate of the Apothecaries' Hall abbreviation, alt-of, initialism
Particle
- 1 Placed at the end of a sentence to accentuate the mood or attitude of the speaker.
"Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]"
- 2 Placed at the end of a sentence to convey reassurance or express solidarity.
"Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]"
- 3 Indicates an attempt at expressing sympathy, conveying informality or sincerity, or establishing a rapport with the listener.
"Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨]"
- 4 Placed at the end of an assertive statement to express denial or dismissiveness.
"Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]"
- 5 Used after an assertive statement to reinforce its authoritativeness, or to show that the speaker is confident with what they are saying.
"Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]"
Show 12 more definitions
- 6 Asserts that something is clear, obvious or straightforward.
"Pitch contour: falling [lɑ(ː)˦˨]"
- 7 Used to tone down an imperative sentence, so it sounds more like a request or suggestion.
"Pitch contour: falling [lɑ(ː)˦˨]"
- 8 Indicates strong persuasion at the end of an imperative sentence.
"Pitch contour: mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]"
- 9 Indicates a retrospective remark or a reassessment of one’s opinion.
"Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]"
- 10 Reinforces a suggestion with the implication that it is the more practical option.
"Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]"
- 11 Indicates confirmation-seeking at the end of an inferential statement.
"Pitch contour: falling [lɑː˦˨]"
- 12 Used to express realisation, or vexation when something is already obvious.
"Pitch contour: falling [lɑː˦˨]"
- 13 Reinforces the factuality of an assertive statement made to correct an inaccurate, underlying assumption. uncommon
"Pitch contour: mid-rising [lɑ(ː)˧˦]"
- 14 Used to convey a slight sense of dissatisfaction or irritation. uncommon
"Pitch contour: mid-rising [lɑ(ː)˧˦]"
- 15 Used for enumeration (when listing examples). uncommon
"Pitch contour: mid [lɑː˧]"
- 16 An assertive separator, used to reverse the order of the usual topic–comment structure of a sentence. Malaysia, uncommon
"Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨]"
- 17 Used sarcastically. uncommon
"Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑː˨], (in the example below) high-mid [lɑ(ː)˦]"
Proper Noun
- 1 A locality in the Shire of Yarriambiack, north western Victoria, Australia.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "lah"?
Common synonyms include: la.
How do you use "lah" in a sentence?
Pitch contour: low-mid [lɑ(ː)˨], mid-falling [lɑː˧˨]
How do you pronounce "lah"?
Pronounced /lɑː/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
An anglicised spelling of la.
Etymology 2
From Malay lah, Hokkien 啦 (--la) and Cantonese 啦 (laa¹). Doublet of la in colloquial Hong Kong English. Lim (2007) lists multiple sources: * Bazaar Malay, for its use as a particle of emphasis (akin to Malay lah), and the senses expressing commands, invitations and "solidarity, familiarity [and] informality". * Hokkien 啦 (--la), which indicates finality, completion and confirmation-seeking, as well as "emphasis, persuasiveness, dismissiveness [and] listing". * Cantonese 啦 (laa¹), expressing a "general lack of definiteness or forcefulness", and for its role in softening commands.