Growing in Thai

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the adverbial phrase ทีละนิดทีละหน่อย (thêe-lá-níd-thêe-lá-hnòi), which means ‘little by little,’ ‘bit by bit,’ or ‘gradually.’ It is used to describe an action, process, or change that happens very gradually in small, repeated steps over time, rather than all at once. It emphasises the ideal of progress through tiny increments, often suggesting patience, consistency, and a natural unfolding of change.

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the verb สะกิดใจ (sà-gìd jāi), which means ‘to sudden dawn on’ or ‘to strike a chord.’ It refers to a subtle emotional or mental nudge that triggers sudden awareness, reflection, or emotional response. It describes the moment when something gently but meaningfully touched the mind or heart, causing a person to notice, feel, or realise something more deeply than before.

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the verb ซ้ำเติม (sám-dtēuhm), which means ‘to rub in’ or ‘to add insult to injury.’ It is used when an action or comment intensifies an already difficult situation instead of helping it.

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the verb มัวแต่ (mūa-dtàe), which means ‘to keep doing one thing so much that other things are neglected’ or ‘to be so busy doing one thing that other things are not getting done.’ This verb phrase is used to describe someone who is overfocused on one thing, often to the point that they ignore something more important.

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the verb จับผิด (jàb-phìd), which means ‘to find fault,’ ‘to criticise,’ or ‘to pick on.’ It is used when someone pays close attention in order to criticise, point out mistakes, or catch someone doing something wrong.

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the verb อยาก (awyàak), which means ‘to want to’ do something. It is used to express a desire to perform an action or experience a state.

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the discourse marker อันที่จริง (ān-thêe-jīng), which is a fixed expression used to mean ‘actually,’ ‘in fact,’ or ‘the truth is.’ It is used to clarify, correct, or reveal the real situation, often when it contrasts with what was previously said, assumed, or expected.

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the verb ปรักปรำ (bpràk-bprām), which means ‘to incriminate,’ ‘to accuse,’ ‘to frame,’ or ‘to wrongly blame someone.’ It is used when someone is accused of something they did not do, often unfairly or without evidence.

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the verb หารือ (hǎa-rēu), which means ‘to discuss,’ ‘to consult,’ or ‘to deliberate.’ It is used when people talking together to exchange ideas, opinions, or advice, usually with the goal of reaching a decision or solving a problem.

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the verb phrase ล้างสมอง (láang sà-hmǎwng), which means ‘to brainwash.’ It refers to the process of strongly influencing someone’s thoughts, beliefs, or opinions so that they accept new ideas without critical thinking, often by repeated messaging, pressure, or manipulation.

In this Thai lesson, we learn how to use the adverb กะทันหัน (gà-thān-hǎn), which means ‘suddenly,’ ‘unexpectedly,’ ‘abruptly,’ or ‘all of a sudden.’ It describes how an action or event happens, emphasising that it occurs quickly and without warning, often giving people little or no time to prepare.