Like in English, Thai has titles that you can add in front of names. In Thai society, it is important to establish who is \u2018superior\u2019 and \u2018inferior\u2019 from the get-go, and the language is designed to make it very simple to do so. From a westerners point of view this concept is offensive I agree, but it\u2019s something you\u2019ll need to understand and work with if you want to truly fit in to Thai culture. If you are a beginner, make sure you remember at least the first three.<\/p>\n
\u0e19\u0e49\u0e2d\u0e07 \u2013 nong 4, Use this before the first name only when referring to friends and family that are younger than you. You can also use this word to call the attention of a waiter\/waitress.<\/p>\n
\u0e1e\u0e35\u0e48 \u2013 pee 3, Use this before the first name only when referring to friends and family that are older than you. Be careful with this word, as using it will establish your inferiority. Also, don\u2019t use this to refer to older girls you\u2019re romantically interested in \u2013 they don\u2019t want you to point out that age difference!<\/p>\n
\u0e04\u0e38\u0e13 \u2013 khun 1, Add this in front of a name to sound more formal. It\u2019s similar to saying Mr or Ms, and is common over the phone or at the office. Don\u2019t confuse this word for \u2018you\u2019, which has the same spelling.<\/p>\n
\u0e19\u0e32\u0e22 \u2013 naai 1, This is more formal than \u0e04\u0e38\u0e13, and means Mr or \u2018master\u2019. Say this for high level people, VIPs, officials, etc.<\/p>\n
\u0e19\u0e32\u0e07 \u2013 naang 1, A formal title to put in front of first names of married women. It is the equivalent of Mrs.<\/p>\n
\u0e19\u0e32\u0e07\u0e2a\u0e32\u0e27 \u2013 naang 1 saow 5, A formal title put before the first names of unmarried women, the equivalent of Miss.<\/p>\n
\u0e04\u0e38\u0e13\u0e2b\u0e19\u0e39 \u2013 khun 1 nuu 5 – I typically see this used either sarcastically or jokingly as a way to point out a girl\/woman who has been spoiled by her wealthy father.<\/p>\n
\u0e04\u0e38\u0e13\u0e2b\u0e0d\u0e34\u0e07 \u2013 khun 1 yeeng 5, The Thai equivalent of \u201cLady\u201d. Only old ladies that are important (or think they are important) will use this.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Like in English, Thai has titles that you can add in front of names. In Thai society, it is important to establish who is \u2018superior\u2019 and \u2018inferior\u2019 from the get-go, and the language is designed to make it very simple to do so. From a westerners point of view this concept is offensive I agree…<\/p>\n