Signification
Associating with bad people leads to trouble
Contexte culturel
The proverb is the first of the 38 Mangala (Blessings). In Thai culture, following these blessings is seen as the path to a happy life. This phrase is taught to every Thai child in elementary school as part of 'Thai Language' and 'Social Studies' classes. The phrase is often used by those in higher positions (elders, teachers, bosses) to guide those in lower positions, reinforcing the 'seniority' system. In Thai 'Lakorn' (dramas), the protagonist often gets into trouble because of a 'Phan' friend, serving as a plot device to teach a moral lesson.
Use the full couplet
To sound more educated, use the full version including 'คบบัณฑิต บัณฑิตพาไปหาผล'.
Don't use it to insult friends
Calling a friend's associate a 'Phan' is very serious. Use it only when there is genuine danger or moral wrong.
Signification
Associating with bad people leads to trouble
Use the full couplet
To sound more educated, use the full version including 'คบบัณฑิต บัณฑิตพาไปหาผล'.
Don't use it to insult friends
Calling a friend's associate a 'Phan' is very serious. Use it only when there is genuine danger or moral wrong.
The 'Phan' Logic
In Thai, 'Phan' isn't just about being bad; it's about being 'blind' to goodness. Use this to understand the deep meaning.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
คบคนพาล พาลพาไปหา___
The proverb ends with 'Phit' (wrong/trouble).
Which situation best fits the proverb 'คบคนพาล พาลพาไปหาผิด'?
Situation: Somchai's friends invited him to study for the exam, and he got an A.
The proverb is about bad influence leading to bad results. Studying for an exam is a good influence.
Match the Thai words to their English meanings.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the proverb.
Complete the dialogue.
แม่: อย่าไปยุ่งกับกลุ่มนั้นนะลูก... ลูก: ครับแม่ ผมจะจำไว้
The mother is giving a warning, so the proverb is appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesคบคนพาล พาลพาไปหา___
The proverb ends with 'Phit' (wrong/trouble).
Situation: Somchai's friends invited him to study for the exam, and he got an A.
The proverb is about bad influence leading to bad results. Studying for an exam is a good influence.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the core components of the proverb.
แม่: อย่าไปยุ่งกับกลุ่มนั้นนะลูก... ลูก: ครับแม่ ผมจะจำไว้
The mother is giving a warning, so the proverb is appropriate.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's mostly used in proverbs or formal warnings. In casual speech, people might say 'khon mai dee' (bad person) or 'khon toxic'.
Yes, if he is leading you to do bad things (drugs, crime), this proverb is perfect.
A 'Ban-dit' (บัณฑิต), which means a wise person or a scholar.
It's not rude if you are giving advice, but it is very judgmental toward the person you are calling 'Phan'.
No, 'Phit' can mean a mistake, a social error, or a moral sin.
It's a poetic device to show that the 'Phan' is the active agent that leads you to trouble.
Only if discussing ethics or choosing partners. It's quite formal.
Not a direct one, but 'คบเพื่อนเลว ชีวิตพัง' (Associate with bad friends, life is ruined) is a modern equivalent.
It's a mid-tone with a long 'a'. Like 'Paan' in 'Pancake' but without the 'k'.
Extremely. It is one of the most cited proverbs in Thai news and social media today.
Expressions liées
คบบัณฑิต บัณฑิตพาไปหาผล
contrastAssociating with wise people leads to success.
น้ำเชี่ยวอย่าขวางเรือ
similarDon't oppose a strong current (or powerful bad people).
เข้าเมืองตาหลิ่ว ต้องหลิ่วตาตาม
similarWhen in Rome, do as the Romans do.
เพื่อนกินหาง่าย เพื่อนตายหายาก
builds onFair-weather friends are easy to find, but true friends are rare.
