Guide: How to Say “Tall” in Thai

If you ever find yourself in the beautiful country of Thailand and want to express someone’s height or describe someone as tall, it’s helpful to know the appropriate Thai words. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say “tall” in Thai, along with some tips and examples to enhance your understanding. Let’s get started!

Formal Terms:

Thai is a complex and nuanced language, and when it comes to describing height formally, you can use the following terms:

1. สูง (sŭung): This is the most common and straightforward term to convey “tall” in Thai. It can be used to describe both people and objects.
2. ผู้สูง (phûu sŭung): When referring to someone specifically, this term translates to “tall person.” It’s useful if you want to emphasize a person’s height in a formal manner.
3. คนที่สูง (khon thîi sŭung): Similar to the previous term, this phrase means “a person who is tall.” It can be used effectively to describe someone in a more detailed manner.

Informal Expressions:

Thai language is known for its richness in informal expressions, and height descriptions are no exception. Here are some popular ways to say “tall” casually:

• สวย เหลือบ เท่ (suay lèuup têe): These three terms are common colloquial expressions, often used among friends or in informal situations. They all convey the idea of a person being “tall” but can also imply a sense of attractiveness or even stylishness.
• ขนาดลูกคนชั้นดี (khànàat lûuk khon chán dee): This phrase roughly translates to “as tall as a distinguished person.” It’s a light-hearted and jovial way to refer to someone’s height.
• สูงเท่าเขา (sŭung tâo khǎo): Literally meaning “tall like him,” this phrase can be used playfully when someone is perceived to be extremely tall.

Examples:

Now, let’s see these phrases in action through some practical examples:

Example 1:

Formal: นักเทนนิสคนนั้นสูงมาก (nak ten-nít khon nán sŭung mâak)
Informal: เพื่อนคนนั้นสวยเหลือบเท่มาก (phêuan khon nán suay lèuup têe mâak)

Translation: That tennis player is very tall / That friend is so tall and stylish.

Example 2:

Formal: เด็กชายคนนี้คือผู้สูง (dek chaai khon níi khue phûu sŭung)
Informal: พี่น้องคนนี้สวยเหลือบเท่แบบที่สอง (phîi nóng khon níi suay lèuup têe bàep thîi sǒng)

Translation: This boy is a tall person / This sibling is as tall and attractive as the second one.

Regional Variations:

In general, Thai language remains relatively consistent across various regions and dialects. However, it’s important to note that Thailand has a diverse cultural landscape, so some minor regional variations may exist.

For instance, in the northern regions, you might encounter people using the term “หู (hŭu)” instead of “สูง (sŭung)” to mean “tall.” While it’s not widely used in everyday conversation, being aware of such variations can help you understand and appreciate the linguistic diversity of Thailand.

Summary:

By now, you should have a good grasp of how to say “tall” in Thai, both formally and informally. Remember these key points:

• Formal terms for “tall” include “สูง (sŭung),” “ผู้สูง (phûu sŭung),” and “คนที่สูง (khon thîi sŭung).”
• Informal expressions for “tall” include “สวย เหลือบ เท่ (suay lèuup têe)” and “ขนาดลูกคนชั้นดี (khànàat lûuk khon chán dee).”
• Regional variations are minimal, but in northern regions, “หู (hŭu)” may be used instead of “สูง (sŭung).”

Now, armed with this knowledge, you can confidently express height in Thai and appreciate the linguistic intricacies of this captivating language. Enjoy your Thai language journey!