Thai Proverbs 3

What is a สำนวน (sǎm-nuan), and how is it different from a proverb or a saying? This lesson follows on from the previous two lessons on Thai expressions. It explains how สำนวน is the umbrella term that includes both สุภาษิต (sù-phaa-sìt), meaning proverbs, and คำพังเพย (kham phang-phəəi), meaning sayings, and what sets each one apart.

You’ll hear common expressions explained along with their hidden meanings, from idioms about lotus flowers and coconut shells to a Chinese proverb about effort versus destiny. You’ll also learn how new expressions are still being created in modern Thai.

Thai Expressions:
น้ำเต็มแก้ว (náam tem gɛ̂ɛo) – Someone unwilling to learn anything new
ไม่ตรงปก (mâi trong pòk) – Not as advertised
มัดมือชก (mát mʉʉ chók) – To force someone into an unfair situation
ควันหลง (khwan lǒng) – The lingering buzz after an event

Advanced China Culture Expressions Flowers Idioms New Year Poetry Proverbs Religion Respect Sayings Shopping Songkran Sunthorn Phu

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Fake Asking

Have you ever wanted to know something but felt too shy to ask directly? This lesson explores หลอกถาม (lɔ̀ɔk tǎam), asking indirect questions to find out what you really want to know. You’ll see common Thai examples, like finding out whether someone is single, guessing someone’s age from the songs and snacks they remember, and discovering what type of person someone likes. You’ll also hear the many uses of หลอก (lɔ̀ɔk), from scam phone calls and ghosts to surprise birthday parties, plus the colourful word ยม (yom), which describes food, makeup or people that have lost their freshness and energy. Thai Vocabulary: หลอกถาม (lɔ̀ɔk tǎam) – To ask indirectly / fish for information หลอก (lɔ̀ɔk) – To trick / deceive รู้ทัน (rúu tan) – To see through someone เนียน (niian) – Smooth / subtle มิจฉาชีพ (mít-chǎa-chîip) – Scammer อ้อมค้อม (ɔ̂ɔm-kɔ́ɔm) – To beat around the bush

Thai Proverbs 3

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