10 Thai words for complimenting

by Iván Ramírez · December 7, 2015

Learning Thai language is not an easy thing to do for foreigners as Thai language has different ways of pronouncing and not to mention the writing system. However, there are some words that you can learn to say it easily and get away with most of the situation when it comes to socializing with the Thais.

Complimenting is the best way to start the conversation, so here is a list of 10 Thai words for complimenting that will help you ace any conversation with the locals.

1. Narak (น่ารัก)

Narak is a way to say cute in Thai language. You can use this word to describe most of the things that you think that they are cute – from dresses, animals, persons, personality and so on.

The word has a wide reach so you don’t have to worry about overusing it. Also, Narak has no connotation meaning so feel free to say it. Next time when you start dating Thai lady, you can start with something like Khun Narak Jang meaning you are so cute!

2. Suay (สวย)

If you want to compliment someone that she is beautiful, this word will come in handy. Suay or beautiful is a Thai word used to describe the beauty of a thing or a person.

This will be the best word option for you to compliment a Thai lady. The word Suay doesn’t describe the personality of a person – you can say Khun Suay Maak meaning you are very beautiful or Shud Suay meaning your dress is beautiful.

3. Phorm (ผอม)

This word might be specifically applied to women when it comes to serve as a compliment word. Phorm or slim is a magic word to praise Thai lady. In some context, it might not always be a compliment but let say that most of the time, in normal circumstances such as a reunion of friends and family, this magic word always does the trick.

You can say Khun Phorm Long meaning you look thinner – it is always a perfect conversation starter.

4. Hoon Dee (หุ่นดี)

Another word that can be a perfect way to admire someone is Hoon Dee. This word means good shape and it can be used to compliment both men and women. You can simply say Khun Hoon Dee Jang that means you have a great body.

5. Chalard (ฉลาด)

To say someone is clever in Thai, Chalard is the word to go. You can say Khun Chalard Maak, meaing – you are very clever. Again, this word can be used for both female and male.

6. Doo Dek (ดูเด็ก)

Who doesn’t want to look young? So that’s why it is always cheerful if someone tells you that you look young and age cannot do any harm to you. The word Doo Dek is a Thai phrase that can roughly translate as looking young and it is sure a word that can cheer up any genders at any ages. You can say Khun Doo Dek meaning – you look so young to anyone regardless of their gender as a compliment.

7. Somboonbaeb (สมบูรณ์แบบ)

Somboonbaeb is the Thai word that means perfect. You can use it to compliment someone that you think that he/she is perfect. It can be used either for complimenting personality and appearance. For example, Ter Doo Somboonbaeb which means she looks perfect – this can mean either the speaker refers to her personality or her look; it depends on the context.

8. Khem Kang (เข้มแข็ง)

If you want to compliment someone that he or she is strong, Khem Kang is the word to express it. This word can be used for both genders and it can also mean strong in physical strength or mind power. You can say Khao Pen Kon Khem Kang meaning he is a strong man.

9. Lhor (หล่อ)

Up to this point, you might want to know how to compliment handsome guy in Thai, then Lhor is the word you are looking for. Lhor is a Thai word that means handsome and it is reserved for complimenting men only. You can’t use this word to compliment women as it doesn’t make any sense. You can say

10. Jai Dee (ใจดี)

If someone is kind to you and you want to let her/him know, in Thai you can simply say Khun Jai Dee Mak which means you are very kind. The word Jai Dee literally means good heart, but, in general usage, we roughly translate it as kind.

What else in Thai language that you used to hear before, let us know what more do you want us to write about in the comment below.