la

The name sung for the sixth note of a major musical scale.

• Sing la after sol.
• The teacher played la on the piano.
• We practised holding la for four beats.

Common phrases: sing la, note la, la in solfege

A sung name for the third or sixth note in some systems of naming musical notes.

• This system calls the third note la.
• The choir used la for the sixth note.
• Which notes are called la in this method?

Common phrases: sing la, syllable la, la in solmization

A friendly way to address or refer to a boy or young man in some British areas.

• You alright, la?
• That young la lives next door.
• Cheers, la, you’ve been a great help.

Similar words: lad, kid, mate

Common phrases: alright la, young la, cheers la

A sound people make when singing without actual words.

• La la, I’m singing!
• She sang “la la la” while washing dishes.
• “La la la!” he shouted, covering his ears.

Common phrases: la la, tra la, sing la la

Used before a woman’s name to jokingly suggest she is grand or important.

• La Anna has finally arrived.
• Everyone waited for la Maria to make her entrance.
• La Sophie refused to perform without fresh flowers.

Common phrases: la someone, la diva

Added to the end of a command to make it sound friendlier, especially in Southeast Asian English.

• Come la, join us.
• Try la, you might enjoy it.
• Wait la, I’m almost ready.

Common phrases: come la, try la, wait la

Added to make a comment sound less strong or more relaxed, especially in Southeast Asian English.

• It’s okay la.
• The food is good la, just a little salty.
• Maybe la, I haven’t decided yet.

Common phrases: okay la, fine la, good la