"Sia Jai" translates to "to lose heart," but it is used to express feelings of sorrow, regret, or sadness. It's commonly used when someone is apologizing or expressing sympathy for someone else's misfortune.
The Thai word for heart is 'hua-jai'. The word 'jai' in isolation is also used for heart although in this context the nearest English equivalent is probably 'mind'. The word 'jai' is frequently used in combination with other words to denote emotional states.
Pronounce it like this: my-cow-jai. Meaning: I don't understand. Very handy when you're stuck in a social interaction with someone who is talking fast at you.
In Thai, “sabai sabai” (สบายๆ) is an expression that can be translated to “relaxing”, “comfortable”, “easy-going” or “chill”. It's commonly used to convey a sense of tranquility, calmness, and contentment.
The wai (Thai: ไหว้, pronounced [wâːj]) is a greeting in Thailand that consists of a slight bow, with the palms pressed together in a prayer-like fashion. It has its origin in the Indian Añjali Mudrā, like the Indian namaste and Burmese mingalaba.
Dok Mai also written as Dokmai (Thai: ดอกไม้, pronounced [dɔ̀ːk máːj]) is a khwaeng (sub-district) of Prawet District, Bangkok. Dok Mai is a southeast part of the district. Its name translates to "flower".
In Thai, they do not have a word that literally translates to 'kind'; instead they said 'jai dee' meaning 'good heart' which is perhaps the most apt phrasing considering the sheer humanity and compassion we have received from total strangers in this country. And this was simply the beginning!
Even more dizzying is how some people use rao (เรา, which means “we”) as a singular “me” or “you.” And khao (เขา, which means “him,” “her,” or “they”) can mean “I,” while tua eng (ตัวเอง which means “myself”) can mean “you.” These uses can lend a narrative quality to conversations.
You might get asked: "Bai nai?" - "What are you doing?" which is often used instead of "How are you?". A good response is: "Bai tee-o" which means "I'm going out socially". When you meet someone, it is also common to use traditional greeting, the wai.
Nam Jai literally translates as water from the heart. These words are unique to the Thai culture and reveal a lot about their cherished customs and way of life.
I love the sound my red wooden mortar and pestle (krog saak) makes as I smash garlic and chiles while breathing in their intoxicating aroma. In Thailand, many times they call things by the sound they make: which is why the word that describes the krog saak crushing action is “bok bok.”
In Thai, it can mean something similar to giving two friendly pecks. For example, you could say "Rakna chup chup," which translates to "love you, kiss kiss." This phrase is perfect to use with your loved ones to spread some joy and sweetness!
Sanuk or sanook (สนุก, pronounced [sa. nùk]) is a Thai-language word most commonly translated as 'fun'. It is used in English to describe the Thai cultural concept that regards fun and enjoyment as "a regular and important component of everyday life".
