สุภาพสตรี
suphapsatri
The Thai word for lady is สุภาพสตรี (suphapsatri).
สุภาพสตรี is a noun used to refer to a lady or a polite woman.
Meaning: polite: woman (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of สุภาพ, meaning polite or gentle and สตรี, meaning woman or female.
Which one should you use?
While สุภาพสตรี is the formal term for lady, the standard, everyday word for woman is ผู้หญิง.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
สุภาพสตรี is highly formal. It is typically used in official announcements, formal ceremonies or when addressing a group of women in a respectful manner.
How do you pronounce it?
suphapsatri
Did you know?
- While สุภาพสตรี is the formal term for 'lady', Thai has a specific royal vocabulary called 'Rachasap' that uses entirely different words for women depending on their rank in the monarchy.
- Because สุภาพสตรี is so formal, using it to describe a friend would be seen as a joke or a way to mock them for acting too 'proper'.
- In official Thai government signage, such as for restrooms, you will often see สุภาพสตรี used instead of the common word ผู้หญิง to maintain a professional atmosphere.
Examples in context
- สุภาพสตรีท่านนั้นสวยมากsu-phap-sa-tree tan nan suay makThat lady is very beautiful.
- เราต้องให้เกียรติสุภาพสตรีrao tong hai kiat su-phap-sa-treeWe must respect ladies.
- สุภาพสตรีควรได้รับความดูแลsu-phap-sa-tree khuan dai rap khwam du-laeA lady should be taken care of.
Example conversation
Nicha is organizing a formal event and talking to Witthawat.
- ณิชา Nichaเราต้องต้อนรับสุภาพสตรีก่อนค่ะrao tong ton rap suphap satri kon khaWe must welcome the ladies first.
- วิทวัส Witthawatครับ ผมจะเตรียมประตูไว้ให้khrap phom cha triam pratu wai haiYes, I will get the door ready.
- ณิชา Nichaขอบคุณมากค่ะ คุณวิทวัสkhop khun mak kha khun witthawatThank you very much, Witthawat.
- วิทวัส Witthawatยินดีครับ คุณณิชาyindee khrap khun nichaMy pleasure, Nicha.
