คำหยาบ
kham yap
The English phrase "bad words" is translated into Thai as คำหยาบ (kham yap).
คำหยาบ is a general term used to refer to swear words, profanity or vulgar language.
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of คำ (kham), meaning "word" and หยาบ (yap), meaning "rude" or "coarse".
Which one should you use?
While คำหยาบ describes the nature of the words themselves as being rude or vulgar, the related term คำด่า is used specifically when referring to insults or verbal abuse directed at someone.
How do you pronounce it?
kham yap
Did you know?
- Some words categorized as คำหยาบ are actually ancient pronouns. Changing a pronoun from a polite form to a coarse form is one of the fastest ways to turn a friendly sentence into a fight.
- Some Thai 'bad words' are actually words for animals, particularly those considered lowly or filthy, used to strip a person of their human dignity.
- In Thai, the word หยาบ (yap) can also describe physical textures, such as 'coarse' sand or 'rough' fabric, suggesting that rude language is seen as something unrefined or lacking smoothness.
Examples in context
- อย่าใช้คำหยาบในห้องเรียนya chai kham yap nai hong rianDon't use bad words in the classroom.
- เขาชอบพูดคำหยาบกับเพื่อนkhao chop phut kham yap kap phueanHe likes to use bad words with his friends.
- เด็กไม่ควรเรียนรู้คำหยาบdek mai khuan rian ru kham yapChildren should not learn bad words.
Example conversation
Nicha is reminding Teeraphat to be polite.
- ณิชา Nichaธีรภัทร อย่าใช้คำหยาบสิTeeraphat ya chai kham yap siTeeraphat, please don't use bad words.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatขอโทษครับ ผมลืมตัวkho thot khrap phom luem tuaI'm sorry, I forgot myself.
- ณิชา Nichaพูดเพราะๆ จะน่ารักกว่านะphut phro phro cha na rak kwa naIt's cuter to speak politely.
- ธีรภัทร Theeraphatครับ ผมจะระวังครับkhrap phom cha ra wang khrapYes, I will be careful.
