FeelingsRespect in Thai
“Respect” in Thai is เคารพkao-róp; you'll also hear นับถือnáp-tǔue (look up to; religion).
to respect verb
- kao mid
- róp high
- High: start high and go a little higher, a bit tense; don’t let it fall.
to respect, look up to; to follow (a religion) verb
- náp high
- tǔue rising
- High: start high and go a little higher, a bit tense; don’t let it fall.
- Rising: start low, dip, then rise to the top, like a doubtful “Really?”
How to use it
เคารพkao-róp is respect for elders, teachers, monks and rules, and Thais show it in body language as much as in words: the ไหว้wâai, a lowered head when walking past someone older, polite particles. นับถือnáp-tǔue is looking up to someone, and also following a religion: most Thais นับถือศาสนาพุทธnáp-tǔue sàat-sà-nǎa pút, are Buddhist.
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:
- khaorop
- kaorob
- nap thue
- nab tue
Read more
Culture The Thai Wai: How and When to Do the Wai Greeting How to wai like a Thai: the three levels, who wais first, when not to wai, and the words that go with it. 
Culture Thailand Do's and Don'ts: Thai Etiquette for Visitors The Thai etiquette that really matters: heads and feet, the wai, temples, the royal family, keeping your cool and the laws visitors break. With the Thai to use.
More feelings in Thai
All feelings
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Written by the Learn Thai For Free team
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