Describing thingsNaughty in Thai
“Naughty” in Thai is ซนson; you'll also hear ดื้อdûue (won't listen).
naughty, mischievous (full of energy) adjective
- son mid
- Mid: level, in your normal speaking voice.
stubborn, disobedient adjective won't listen
- dûue falling
- Falling: start high and drop clearly, like a firm “No!”
How to use it
ซนson is the naughtiness of a lively child or a kitten: climbing, touching everything, never sitting still. ดื้อdûue is refusing to listen, for children, pets and grown-ups alike. Neither is harsh, and Thai parents say both with a sigh and a smile. Calling a child a little ลิงling, monkey, means much the same.
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:
- sohn
- due
- duea
- deu
- dueh
More describing things in Thai
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Written by the Learn Thai For Free team
Audio: AI voices, quality-checked for tones