สาระแน
saranae
The English word "nosy" is translated into Thai as สาระแน (saranae).
สาระแน is used to describe someone who is prying, inquisitive or curious in other’s affairs. Tending to snoop or meddle. It is used to criticize someone who interferes in matters that do not concern them.
Meaning: prying, inquisitive or curious in other’s affairs, tending to snoop or meddle (adj)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The word สาระแน is informal and carries a derogatory or mocking tone.
How do you pronounce it?
saranae
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should avoid using สาระแน in formal settings or when speaking to elders, as it is considered rude and impolite.
Did you know?
- People may use the phrase เผือก ('taro') as a modern slang synonym for สาระแน, stemming from a joke about people 'digging' for gossip like tubers in the ground.
- While สาระแน describes a 'nosy' person, Thai speakers often use the word ยุ่ง ('busy') to tell someone to stop prying, as in อย่ามายุ่ง meaning 'do not come and be busy with this'.
- The phrase สอดรู้สอดเห็น (sot-ru-sot-hen) uses a repetitive structure common in Thai to create a rhythmic, more forceful emphasis on the behavior.
Example conversation
Kanokwan is hiding a secret and Thanakrit keeps asking questions.
- ธนกฤต Thanakritบอกหน่อยสิว่าเกิดอะไรขึ้นbok noi si wa koet arai khuenTell me, what happened?
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanทำไมคุณต้องสาระแนด้วยthammai khun tong saranae duaiWhy do you have to be so nosy?
- ธนกฤต Thanakritผมแค่เป็นห่วงคุณนะphom khae pen huang khun naI'm just worried about you.
- กนกวรรณ Kanokwanไม่ต้องมายุ่งเลยmai tong ma yung loeiJust don't interfere.
