Signification
Having a 'black heart' or being unkind.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Nam Jai' (water of the heart) is the opposite of 'Jai Dam'. Thais value being 'generous without being asked'. A 'black heart' is seen as being clouded by 'Kilesa' (defilements) like greed and selfishness, preventing the natural light of the mind from shining. In rural areas, 'Jai Dam' is a very heavy insult because community survival depends on sharing resources like food and labor. In Bangkok, 'Jai Dam' is frequently used to describe bad traffic behavior or lack of courtesy in public spaces.
Use with 'Jang'
Adding 'jang' (จัง) at the end makes it sound more natural and expressive, like 'So mean!'
It's an Insult
Be careful! Calling someone 'Jai Dam' is a direct attack on their character. Use it only when you are truly upset or with very close friends jokingly.
Signification
Having a 'black heart' or being unkind.
Use with 'Jang'
Adding 'jang' (จัง) at the end makes it sound more natural and expressive, like 'So mean!'
It's an Insult
Be careful! Calling someone 'Jai Dam' is a direct attack on their character. Use it only when you are truly upset or with very close friends jokingly.
The 4-Syllable Version
Use 'Jai jued jai dam' to sound like a native speaker. It flows better in emotional sentences.
The Opposite
Always remember 'Jai Dee' (Kind). If you call someone 'Jai Dam', they might try to prove they are 'Jai Dee' later.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct Thai phrase.
เขาไม่แบ่งขนมให้เพื่อนเลย เขาเป็นคน____
Because he doesn't share snacks, he is 'Jai Dam' (mean/selfish).
Which situation best fits the phrase 'Jai Dam'?
Which of these is 'Jai Dam'?
Refusing basic help to someone in need is the definition of 'Jai Dam'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ขอยืมเงิน 10 บาทได้ไหม? B: ไม่ได้! A: ทำไมคุณ____จัง
A is complaining about B's refusal to help with a small amount of money.
Match the phrase to the person.
Match 'คนใจดำ' (Kon Jai Dam) with the correct behavior:
Ignoring a friend's trouble shows a lack of 'Nam Jai' (kindness).
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Jai Dam vs. Jai Rai
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesเขาไม่แบ่งขนมให้เพื่อนเลย เขาเป็นคน____
Because he doesn't share snacks, he is 'Jai Dam' (mean/selfish).
Which of these is 'Jai Dam'?
Refusing basic help to someone in need is the definition of 'Jai Dam'.
A: ขอยืมเงิน 10 บาทได้ไหม? B: ไม่ได้! A: ทำไมคุณ____จัง
A is complaining about B's refusal to help with a small amount of money.
Match 'คนใจดำ' (Kon Jai Dam) with the correct behavior:
Ignoring a friend's trouble shows a lack of 'Nam Jai' (kindness).
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is not a swear word, but it is a strong insult. It's like calling someone 'heartless' or 'jerk' in English.
Yes, it is gender-neutral. You can use it for anyone.
'Jai Dam' is about being selfish or unsympathetic. 'Jai Rai' is about being actively cruel or wicked.
You say 'Yaa jai dam' (อย่าใจดำ).
Usually, it describes a person or their actions. For a situation, you might say 'Man pen rueang thi jai dam' (It's a heartless matter).
Absolutely not. It would be considered very rude and disrespectful.
Mostly, yes. But 'Jai Dam' specifically highlights the lack of emotion/kindness, whereas 'selfish' (hen-kae-tua) focuses on the action of taking for oneself.
Yes, it's common to call a company 'Jai Dam' if they treat workers poorly.
Yes, 'Laeng Nam Jai' is the more formal/polite way to say someone lacks kindness.
In Thai culture, black represents the absence of goodness or light, similar to many other cultures.
Expressions liées
ใจร้าย
similarCruel or wicked
ใจดี
contrastKind-hearted
น้ำใจ
contrastKindness/Generosity
ใจจืด
similarIndifferent/Cold
เห็นแก่ตัว
similarSelfish
ใจแคบ
similarNarrow-minded/Stingy
