ทะเล้น
thalen
The Thai word for cheeky is ทะเล้น (thalen).
The term ทะเล้น is an adjective used to describe someone who is impudent or impertinent.
Meaning: impudent, impertinent (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
thalen
Did you know?
- If someone is being too cheeky in a way that is irritating, a Thai speaker might say they are กวนประสาท (kuan prasaat), which literally translates to 'stirring the nerves'.
- In Thai culture, being ทะเล้น can be viewed as a charming trait in children or comedians, but it is often seen as a serious lack of 'kreng jai' (consideration) when directed at elders.
- Thai has a specific nuance where ทะเล้น refers to a playful, physical kind of cheekiness, such as making funny faces or gesturing, rather than just verbal impertinence.
Examples in context
- เด็กคนนี้ทะเล้นมากdek khon ni tha-len makThis child is very cheeky.
- เขาเป็นคนทะเล้นนะkhao pen khon tha-len naHe is a cheeky person.
Example conversation
A sister is teasing her younger brother about his behavior.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinทำไมวันนี้ดูทะเล้นจังtham-mai wan-ni du tha-len changWhy are you being so cheeky today?
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitผมไม่ได้ทำอะไรเลยนะphom mai dai tham a-rai loei naI didn't do anything at all.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinชลสิทธิ์ อย่ามาทำเป็นไม่รู้เรื่องchon-la-sit ya ma tham pen mai ru rueangChonlasit, don't pretend you don't know.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitก็พี่สิรินทร์แกล้งผมก่อนko phi si-rin klaeng phom konBut Sirin, you teased me first.
