Formal:
* ສະບາຍດີ (sa-bai-dee): This is the most common greeting in Lao, meaning "hello" or "good day." It can also be used as a welcoming phrase, especially in more formal settings.
Informal:
* ຍິນດີຕ້ອນຮັບ (yin-dee-ton-rap): This phrase directly translates to "happy to welcome you." It's a more direct and enthusiastic welcome.
* ມາເຖີດ (ma-thad): This phrase translates to "come in," and can be used as a welcome in a casual setting.
You can also use specific phrases depending on the situation:
* ຍິນດີຕ້ອນຮັບສູ່... (yin-dee-ton-rap-su...): This phrase means "welcome to..." and can be followed by the place or event you are welcoming someone to.
* ຍິນດີທີ່ໄດ້ພົບເຈົ້າ (yin-dee-thi-dai-phob-cao): This phrase means "nice to meet you" and can also be used as a welcoming phrase.
It's always helpful to know the context when choosing the right phrase. For example, if you're welcoming someone to your home, you might use ມາເຖີດ or ຍິນດີຕ້ອນຮັບ, while if you're welcoming someone to a formal event, ສະບາຍດີ or ຍິນດີຕ້ອນຮັບສູ່... would be more appropriate.