Thai people – 13 types of smiles of Thai people
Thai people have 13 different types of smiles, that’s why Thailand is called the land of smiles. *flash a smile- ping sound*
But not all smiles are created equal though, out of the 13 smiles? only 3 are happy ones. *crying sounds*
This is why it might be a bit hard for non-Thais to understand why some Thai people love to smile while telling a sad story or when they’re trying to apologize for their wrongdoings.
In this episode, I have invited my Thai colleagues to help me act out these different types of smiles, and have our non-Thai friends guess what type of smile these are. Let’s see how well they did.
The first smile:
1. Smiling with tears in one’s eyes (ยิ้มทั้งน้ำตา)
Photo by museum siam
Definition: Even though one may be sad and have tears in their eyes, they are still hopeful that something good is about to come.
For example: If an ex-lover is in a new loving relationship and you’re happy for them.
2. Greeting smile (ยิ้มทักทาย)
Photo by museum siam
Definition: smiling at someone you don’t know
For example: smiling at a person in the elevator of your condominium
3. Smile with adoration (ยิ้มชื่นชม)
Photo by museum siam
Definition:: to smile when you want to compliment someone for their achievements
For example: When a parent smiles at their child as they’re performing on stage
4. Forcing a smile (ฝืนยิ้ม) Thai people
Photo by museum siam
Definition:: even when you’re sad, you smile
For example: When your boss tells you bad news like you’re fired, but you still have to smile because you don’t know what else to do or say
5. Suspicious smile (ยิ้มมีเลศนัย) Thai people
Photo by museum siam
Definition:: when you’re smiling to cover up something
For example: When you have an insider joke or something that only you and a few people know about, but you don’t want to reveal it to the bigger crowd and you smile at each other.
6. A mocking smile (ยิ้มเยาะ)
Photo by museum siam
Definition:: when you smile because you’re happy that someone got ridiculed or punished
For example: When a colleague you hate gets reprimanded by the boss for making a mistake at work and you want that colleague to be humiliated and suffer.
7. Fake smile ยิ้มแหย ๆ Thai people
Photo by museum siam
Definition: When you smile to cover up your shyness
For example: For example, when you fart in public, and someone calls you out on it, you have to force a smile.
8. Sad smile (ยิ้มเศร้า)
Photo by museum siam
Definition: Smiling when you’re sad
For example: when you smile thinking about the future that cannot be changed, something that you want for it to happen, but it’s inevitable.
9. Dry smile (ยิ้มแห้ง)
Photo by museum siam
Definition: Smiling when you are in a tough situation
For example: when you try to explain how to solve a complicated math problem to someone, but the person who you’re talking to cannot understand a single word you’re saying.
10. Disagreeing smile ยิ้มทัดทาน Thai people
Photo by museum siam
Definition: when you understand the assignment but still don’t want to do it and you smile out of obligation
For example, I’ll give you a personal example for this one. Because it’s a bit of a hard concept to get, even for a native Thai person like myself.
So one time I was driving along the road, minding my own business when a guy crashed into my car once, and when I got out of the car, instead of apologizing straight away, I saw him walking towards me with a huge smile on his face, and the first thing that he said to me was “That’s a huge dent”
11. Slashing smile ยิ้มเชือดเฉือน
Photo by museum siam
Definition: Smiling when you won
For example: When there is a battle between two people, and one has been granted a pass to the next round or if they have won the battle completely
12. The fighting smile ยิ้มสู้
Photo by museum siam
Definition: When you believe you cannot win but are willing to give it a second try
For example: When you are pushing a car uphill and it’s been really hot and arduous, and you have a mile more to go, then you smile.
13. the smile doesn’t come out ยิ้มไม่ออก Thai people
Photo by museum siam
Definition: When you try to smile but you cannot smile
For example: When the election results come out but it’s not what you want them to be
And there you have it, all 13 different types of Thai smiles.
Thai people not only speak with words but also with facial expressions.
So don’t jump to conclusions or interpret our smiles too negatively, instead, when you think a Thai person isn’t taking a situation seriously, just remember that the smile that they’re sporting, might carry a deeper meaning than what you think.
Hope you enjoyed this episode, and you can be checked out The best places to retire in Thailand 2022! or watch a complete video Scams in Thailand – Common scams in Thailand to watch out for!
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