The Land of Smiles
Thailand is famously known as the “Land of Smiles”, but did you know Thai people use many kinds of smiles, each with its own meaning? In this lesson, you’ll find out where the name สยามเมืองยิ้ม (sà-yǎam mʉang yím) came from and why foreigners are called ฝรั่ง (fà-ràng). Then you’ll explore 13 types of Thai smiles through role-played situations, from congratulating someone you love on marrying someone else to handling a rude comment about your weight.
Thai Vocabulary:
รอยยิ้ม (rɔɔi yím) – A smile
ยิ้มทั้งน้ำตา (yím táng náam-dtaa) – Smiling through tears
ฝืนยิ้ม (fʉ̌ʉn yím) – A forced smile
ยิ้มแห้ง (yím hɛ̂ɛng) – A dry, awkward smile
ยิ้มสู้ (yím sûu) – Smiling in the face of hardship
Knowing these smiles will help you read the feelings behind everyday Thai interactions. As Thai people say, the eyes are the window to the heart!