Culture and festivals
ghost, spirit noun
- pǐi rising
- Rising: start low, dip, then rise to the top, like a doubtful “Really?”
Classifier: ตัวdtua · counting word for animals, clothes, tables and chairs
How to use it
ผีpǐi has a rising tone. Spirits are part of everyday Thai life: most homes and buildings have a spirit house, ศาลพระภูมิsǎan-prá-puum, with daily offerings, ghost films are a national favourite, and the most famous ghost of all is Mae Nak, แม่นาคmâe nâak, the loyal wife of a Bangkok legend.
Careful with the tone: falling พี่pîi is the friendly word for someone a bit older, so let it fall when you call a waiter. With a rising tone, you've called them a ghost.
Don't mix it up
-
พี่pîi
older brother or sister; a friendly title
Falling tone: what you call someone a bit older.
Other spellings you'll see
There's no single official way to write Thai in English letters. We mark the tone of every syllable; online you'll also find:
- phi
- pi
- phii
More culture and festivals in Thai
All culture and festivals- เพลงชาติ pleeng-châat National anthem
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