FamilyParents in Thai
“Parents” in Thai is พ่อแม่pâw-mâe; you'll also hear ผู้ปกครองpûu-bpòk-krawng (formal).
parents noun
- pâw falling
- mâe falling
- Falling: start high and drop clearly, like a firm “No!”
parent or guardian (formal; at school) noun
- pûu falling
- bpòk low
- krawng mid
- Falling: start high and drop clearly, like a firm “No!”
- Low: flat and lower than your normal voice, dropping a little at the end.
How to use it
พ่อแม่pâw-mâe, "father-mother", is the everyday word for your parents. Schools and forms say ผู้ปกครองpûu-bpòk-krawng, a parent or guardian, as in a parents' meeting.
Looking after your parents is a lifelong duty in Thai culture: many Thais send part of their salary home every month and care for their parents in old age. Your partner's parents are your in-laws: see in-laws.
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:
- pho mae
- phor mae
- por mae
More family in Thai
All family- พี่ pîi Older brother or sister
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Written by the Learn Thai For Free team
Audio: AI voices, quality-checked for tones