Welcome to this guide on how to say “white person” in Thai! In the Thai language, describing someone’s race or ethnicity is generally done by using adjectives. Just like in English, there are both formal and informal ways to refer to a white person in Thai, depending on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the person being addressed. Additionally, we will explore any regional variations that may occur.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “White Person” in Thai
Formal language is often used when speaking to someone older or higher in social status. Here are a few options to use when being formal:
1. คนขาว (Khon Khao)
This is the most common formal way to say “white person” in Thai. คน (khon) means “person,” and ขาว (khao) means “white.” When combined, they create the term for a white person. For example:
คุณเป็นคนขาวมาก (Khun pen khon khao mak)
Translation: You are very white.
2. Informal Ways to Say “White Person” in Thai
Informal language is used when speaking to friends, peers, or people of a lower social status. Here are a few options for informal situations:
2. คนฝรั่ง (Khon Farang)
This is the most common informal term for “white person” in Thai. คน (khon) still means “person,” and ฝรั่ง (farang) is derived from the term used to describe “French people” during the Ayutthaya period. Over time, it has become a general term for white people. For example:
เขาคือคนฝรั่ง (Khao kuei khon farang)
Translation: He/She is a white person.
3. Regional Variations
While Thai is the official language of Thailand, there are some regional variations in vocabulary, including how people refer to a white person. Let’s explore a few:
3. เจ้าค่ะ (Jao Kha)
In Northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai and surrounding areas, the term เจ้าค่ะ (jao kha) is commonly used. เจ้า (jao) means “person,” and ค่ะ (kha) is an honorific particle for females. Together, they refer to a white person. For example:
ที่นี่มีเจ้าค่ะ (Ti ni mee jao kha)
Translation: There is a white person here.
4. Tips and Examples
Here are some tips to keep in mind when using these terms:
- Remember to be respectful and polite when referring to someone’s race or ethnicity.
- Pay attention to the context and relationship between the speaker and the person being addressed to choose the appropriate term.
- If unsure, it’s generally safer to use more formal language to avoid unintended offense.
Examples:
Formal situation:
สวัสดีค่ะ คุณเป็นคนขาวชาวต่างชาติหรือคนไทยคะ (Sawatdee kha. Khun pen khon khao chao tang chat reu khon thai kha)
Translation: Hello. Are you a white foreigner or a Thai person?
Informal situation:
สวัสดี เขาคือคนฝรั่งที่เราได้รู้จักกันเมื่อสักพัก (Sawatdee. Khao kuei khon farang tee rao dai roo jak gan meuak sak pak)
Translation: Hi. He/She is the white person we met a while ago.
Regional variation:
ท่านรู้สึกยินดีรึเปล่า เมื่อพบเจ้าค่ะ (Than ru seuk yin dee reu bpla? Meuak pob jao kha)
Translation: Do you feel pleased to meet the white person?
Congratulations! You now have a better understanding of how to say “white person” in Thai. Remember to always use these terms with respect and cultural awareness. Happy language learning!
