งี่เง่า
ngi-ngao
The English word 'silly' can be translated into Thai as งี่เง่า (ngi-ngao).
The term งี่เง่า is used to describe someone acting in a way that is silly, irrational or unreasonable. While it can be translated as 'silly', it is most commonly used to describe behavior that lacks logic or is being difficult and annoying.
Meaning: foolish, showing a lack of good sense and wisdom (adj)
Which one should you use?
Use บ๊อง if you want to say someone is being 'silly' in a cute, harmless, goofy or airheaded way, such as a person being a bit spacey. In contrast, งี่เง่า carries a more negative connotation, implying the person is being irrational or annoying.
How do you pronounce it?
ngi-ngao
Did you know?
- Calling a superior or an elder งี่เง่า is considered a grave insult and a breach of social hierarchy, far more so than calling a peer 'silly'.
- The component เง่า in งี่เง่า is an older way to describe stupidity, similar to how English uses 'dim' or 'slow' to describe a lack of wit.
- In Thai relationships, งี่เง่า is a specific label for a partner who is being moody, demanding or irrational without a clear reason.
Examples in context
- เขาทำตัวงี่เง่ามากkhao tham tua ngi-ngao makHe is acting very silly.
- อย่าทำตัวงี่เง่าแบบนี้เลยya tham tua ngi-ngao baep ni loeiDon't act so silly like this.
- เรื่องนี้มันงี่เง่าที่สุดrueang ni man ngi-ngao thi sutThis matter is the silliest.
Example conversation
Nicha and Chonsit are arguing about a small mistake.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitผมไม่ได้ตั้งใจทำเสียนะphom mai dai tang jai tham sia naI didn't mean to break it.
- ณิชา Nichaแต่มันเป็นเรื่องที่งี่เง่ามากtae man pen rueang thi ngi-ngao makBut it is a very silly thing.
- ชลสิทธิ์ Cholasitขอโทษครับ ผมจะระวังมากขึ้นkho thot khrap phom ja rawang mak khuenI'm sorry, I will be more careful.
- ณิชา Nichaดีแล้วค่ะ อย่าทำอีกนะdi laeo kha ya tham ik naThat's good, don't do it again.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries งี่เง่า, CC BY-SA 4.0.
