Signification
Praising someone for their skill or work.
Contexte culturel
Praise is often used to build 'Face' (Baramee). Giving a compliment in public is a way to show respect and elevate the other person's social standing. Similar to Thailand, the 'Jouzu' compliment is common, but there is a concept of 'Honne' and 'Tatemae' (true feelings vs. public face). Sometimes praise is just social lubricant. Praise is often very direct and specific. While 'Good job' is common, Americans often follow up with *why* it was good, whereas Thais might just stick to 'Keng mak loei'. Compliments are very enthusiastic and frequent. Using 'Fera' or 'Show' is common to create a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Add a Particle
Always add 'khrap' or 'ka' when speaking to someone you don't know well to sound polite.
Watch the Tone
A flat 'Keng mak loei' can sound sarcastic. Keep your voice bright and rising.
Signification
Praising someone for their skill or work.
Add a Particle
Always add 'khrap' or 'ka' when speaking to someone you don't know well to sound polite.
Watch the Tone
A flat 'Keng mak loei' can sound sarcastic. Keep your voice bright and rising.
The 'Jang' Alternative
Use 'Keng jang' (เก่งจัง) with close friends or children for a softer, more affectionate vibe.
Accepting Praise
If someone says this to you, smile and say 'Khอบคุณครับ/ค่ะ' followed by a humble comment.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank to compliment someone's Thai speaking skills.
คุณพูดภาษาไทย___มากเลย
While 'dee' (good) is okay, 'keng' is the specific word for being skilled at a language.
Which response is the most culturally appropriate (humble) when someone says 'เก่งมากเลย' to you?
A: คุณเก่งมากเลยครับ B: ________
In Thai culture, it is polite to deflect praise with humility.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A friend just fixed your broken computer.
'Keng mak loei' is used for praising someone's ability to solve a problem or fix something.
Complete the dialogue in a workplace setting.
Boss: งานนี้ยากมาก แต่คุณทำเสร็จเร็วมาก _______ Employee: ขอบคุณครับหัวหน้า
The boss is praising the employee for finishing a difficult task quickly.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Keng'
Skills
- • Music
- • Sports
- • Cooking
Intellect
- • Math
- • Languages
- • Coding
Daily Tasks
- • Fixing things
- • Driving
- • Gaming
Keng vs. Dee
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesคุณพูดภาษาไทย___มากเลย
While 'dee' (good) is okay, 'keng' is the specific word for being skilled at a language.
A: คุณเก่งมากเลยครับ B: ________
In Thai culture, it is polite to deflect praise with humility.
Situation: A friend just fixed your broken computer.
'Keng mak loei' is used for praising someone's ability to solve a problem or fix something.
Boss: งานนี้ยากมาก แต่คุณทำเสร็จเร็วมาก _______ Employee: ขอบคุณครับหัวหน้า
The boss is praising the employee for finishing a difficult task quickly.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but you MUST add 'khrap' or 'ka'. However, it's often better to use 'ยอดเยี่ยมมากครับ' (Excellent) to avoid sounding like you are grading your boss.
'Keng' refers to skill and proficiency (doing), while 'Chalat' refers to intelligence and cleverness (thinking).
It is neutral. It's perfectly fine for daily life and the office, but not for a royal ceremony or a very formal speech.
No. 'Keng' is for skills. For a sunset, use 'Suay mak' (Very beautiful).
It's a form of encouragement! They are praising your effort and interest in their language.
Use 'ผม/ฉัน...ไม่เก่ง' (Phom/Chan... mai keng). For example, 'ผมเตะบอลไม่เก่ง' (I'm not good at football).
'Loei' adds emphasis and a sense of 'really' or 'indeed'. It makes the compliment feel more complete and sincere.
Yes, 'Thep mak' (God-like) or 'Sut-yod' (Awesome) are very popular among younger people.
Yes! If a dog does a trick, you can say 'เก่งมากเลย!'.
Sure! Thais often say 'เก่งมากตัวเรา' (Good job, me) as a form of self-encouragement.
Expressions liées
ยอดเยี่ยม
synonymExcellent / Superb
สุดยอด
similarAwesome / The best
ฉลาด
similarSmart / Intelligent
ดีมาก
similarVery good
มีความสามารถ
specialized formTo be talented/capable
เทพมาก
slangGod-like skill
