Ways to say it
| Thai | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ชายชรา | chaai-chá-raa | |
| ตาแก่ | dtaa-gɛ̀ɛ | |
| ลุง | lung | /luŋ˧/ |
| แปะ | bpɛ̀ | /pɛʔ˨˩/ |
| อากง | aa-gong |
The choice of word for 'old man' in Thai varies significantly based on whether you are writing a story, speaking to a stranger or using a specific cultural term. While some words describe an elderly male neutrally, others are used as friendly titles or are used to refer to a person of a specific ethnic background.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ชายชรา is composed of ชาย (man) and ชรา (old/aged).
Which one should you use?
ชายชรา is a neutral or respectful way to say 'old man' and is common in formal writing, literature or news. In contrast, ตาแก่ is much more informal and can be used in a derogatory or rude way to refer to an old man. While ชายชรา is suitable for written contexts, the other forms like ลุง, แปะ and อากง are used in spoken, everyday language.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal writing or news, ชายชรา or the even more formal term ผู้ชายชรา should be used. In spoken language, ลุง is a polite and colloquial way to address or refer to a middle-aged or older man as a sign of familiarity and respect. ตาแก่ is very informal and potentially disrespectful, so use it with caution. แปะ and อากง are specific terms often used in more casual or culturally specific settings.
How do you pronounce it?
chaai-chá-raa
When do people say it?
In many social situations, rather than using a word that literally means 'old man', Thai speakers use ลุง (uncle) to address older men as a sign of respect. Within Thai-Chinese culture, อากง is the term for a paternal grandfather, but it is also used to refer to a very elderly man in a respectful way. Similarly, แปะ is a term used in specific contexts to refer to an older man.
Did you know?
- The word ลุง is a cognate with similar terms in Lao, Shan and Zhuang languages, tracing back to a shared Proto-Tai root meaning 'parent's older brother'.
- In Thai social etiquette, you might address a total stranger as ลุง to show respect, even if you are not related to them.
- Using ตาแก่ can change the meaning of your sentence from a simple description to a direct insult, depending on your tone.
Examples in context
- ฉันไม่เชื่อชายชราเลยI didn't believe the old man at all.This sentence shows how to express disbelief regarding ชายชรา.Tatoeba #11114040 by Somsak, translation #2877135 by CK
- เธอแต่งงานกับชายชราที่ร่ำรวยShe married a rich old man.This sentence illustrates using ชายชรา to describe a person's spouse.Tatoeba #8692053 by pastelite, translation #313323 by CK
- ชายชราพูดกับฉันเป็นภาษาฝรั่งเศสThe old man spoke to me in French.This sentence demonstrates a person using ชายชรา to describe a person speaking a specific language.Tatoeba #8720169 by pastelite, translation #43370 by CK
Example conversation
A woman and a man are walking through a park.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitชายชราคนนั้นกำลังนั่งพักchai char-ra khon nan kam-lang nang phakThat old man is sitting and resting.
- สิรินทร์ Sirinดูเหมือนเขาจะเหนื่อยนะdu muean khao cha nueai naIt looks like he is tired.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitเราควรเอาน้ำไปให้เขาไหมrao khuan ao nam pai hai khao maiShould we give him some water?
- สิรินทร์ Sirinดีค่ะ ชลสิทธิ์di kha, ChonlasitThat is a good idea, Chonlasit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “old man” translations and entries ลุง, แปะ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ลุง, แปะ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
