Tuesday 18 August 2009

English loan words in Thai

So we all know that thai has lots of english loan words, but it also has a lot of loan words from other languages that have been introduced. Most commonly found are sanskrit/pali loan words:

วิทยา : Withaya. English: science, knowledge, from Sanskrit Vidya

ภูมิ : Phumi. English: earth, ground, soil, from Sanskrit Bhumi.

Here are just a few of the common english loan words still used today:

บิล = bill;a tourist's favourite. often will be paired with เช็คบิล to ask for the check at a restuarant.

ออฟฟิศ = office.

คอมผิวตอร์ /ผีชี = computer/PC

ไปรเวต = private; used when talking about a private outfit.

แปลน = plan; i've come across this as an alternative to เเผน

แบงก์ = bank

ปิ่น = pin; e.g. ปิ่นเกล้า pin klao, pin used for holding up one’s hair.

ฟุ = foot (unit of measure)

เเสตมป์ = stamp

การ์ด = card as in คีย์การ์ด

I know I've left loads out, please post some in the comments if you want, and forgive me if i've got some of the spellings wrong it was quite late when i posted this. Cheers. :)

Monday 3 August 2009

what's this a song not about love and hearbreak? haha just kidding!

So I've been away from the blogging a bit, but don't fret I know all Thai-philes have probably been busy with your studies as well. Puts me to shame really.
Anyway, I cant seem to get enough of Sek Loso's music recently. I don't know maybe it's the whole indie brit/rock he juxtaposes with Thai sometimes melancholic heatfelt lyrics, and plus the stories he tells every one can relate to.

I particular like these lines in his song, ไม่ยอมตัดใจ
แต่ใจมันรักเธอ ก็เลยไม่ยอมตัดใจ
dtae jai man rak ter gor loie mai yom dtat jai
But my heart still loves you, and I refuse to stop loving you.
ไม่ปล่อยให้ใคร ยังยื้อเธอไว้อย่างนั้น
mai bploi hai krai yang yeu ter wai yaang nan
I can't let you go to someone else, as I'm still attached to you.