Jingjok
Why Thais ask your age
aa-yú tâo-rài
Within minutes of meeting you, a new Thai acquaintance may ask อายุเท่าไหร่ (how old are you?). In many countries that's personal; here it's practical. Age decides the words people use with each other: whether you are พี่ or น้อง, how formal to be, and often who is expected to pay when friends eat together (frequently the older one). Asking is a way of getting the relationship right, not of judging you. Some people ask more gently which year you were born. You can answer with a number once you finish unit 3, smile and dodge, or turn it into a joke. Once ages are settled, listen for the right family word clicking into place.
Try this today
When someone asks your age, answer and then ask back: แล้วพี่ล่ะ? ('and you?')
Your first 90 days of Thai
Culture cards in Jingjok are tied to the words that carry them, each ending in one thing to try today.
- 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.