How to be a Polite House Guest
Visiting a Thai home? This lesson explores the etiquette of being a good guest in Thailand, from arranging your visit in advance and bringing a gift to taking off your shoes, avoiding mealtimes and keeping children and pets under control. You’ll also discover why Thai people often communicate indirectly, and learn expressions used to hint at what you want without risking embarrassment.
Thai Vocabulary:
แขก (kɛ̀ɛk) – Guest
มารยาท (maa-rá-yâat) – Manners / Etiquette
ของฝาก (kɔ̌ɔng fàak) – Gift / Souvenir
บุกรุก (bùk rúk) – To trespass / Intrude
กระชั้นชิด (grà-chán chít) – At short notice
อ้อมค้อม (ɔ̂ɔm kɔ́ɔm) – Indirect / Roundabout
เลียบเคียง (lîap kiang) – To hint at something
หยั่งเชิง (yâng chəəng) – To test the waters
หน้าแตก (nâa dtɛ̀ɛk) – To lose face / Be embarrassed
Learning about Thai culture through natural Thai helps you understand both the language and the people who speak it.