Too Proud to Do Something
Learn the Thai idiom จมไม่ลง (jom mâi long), literally “can’t sink”, used for someone who was once wealthy or respected but has fallen on hard times and still refuses to change their lifestyle. You’ll hear how the expression connects to Thai ideas of face and public image. Examples include someone who keeps eating at expensive restaurants after losing their job, and a family that still throws big parties after its business collapses. The lesson ends with a personal reflection on spending habits and a question for you to answer in the comments.
Thai Vocabulary:
จม (jom) – To sink
มีหน้ามีตา (mii nâa mii taa) – Respected / prestigious
รุ่งเรือง (rûng-rʉang) – Prosperous / flourishing
ตกอับ (tòk àp) – Down on one’s luck
ภาพลักษณ์ (phâap-lák) – Image / public persona
ปรับตัว (pràp tua) – To adapt
เสียเงินไม่ว่า เสียหน้าไม่ได้ (sǐa ngən mâi wâa, sǐa nâa mâi dâi) – Losing money is fine, losing face is not