Signification
Not easily moved by feelings.
Contexte culturel
In Thai society, 'Jai Khaeng' is often seen as a necessary trait for those in positions of power to avoid the pitfalls of favoritism (nepotism). Modern Thai parents use 'Jai Khaeng' to describe the 'tough love' approach, which is a shift from traditional more indulgent parenting styles. The 'Jai Khaeng' male lead is a staple trope. He acts cold to protect himself or because of a misunderstanding. Being 'Jai Khaeng' in negotiations is respected in the Thai business world as it shows you are a 'serious' player.
Context is King
Always look at the speaker's tone. If they are smiling, 'Jai Khaeng' might be a compliment on your willpower. If they are frowning, they think you are being stubborn.
Don't Reverse It
Remember: Jai + Khaeng = Personality. Khaeng + Jai = Effort/Bracing.
Signification
Not easily moved by feelings.
Context is King
Always look at the speaker's tone. If they are smiling, 'Jai Khaeng' might be a compliment on your willpower. If they are frowning, they think you are being stubborn.
Don't Reverse It
Remember: Jai + Khaeng = Personality. Khaeng + Jai = Effort/Bracing.
Use with 'Mak'
Adding 'Mak' (very) makes you sound much more natural when describing someone's stubbornness.
The 'No' Culture
Thais find it hard to say 'No' directly. Using 'Jai Khaeng' can sometimes be a way to explain why you are saying 'No' without sounding personally aggressive.
Teste-toi
Which situation best describes 'Jai Khaeng'?
Som is on a diet. Her friend offers her a donut. Som says 'No, thank you.'
Som is being resolute and sticking to her goal, which is 'Jai Khaeng'.
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
อย่า_____นักเลย ช่วยเขาหน่อยเถอะ (Don't be so hard-hearted, please help him.)
The context of asking for help suggests the person is currently being unyielding (Jai Khaeng).
Complete the dialogue.
A: แฟนเก่ามาขอคืนดี เธอจะยอมไหม? B: ไม่หรอก ครั้งนี้ฉันจะ_____
B is saying they won't give in, so 'Jai Khaeng' is the correct choice.
Match the phrase to the person.
A person who never gives money to charity even when they have plenty.
While 'Jai Khaeng' could fit, 'Jai Dam' (selfish/black heart) is more accurate for a lack of charity.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
The Jai Spectrum
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSom is on a diet. Her friend offers her a donut. Som says 'No, thank you.'
Som is being resolute and sticking to her goal, which is 'Jai Khaeng'.
อย่า_____นักเลย ช่วยเขาหน่อยเถอะ (Don't be so hard-hearted, please help him.)
The context of asking for help suggests the person is currently being unyielding (Jai Khaeng).
A: แฟนเก่ามาขอคืนดี เธอจะยอมไหม? B: ไม่หรอก ครั้งนี้ฉันจะ_____
B is saying they won't give in, so 'Jai Khaeng' is the correct choice.
A person who never gives money to charity even when they have plenty.
While 'Jai Khaeng' could fit, 'Jai Dam' (selfish/black heart) is more accurate for a lack of charity.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNot necessarily. It can be a compliment for someone with strong discipline, but it can be an insult if you're calling someone cold-hearted.
No. For a hard bed, just use 'Khaeng'. 'Jai Khaeng' is only for people/emotions.
The direct opposite is 'Jai On' (ใจอ่อน), meaning soft-hearted or easily swayed.
You can say 'Phom phayayam ja jai khaeng' (ผมพยายามจะใจแข็ง).
Yes, to describe a firm stance on a contract or price.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or in a professional setting.
No, 'brave' is 'kla' (กล้า). 'Jai Khaeng' is specifically about being unyielding.
Yes, very common when talking about diets or habits.
It's similar but much stronger. 'Jai Hin' is like 'Heart of Stone' and is usually negative.
Start at a low pitch and pull it upwards, like you are asking a surprised question in English: 'Really?'
Yes, it's a very common way to describe a teacher who doesn't give extra points.
'Jai Khaeng' is unyielding; 'Jai Dam' is selfish/mean.
Be careful. It's better to use 'Det khat' (decisive) to be more respectful.
Younger people might say 'Jai khaeng boer sip' (Level 10 hard-hearted).
Expressions liées
ใจอ่อน
contrastSoft-hearted; easily swayed.
ใจดำ
similarBlack-hearted; selfish.
ใจหิน
specialized formHeart of stone.
เข้มแข็ง
similarStrong; resilient.
ใจเด็ด
similarResolute; courageous.
