As I mull over what to order for a rare dinner out, my server crouches down beside me and, pointing to a menu item, says “Perhaps pi puying would like this?” Of course, I’m translating everything he said, except for pi puying.

Pi puying is Thai for “older sibling who is female” or “older sibling lady.” This Thai combination of endearment and respect was all it took to make me feel appreciated, respected, and warmly welcomed and had me handing over a big tip.

In English, you might call a stranger “sir,” “miss,” or “ma’am,” before switching to “you” for the rest of the conversation. However, the Thai language has a plethora of other ways to address “you” across an entire spectrum, from formal, respectful, and deferential to casual, warm, and familiar (sometimes, a little too familiar!).

Read on for a deeper look into this charming aspect of the Thai language and how so much can be said with a single word.....

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