nói lái
verb
Hanoi [nɔj˧˦ laːj˧˦]Huế [nɔj˨˩˦ laːj˨˩˦]Saigon [nɔj˦˥ laːj˦˥] browser voice
Each syllable carries one of six tones; the mark on the vowel tells you which. How the six tones sound →
Meanings of nói lái in English
Verb
- to switch the rhymes (or also tones) of the syllables of a disyllabic word, or two syllables of a tetrasyllabic set phrase, in a fashion similar to the use of spoonerism in English or contrepèterie in French
Etymology
The lái element is likely related to trại (as in đọc trại (“to deviate in pronunciation”), nói trại).
Frequently asked questions
How do you pronounce nói lái?
IPA: Hanoi [nɔj˧˦ laːj˧˦]; Saigon [nɔj˦˥ laːj˦˥]. Tones: nói — rising tone (sắc), lái — rising tone (sắc).