Signification
Follow the customs of the place.
Contexte culturel
In Thailand, this proverb is closely linked to 'Kalatesa' (Time and Place). Thais value people who can adjust their speech and behavior to suit the status of the person they are talking to. Similar to Thailand, Japan values 'Wa' (Harmony). Following the proverb is seen as a way to maintain the group's peace. While 'When in Rome' is common, Western cultures also value 'being yourself.' This can sometimes conflict with the Thai proverb's emphasis on conformity. In global business, this proverb is used to justify 'localization'—changing a product or marketing strategy to fit the local market's tastes.
The 'Short' Version
In casual conversation, just say 'หลิ่วตาตาม' (liu ta tam). Thais will be very impressed by your idiomatic knowledge!
Don't Overdo It
You don't need to change your personality. Just follow the basic 'do's and don'ts' of the environment.
Signification
Follow the customs of the place.
The 'Short' Version
In casual conversation, just say 'หลิ่วตาตาม' (liu ta tam). Thais will be very impressed by your idiomatic knowledge!
Don't Overdo It
You don't need to change your personality. Just follow the basic 'do's and don'ts' of the environment.
Observe First
The proverb implies a period of observation. Watch what others do for a few minutes before acting.
Use as an Excuse
If you are doing something you find slightly awkward but necessary, say this phrase to show you're doing it out of respect.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words of the proverb.
เข้าเมืองตาหลิ่วต้อง_______ตา_______
The full proverb is 'เข้าเมืองตาหลิ่วต้องหลิ่วตาตาม'.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
You are at a Thai funeral and see everyone wearing black. You decide to change your red shirt to a black one.
Adapting your clothing to match the local solemn custom is a perfect example.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ที่นี่เขาห้ามใส่หมวกในอาคารนะ (They forbid wearing hats in the building here.) B: อ้าวเหรอ งั้นฉันถอดนะ ___________
B is acknowledging the rule and agreeing to follow it using the proverb.
What is the core meaning of 'หลิ่วตาตาม'?
What does the 'squinting' represent?
It's a metaphor for observing and adapting to local traits.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesเข้าเมืองตาหลิ่วต้อง_______ตา_______
The full proverb is 'เข้าเมืองตาหลิ่วต้องหลิ่วตาตาม'.
You are at a Thai funeral and see everyone wearing black. You decide to change your red shirt to a black one.
Adapting your clothing to match the local solemn custom is a perfect example.
A: ที่นี่เขาห้ามใส่หมวกในอาคารนะ (They forbid wearing hats in the building here.) B: อ้าวเหรอ งั้นฉันถอดนะ ___________
B is acknowledging the rule and agreeing to follow it using the proverb.
What does the 'squinting' represent?
It's a metaphor for observing and adapting to local traits.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, Thais use it among themselves when moving between different provinces or social classes.
It's not necessarily 'rude,' but you might be seen as 'mai ru kalatesa' (not knowing the right time/place), which is a social faux pas.
Yes! Saying you believe in 'khao mueang ta liu tong liu ta tam' shows you are a flexible team player.
There isn't a direct single proverb, but 'เป็นตัวของตัวเอง' (be yourself) is the modern conceptual opposite.
No, it means squinting or having one eye partially closed. It's about a specific look, not a lack of sight.
It is a proverb, so it has a 'wise' and formal weight, but it's used in daily life constantly.
Yes, it's very appropriate to show you are following their lead.
This IS the Thai version of 'When in Rome'.
It's like 'Lee-oo' with a low, dipping tone.
Yes, many Luk Thung (country) songs use it to describe a country person moving to the big city.
Expressions liées
ตามน้ำ
similarTo go with the flow.
รู้เขารู้เรา
builds onKnow them, know yourself.
กาลเทศะ
specialized formAppropriateness of time and place.
เอาใจเขามาใส่ใจเรา
similarPut their heart into ours (Empathy).
