Jingjok
How to say older brother or sister; you (to someone a bit older)
in Thai
พี่
pîi
older brother or sister; you (to someone a bit older) · older sibling, I (when the speaker is older)
pîi falling
Use it as 'you' for anyone a little older: drivers, baristas, colleagues. Older people use it for 'I' with you. พี่ + nickname is the friendly way to name someone.
- Part of speech
- pron
- Remember it
- Your older PEER: big brother or sister.
In a sentence
- พี่ครับpîi krápExcuse me (to someone a bit older).
- พี่ชื่ออะไรคะpîi chûue à-rai káWhat's your name? (to someone older)
The culture behind it
CULTURE
Everyone is family: พี่, น้อง, ลุง, ป้า
From the same situation: Who's who
- น้องyounger brother or sister; you (to someone younger)
- ลุงuncle (older man)
- ป้าauntie (older woman)
- น้าauntie or uncle (younger than your parents)
- อาauntie or uncle (father's younger sibling)
- คนperson, people
- ฝรั่งWesterner (white foreigner)
- ประเทศcountry
All 65 words and phrases in “Who's who” →
Your first 90 days of Thai
Jingjok teaches พี่ with audio, the tone drawn on screen, and a check on your own voice. Answer the three questions every Thai asks a foreigner, ask them back, and address people with the right family word.
- WEEKS 1–2 · SURVIVEGreet anyone, pay, and order food and 7-Eleven exactly how you like it.
- WEEKS 3–6 · SETTLE INGet around by taxi, Grab and skytrain, find anything, and handle your landlord.
- WEEKS 7–12 · RUN YOUR LIFEPharmacy, bank, SIM and apps, how you feel, and a weekend away, all in Thai.
The first week is free.