14 Gen Z Thai Slang Terms You Need to Know to Sound Like a Local

Thai Slang 101: Gen Z Edition – 14 Must-Know Phrases to Level Up Your Thai Game

So, you think you’ve got Thai down just because you can say "Sawasdee" and "Khop khun"? Nah, that’s just scratching the surface. If you really want to sound like you’re part of the Bangkok scene, you’ve gotta learn how to speak their language. And by that, I mean Thai Gen Z slang. These young Thais have their own twist on the language, with slang that’s fresh, fast, and often hilarious.

Ready to fit in with Thailand's coolest TikTokers or impress your friends at a Thai cafe? We're breaking down 14 essential Thai Gen Z slang words that'll instantly upgrade your vocab. Let’s dive into the latest lingo that’s trending on the streets of Bangkok!

1. "Kanee" (คนนี้)

This is basically the Thai way to say “this person” or “this one.” But when Gen Z uses it, it’s got some attitude. It's typically used when referring to someone in a playful or slightly sarcastic way.

Pronunciation: “Ka-nee” (sounds like "kah-knee")
How to use it: "This person is so talented."
In short: Use this to talk about someone in a cute, sometimes teasing way.

2. "Jao" (เจ้า)

This word is a northern Thai term for “yes,” but Thai Gen Z uses it as a soft, cute way of agreeing.

Pronunciation: “Jaow” (sounds like "chow" with a J)
How to use it: "Are you coming too? Yes!"
In short: A softer, cuter way to say "yes."

3. "Likay" (ลิเก)

Calling something likay means it’s overly dramatic, like those soap operas your grandma loves.

Pronunciation: “Li-gay” (sounds like "lee-gay")
How to use it: "You don’t have to be that dramatic."
In short: For calling out someone being overly dramatic.

4. "Lamyai" (ลำไย)

Lamyai literally means a type of fruit, but Gen Z uses it to describe something or someone who’s really annoying.

Pronunciation: “Lam-yai” (sounds like "lum-yai")
How to use it: "You're starting to annoy me now."
In short: Use this when someone is super irritating or frustrating.

5. "Khun Maew" (คุณแมว)

This phrase means "Mr./Ms. Cat" and is used to describe someone who's distant or acts cool, just like a cat.

Pronunciation: “Koon Maew” (sounds like "koon meow")
How to use it: "You’re just like a cat."
In short: For when someone is acting cool, independent, or a little distant.

6. "Nab-bu" (แนบบุญ)

Taken from a Buddhist concept, nab-bu is used sarcastically to tell someone to calm down or chill out.

Pronunciation: “Nab-boon” (sounds like "nab boon")
How to use it: "Calm down, don’t stress."
In short: Use this when you want to tell someone to relax and stop overreacting.

7. "Doy" (ด้อย)

If something is doy, it’s lame or doesn’t measure up—basically the opposite of cool.

Pronunciation: “Doi” (sounds like "doy")
How to use it: "This outfit is so lame."
In short: When something just isn’t up to standard or cool enough.

8. "Wai Ru" (ไวรุ่น)

Wai Ru is the Thai equivalent of saying "YOLO" and is used before doing something bold or risky.

Pronunciation: “Wai-roon” (sounds like "why-roon")
How to use it: "Let’s YOLO this!"
In short: For when you’re about to take a bold or spontaneous action.

9. "Gop Maen" (กบแมน)

From a famous meme, gop maen refers to someone pretending to be tough or cool but failing at it.

Pronunciation: “Gop man” (sounds like "gop man")
How to use it: "Stop pretending to be tough."
In short: Perfect for when someone is acting tough but you’re not buying it.

10. "Ta-leh" (ทะเล)

While it literally means "ocean," Gen Z uses ta-leh to describe something chaotic or messy, like drama.

Pronunciation: “Ta-lay” (sounds like "ta-lay")
How to use it: "My life is a mess right now."
In short: For when you’re dealing with something chaotic or full of drama.

11. "Chanrakthoe" (ฉันรักเธอ)

Usually meaning "I love you," this phrase is now used sarcastically to mean "I’m obsessed with you" in a funny or relatable way.

Pronunciation: “Chan-rak-tur” (sounds like "chan-rack-tur")
How to use it: "OMG, I love you for that!"
In short: When someone does something funny or super relatable.

12. "Aep" (แอป)

Short for “application,” aep is used to describe someone who’s too obsessed with social media or phone apps.

Pronunciation: “App” (sounds like "app")
How to use it: "You’re way too into apps."
In short: For someone who’s constantly on their phone or too online.

13. "Bussaba" (บุษบา)

Bussaba is a sarcastic way of calling someone overly sweet and nice, but it’s obviously fake.

Pronunciation: “Boot-sa-ba” (sounds like "boot-sa-ba")
How to use it: "Don’t act all sweet and innocent."
In short: For when someone’s pretending to be sweet, but you know it's fake.

14. "Tamachat" (ธรรมชาติ)

Tamachat means "nature," but Gen Z uses it to describe someone who’s effortlessly cool, like they didn’t even try.

Pronunciation: “Ta-ma-chat” (sounds like "ta-ma-chat")
How to use it: "You look effortlessly cool in that outfit."
In short: For when someone pulls off something cool without trying too hard.

Now you’ve got the inside scoop on Thailand’s freshest Gen Z slang! Whether you’re wandering the streets of Bangkok or scrolling through Thai TikTok, these 14 phrases will help you blend right in with the locals. From calling out dramatic friends with "Likay" to hyping up bold moments with "Wai Ru," you’ll be slinging slang like a true Bangkok native in no time. And the next time your phone-obsessed friend gets too caught up, hit them with “Aep” to keep things in check.

Ready to dive even deeper into Thai culture and slang? Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be unlocking a whole new level of connection with Thailand’s Gen Z crowd.

Stay tuned for more language hacks and cultural deep dives at Woke Waves Magazine, your ultimate Gen Z travel guide!

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