Significado
Being nice to face, mean behind back
Contexto cultural
The 'Wai' is so central to Thai identity that using it in an idiom about deception shows how much Thais value sincerity behind the politeness. Villains in Thai dramas are almost always 'หน้าไหว้หลังหลอก'. They act like angels to the hero but are devils to the audience. Because Thais avoid direct conflict (Kreng Jai), some people use this idiom to criticize those who use that cultural norm to hide their true, negative intentions. The term is frequently used in 'hashtags' on Twitter/X when Thais discuss political hypocrisy.
Don't say it to their face!
This is a very strong insult. Unless you want a permanent enemy, only use it to describe someone to a third party.
The 'Wai' is key
Remember that this idiom specifically attacks the misuse of the Thai greeting. It's about the betrayal of cultural respect.
Significado
Being nice to face, mean behind back
Don't say it to their face!
This is a very strong insult. Unless you want a permanent enemy, only use it to describe someone to a third party.
The 'Wai' is key
Remember that this idiom specifically attacks the misuse of the Thai greeting. It's about the betrayal of cultural respect.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
เขาเป็นคน ____ ไหว้ ____ หลอก
The idiom is 'หน้าไหว้หลังหลอก' (Front-Wai-Back-Deceive).
Which situation best describes 'หน้าไหว้หลังหลอก'?
Situation: Somchai smiles and bows to his boss, but then writes an anonymous letter to get the boss fired.
The contrast between the polite bow and the secret sabotage is the definition of the idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ฉันว่าเมย์เป็นเพื่อนที่ดีนะ B: ระวังหน่อยนะ ฉันเห็นเขาเอาเธอไปนินทาบ่อยๆ เขาเป็นคน _________
B is warning A that May gossips behind her back, which fits the idiom.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Ayudas visuales
Front vs. Back
Banco de ejercicios
3 ejerciciosเขาเป็นคน ____ ไหว้ ____ หลอก
The idiom is 'หน้าไหว้หลังหลอก' (Front-Wai-Back-Deceive).
Situation: Somchai smiles and bows to his boss, but then writes an anonymous letter to get the boss fired.
The contrast between the polite bow and the secret sabotage is the definition of the idiom.
A: ฉันว่าเมย์เป็นเพื่อนที่ดีนะ B: ระวังหน่อยนะ ฉันเห็นเขาเอาเธอไปนินทาบ่อยๆ เขาเป็นคน _________
B is warning A that May gossips behind her back, which fits the idiom.
🎉 Puntuación: /3
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasNo, it's not a swear word, but it is a very strong character judgment. It's like calling someone a 'hypocrite' or 'snake.'
No, that's too harsh. Use it only if they pretended to care but actually didn't.
The opposite is 'จริงใจ' (jing-jai), which means sincere or 'open-hearted'.
Yes, often to describe competitors or untrustworthy partners, but usually in private meetings.
Frases relacionadas
ปากว่าตาขยิบ
similarMouth says one thing, eyes do another.
มือถือสาก ปากถือศีล
specialized formHolding a weapon while preaching morality.
จริงใจ
contrastSincere / Heartfelt.
แทงข้างหลัง
builds onTo stab in the back.
