Thai Word of the Day?

Post by **Roel** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 10:33 am

Yep, 'up to you' or 'I leave it to you' = แล้วแต่คุณ laew dtae khun

Post by **bozzman101** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:31 am

may be there are two ways of ways of saying it ????

or more possibly

Post by **Roel** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 12:40 pm

Without doubt there are many ways of saying it but "tam jai" really does not ring a bell. Would be helpful if you can find out the Thai spelling.
Could also be Khmer or Lao.

Spitfire · Post by **Spitfire** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 2:22 pm

Roel wrote:Could also be Khmer or Lao.

Very possible Roel. It's amazing how much Lao/Khmer is used everywhere.

Post by **Roel** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 5:04 pm

Without doubt.
Some linguists claim that there are more native Lao speakers in Thailand than native Thai speakers. I do not know if this is true. If you are interested this makes a nice read:
http://www.thailao.net/both_languages.htm

Post by **bozzman101** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 6:49 pm

dtaamM jaiM as one likes; as one pleases; follow your heart

as one pleases ??? close enough for up to you what do you guys think ????

Post by **Roel** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 7:56 pm

Breaking news!
I just asked my wife what "dtaam jai khun" (not tam jai khun) means and she said: "up to you".
She also confirmed that it is Thai not a regional variant.

So apparently it is used in Thai spoken language as "up to you".
Thai2English dictionary however says:
ตามใจ dtaam jai = in accordance with (your/the) heart.

Therefore I think that "up to you" is a (too) rough simplified translation and there is a delicate difference with "laew tae khun".
A difference that a Thai probably not easily can put in (English) words. Not unusual for anybody trying to explain the finesses of your mother tongue to non-native speakers, because to you everything is obvious and natural without ever giving it a second tought.

Post by **Sabai Jai** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 9:56 pm

seem to be many variations on a theme

'Arai gor dai' would be similar too

regards Sabai Jai

Spitfire · Post by **Spitfire** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 10:35 pm

Think that translates into "Whatever is fine" Sabai Jai, agree, close, but not exactly.

Post by **raphoedon** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 11:25 am

What is the phonetially correct way to attract the attention of bar staff or waiting staff?

I've used non krup and pea krup with varying amounts of succsess. I believe this is 'cause one is for a person older than you and vice versa.

Is the staff member's gender included in this pussle?

Post by **Randy Cornhole** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 11:35 am

Nong krap is for someone younger and Pee krap is for someone older.

But I dare say we'll get about 100 diffrent derivations and spellings attempts as to how if the younger person is of a certain cast and hair colour then the word smoo is added, probably upside down. If not then word ZOLTAN is continualy screamed at the top of ones voice until the recipiant is reduced to tears. Your drink then may or may not appear...

Post by **Roel** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 11:48 am

No gender involved except yours shown through "khap".
Nong (น้อง) is used to address a younger person whereas pee (พี่) is used to address an older person.
Make the "o" in "nong" long, say noooong. Exaggerate it and they will understand you, make the sound too short they wont.
Pronounce '"pee" with a falling tone. With a rising tone it means ghost (ผี). Applies to all hair colours.
Good luck with your next order.

Spitfire · Post by **Spitfire** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 12:57 pm

If you still have problems, then use 'kor tort krap' which is "excuse me".

Should work aswell.

Post by **raphoedon** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 6:36 am

Ty Randy,Roel and Spitfire. Much clearer now!

Pompooey meaning fat person, how does this relate to oo-an? Ithink one is an observation - the other a name?

Post by **raphoedon** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 6:42 am

I am pompooey, but Ive a feeling that oo an is insulting, could be wrong?