สุภาษิตไทย

chaa chaa dai phraa lem ngaam

Slowly, slowly, you get a beautiful machete

♦︎ This proverb teaches that patience and careful work lead to better results. It is the Thai equivalent of 'Slow and steady wins the race' or 'Patience is a virtue.'

naam phueng ruea suea phueng paa

Water depends on the boat, the tiger depends on the forest

♦︎ This proverb highlights the importance of mutual dependence and cooperation. Just as water needs a boat to carry it and a tiger needs the forest to survive, people need each other to thrive in life.

sip paak waa mai thao taa hen

Ten mouths speaking is not equal to one eye seeing

♦︎ This proverb means that seeing something for yourself is more reliable than hearing about it from many people. It is the Thai equivalent of 'Seeing is believing.'

kong kwian kam kwian

The wheel of the cart follows the track of the cart

♦︎ This proverb conveys the idea of karma — what goes around comes around. Your actions will eventually come back to you, whether good or bad. It is similar to 'You reap what you sow.'

rak wua hai phuk rak luk hai tii

Love your cow, tie it up; love your child, discipline them

♦︎ This proverb means that true love sometimes requires discipline and setting boundaries. It is equivalent to the English 'Spare the rod, spoil the child' or the French 'Qui aime bien châtie bien.'

maeo mai yuu nuu raroeng

When the cat is away, the mice play

♦︎ This proverb means that when the person in authority is absent, those under their supervision will take advantage and misbehave. It is nearly identical to the well-known Western proverb 'When the cat's away, the mice will play.'

khii chaang jap takatan

Riding an elephant to catch a grasshopper

♦︎ This proverb describes using excessive or disproportionate means to accomplish a small task. It is similar to the English expression 'Using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.'

naam khuen hai riip tak

When the water rises, hurry to scoop it up

♦︎ This proverb advises seizing opportunities when they arise, because they may not last forever. It is the Thai equivalent of 'Strike while the iron is hot.'

paak waan kon priao

Sweet mouth, sour bottom

♦︎ This proverb describes a person who speaks sweetly and pleasantly to your face but harbors ill intentions or acts deceitfully behind your back. It warns against trusting people solely based on their flattering words.

dai khuep ja ao saawk

Given a span, they want a cubit

♦︎ This proverb describes greedy or ungrateful people who, when given something, always demand more. It is the Thai equivalent of 'Give an inch, and they'll take a mile.'