Signification
Selfish or intolerant of others
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Jai' is central to Thai identity. A person with 'Jai Kaep' is often excluded from social circles because they violate the principle of 'Nam Jai'. In Thai companies, a 'Jai Kaep' boss is one who doesn't provide welfare or bonuses, or one who micromanages and doesn't trust employees. Buddhism teaches non-attachment. 'Jai Kaep' is seen as a form of attachment to one's own ego and possessions. Younger Thais use 'Jai Kaep' to criticize 'boomers' or older generations who are not open to social change (LGBTQ+ rights, etc.).
Don't use with elders
It is considered very disrespectful to call an older person 'Jai Kaep' directly.
Use with 'เรื่อง'
To be specific, use 'Jai Kaep rueang...' (Narrow-minded about...).
Signification
Selfish or intolerant of others
Don't use with elders
It is considered very disrespectful to call an older person 'Jai Kaep' directly.
Use with 'เรื่อง'
To be specific, use 'Jai Kaep rueang...' (Narrow-minded about...).
The 'Nam Jai' connection
Always remember that 'Jai Kaep' is the opposite of the most important Thai virtue: Nam Jai.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct word.
เขาไม่ยอมแบ่งขนมให้เพื่อน เขาเป็นคน____
Because he doesn't share (ไม่ยอมแบ่ง), he is 'Jai Kaep' (selfish/narrow-hearted).
Which situation best describes 'ใจแคบ'?
Which person is 'ใจแคบ'?
Intolerance of others is a key meaning of 'Jai Kaep'.
Match the Thai phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are standard opposites and related terms.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ทำไมคุณไม่ลองฟังเหตุผลของเขาล่ะ? B: ไม่เอาหรอก ฉันไม่สน A: คุณนี่____จริงๆ
Refusing to listen to reasons (ไม่ลองฟังเหตุผล) is a sign of being 'Jai Kaep'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesเขาไม่ยอมแบ่งขนมให้เพื่อน เขาเป็นคน____
Because he doesn't share (ไม่ยอมแบ่ง), he is 'Jai Kaep' (selfish/narrow-hearted).
Which person is 'ใจแคบ'?
Intolerance of others is a key meaning of 'Jai Kaep'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are standard opposites and related terms.
A: ทำไมคุณไม่ลองฟังเหตุผลของเขาล่ะ? B: ไม่เอาหรอก ฉันไม่สน A: คุณนี่____จริงๆ
Refusing to listen to reasons (ไม่ลองฟังเหตุผล) is a sign of being 'Jai Kaep'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's not a swear word, but it is a strong insult to someone's character.
Yes, if you want to be humble or admit a fault, e.g., 'ขอโทษที่ฉันใจแคบ' (Sorry I was narrow-minded).
'Jai Kaep' is about being closed-off/intolerant; 'Hen Kae Tua' is about being actively selfish.
Say 'อย่าใจแคบสิ' (Ya jai kaep si).
Yes, to describe companies that don't care about employees or are resistant to change.
No, for a room, just use 'hong kaep' (narrow room).
'Jai Kwang' (Broad heart/Generous).
It is neutral. In very formal documents, you might use 'ขาดความใจกว้าง'.
Yes, it can mean stingy with money, but 'khee niao' is more specific for that.
Yes, parents often use it to teach children to share toys.
Expressions liées
ใจกว้าง
contrastGenerous, open-minded
เห็นแก่ตัว
similarSelfish
ขี้เหนียว
specialized formStingy with money
ใจดำ
similarBlack-hearted/Mean
เปิดใจ
contrastTo open one's heart/mind
