Thai words so unique, English speakers will just have to borrow them.
Alex C-J•
Thai is a language packed with words that English just can’t quite capture. Some express emotions, others describe cultural quirks, and a few are just gloriously specific. Here are 10 Thai words that don’t exist in English - but honestly, they should.
1. เกรงใจ (greng-jai)
เกรงใจ
/kreːŋ˧.t͡ɕaj˧/
A mix of consideration, reluctance to impose, and fear of inconveniencing others. It’s the reason you refuse a second helping even if you’re starving, or hesitate to ask for help because you don’t want to bother someone.
A cornerstone of Thai politeness, greng-jai is the social glue that keeps interactions smooth - even if it means you go home hungry.
2. เสียว (sǐao)
เสียว
/sia̯w˩˩˦/
That sharp, tingling sensation - whether from fear, excitement, or watching someone do something reckless. It’s the feeling when you see a wobbly ladder or hear nails on a chalkboard.
English needs a word for this. 'Cringe' doesn’t quite cut it.
3. ฝนตกแดดออก (fon dtok dàet òk)
ฝนตกแดดออก
/fǒn tòk dɛ̀ːt ʔɔ̀ːk/
Literally 'rain falling, sun out' - a sunshower. But in Thai, it’s also said that when this happens, a fox is getting married. No, really.
English just calls it a sunshower. Thai gives it folklore.
4. เมาท์ (máo)
เมาท์
/máw/
To gossip, chat idly, or just talk nonsense for fun. It’s not quite 'small talk' - it’s more like the art of shooting the breeze with zero stakes.
If you’ve ever spent an hour debating whether pineapple belongs on pizza, you’ve máo-ed.
5. เก็บตก (gèp dtòk)
เก็บตก
/kèp tòk/
Literally 'collect the fallen' - picking up leftovers, forgotten ideas, or missed opportunities. It’s the act of salvaging what others overlook.
Perfect for describing that moment when you find a forgotten £20 in your pocket.
6. ทำเป็น (tam bpen)
ทำเป็น
/tʰam pen/
To pretend, often in a performative way. It’s not just 'acting' - it’s the art of convincingly faking it, whether you’re pretending to work or pretending to care.
Every office worker has mastered tam bpen at some point.
7. จุก (jùk)
จุก
/t͡ɕuk̚˨˩/
That feeling when you’re so full, annoyed, or overwhelmed that you just can’t anymore. It’s the 'I’m done' of physical and emotional limits.
English has 'stuffed' or 'fed up,' but jùk covers both - with extra frustration.
8. หลง (lǒng)
หลง
/loŋ˩˩˦/
Not just 'lost' - it’s the specific, often blissful state of being so absorbed in something (or someone) that you forget everything else. Romantic, poetic, or just plain distracted.
Ever been so into a book you missed your stop? That’s lǒng.
9. อาหลั่ย (aa-lài)
อาหลั่ย
/ʔaː lâj/
A chaotic, messy, or disorganised state - but in a fun, lively way. It’s the vibe of a great party that leaves your house destroyed.
English calls it 'a mess.' Thai calls it a good time.
10. เซ็ง (séng)
เซ็ง
/seŋ˧/
A deep, existential boredom or frustration - like when you’re stuck in traffic, scrolling endlessly, or realising you’ve run out of crisps.
It’s not just 'bored.' It’s the soul-crushing kind.
So, which Thai word do you wish English had? Maybe one day we’ll just borrow them all. Until then, you’ll just have to greng-jai your way through life.
