Significado
Happening directly before someone.
Contexto cultural
The 'Face' (หน้า) is sacred. Criticizing someone 'ต่อหน้า' is often avoided to prevent 'เสียหน้า' (losing face). The contrast between 'ต่อหน้า' and 'ลับหลัง' is a common theme in Thai soap operas (Lakhon), where villains are 'หน้าไหว้หลังหลอก' (polite to the face, backstabbing behind). Respect for elders means you should be careful with your body language 'ต่อหน้า' them, such as lowering your head when walking past. In Western business, 'speaking to the face' is seen as efficient. In Thailand, it must be balanced with 'Kreng Jai'.
The Object Rule
Never use this for buildings. If you say 'ต่อหน้าธนาคาร', you are implying the bank is a person watching you.
The Drama Booster
Use 'ต่อหน้าต่อตา' when you want to sound like a witness in a movie. It makes your story much more engaging.
Significado
Happening directly before someone.
The Object Rule
Never use this for buildings. If you say 'ต่อหน้าธนาคาร', you are implying the bank is a person watching you.
The Drama Booster
Use 'ต่อหน้าต่อตา' when you want to sound like a witness in a movie. It makes your story much more engaging.
Preserving Face
If you must criticize a Thai person, avoid doing it 'ต่อหน้า' others. Do it one-on-one to be respectful.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence.
อย่าพูดโกหก ___ แม่นะ (Don't tell lies in front of Mom.)
Since 'Mom' is a person who can witness the lie, 'ต่อหน้า' is the correct choice.
Fill in the blank with 'ต่อหน้า' or 'ข้างหน้า'.
1. มีร้านอาหารอยู่ ___ โรงเรียน (There is a restaurant in front of the school.) 2. เขาทำผิด ___ ตำรวจ (He did something wrong in front of the police.)
School is an object/place (ข้างหน้า), Police are people (ต่อหน้า).
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase fits a dramatic robbery you saw with your own eyes?
'ต่อหน้าต่อตา' adds the necessary drama for witnessing a crime.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ทำไมไม่บอกเขาไปตรงๆ? B: ฉันไม่กล้าพูด ___ เขาจริงๆ
The context of 'telling someone directly' requires 'ต่อหน้า'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
ต่อหน้า vs ข้างหน้า
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosอย่าพูดโกหก ___ แม่นะ (Don't tell lies in front of Mom.)
Since 'Mom' is a person who can witness the lie, 'ต่อหน้า' is the correct choice.
1. มีร้านอาหารอยู่ ___ โรงเรียน (There is a restaurant in front of the school.) 2. เขาทำผิด ___ ตำรวจ (He did something wrong in front of the police.)
School is an object/place (ข้างหน้า), Police are people (ต่อหน้า).
Which phrase fits a dramatic robbery you saw with your own eyes?
'ต่อหน้าต่อตา' adds the necessary drama for witnessing a crime.
A: ทำไมไม่บอกเขาไปตรงๆ? B: ฉันไม่กล้าพูด ___ เขาจริงๆ
The context of 'telling someone directly' requires 'ต่อหน้า'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes! Since a dog is a living being that can 'witness' things, you can say 'อย่ากินขนมต่อหน้าหมา' (Don't eat snacks in front of the dog).
No, it's neutral. However, the *action* you do 'ต่อหน้า' someone might be rude, like swearing.
'ซึ่งหน้า' is much more formal and usually used for legal crimes (red-handed). 'ต่อหน้า' is for everyday life.
Use 'ต่อหน้าฉัน' (dtòr nâa chăn).
In Thai ghost stories, yes! 'ปรากฏตัวต่อหน้า' (Appeared in front of [someone]).
Yes, it's very common in both literature and news.
No, the phrase remains the same regardless of the speaker's or listener's gender.
Yes, it means 'before God' and is used in religious contexts.
Not really a slang word, but 'ต่อหน้าต่อตา' is the most 'colorful' version used in casual speech.
No, use 'หน้ากระจก' (in front of the mirror).
Frases relacionadas
ลับหลัง
contrastBehind someone's back
ต่อหน้าต่อตา
specialized formRight before one's eyes
เสียหน้า
similarTo lose face
ซึ่งหน้า
synonymDirectly/Red-handed
เผชิญหน้า
builds onTo confront
